Repairing the 200-year-old lieutenant-governor's residence in Halifax will cost close to $6 million and take a year longer than expected.

The province announced Thursday that Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis will move into Government House in December 2009, a year later than originally planned.

The previous lieutenant-governor stayed in the house longer than expected, delaying renovations by half a year, officials said.

Government House is the oldest viceregal house in Canada. Its special features and quirks also run up renovation costs, said Ron Jeppesen, the man responsible for making the lieutenant-governor's place liveable again.

"When you get in here and figure out exactly what you have to do and start putting prices to those items, then you add it up and get sticker shock," he said.

The upgrades and repairs are expected to cost about $5.7 million, up from $3 million announced in September.

The work includes replacing boiler and heating systems, fixing wiring, ventilation and basement problems, and removing asbestos.

Francis has been living in her own condominium while renovations to Government House take place. Her $72,000-a-year living allowance covers catering, housekeeping and other costs.