DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- A spokesman at western Ohio's Wright-Patterson Air Force Base says the renovation of a house for VIP guests to the base put taxpayers on the hook for $400,000 more than the estimated cost because it contained lead paint, old wiring and asbestos insulation.

The Dayton Daily News ( http://bit.ly/ICbEFm ) reports the Air Force spent more than $1.2 million to renovate the historic 1930s-era Charles Taylor House, which is named for the Wright brothers' mechanic. Military officials hoped to preserve historic features while upgrading the Tudor-style brick home, which has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Base spokesman Daryl Mayer acknowledged the high-quality renovations in 2009 and 2010 were expensive. Mayer says the project wouldn't be completed in similar fashion if it were occurring under today's tight budget climate.

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Information from: Dayton Daily News, http://www.daytondailynews.com