See how our team of commercial building experts took structural limitations as a challenge to transform a retirement living space.
Every construction project comes with its own unique challenges and opportunities. A recently renovated retirement living independent living unit presented a series of structural non-negotiables.
“When we did the initial site inspection, we quickly realized the ground floor apartment had load bearing walls throughout the unit,” says Sensus Project Manager, Brendon Horne.
The budget didn’t include installing new structural beams, so the team incorporated aesthetically pleasing upgrades that gave the renovation the ‘wow’ factor.
“There was a brick column in the bathroom that we re-sheeted and created a new wrap around benchtop. This allowed us to gain 100ml in the shower which made a big difference in a small space,” says Brendon.
Shower before renovation
Relocated the stripe drain to the back wall to help water flow faster
New wrap around benchtops, new toilets, flooring, vanity and shower
When the apartment was built 20+ years ago ‘stepping up’ into living spaces was a design trend. Of course, this doesn’t bode well for disability access which is a priority for many retirement living residents.
“The team got to work leveling out the flooring to make it zero transition throughout. We then placed new vinyl flooring in the living spaces and carpet in the bedrooms,” says Brendon.
In many renovations Sensus creates modern kitchen islands but because of the load bearing walls the layout couldn’t change. Instead, the team thought about comforts that would make the space more functional.
Before: Kitchen floor tiles from the 90’s
Before: Brand new appliances, vinyl flooring and soft close drawers
Before: Step up, dated laundry
After: Sparkling new zero transition laundry
“The old unit didn’t have a dishwasher so we set to work installing plumbing to ensure the new residents would have modern amenities,” says Brendon. “The renovated kitchen also features soft close drawers, new benchtops and sleek modern appliances.”
Additional upgrades include a completely renovated laundry, air conditioning, LED lighting and new ceiling fans.
“The client was very happy with the outcome, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future projects,” says Brendon.
Queensland’s Design & Construct Experts
We understand retirement living communities and are proud to deliver a high-quality product every time. Sensus Building Group believes in achieving superior results for our clients. To discuss your next retirement living project please contact us on 07 3205 8000 or office@sensus.com.au
Want to see more of Sensus Building’s Group latest news? You can view the latest projects and updates here.
When QLD and NSW borders closed again this winter our construction experts acted safely and quickly to keep projects on track.
Gold Coast based Sensus Project Manager, Brendon Horne was in the middle of Northern NSW retirement living unit renovations when the latest set of border closures came into effect.
By working safely and strategically, Brendon seamlessly managed the continuation of works and delivered the Northern NSW retirement living independent unit renovations on time.
New kitchen including custom joinery
Epoxy flooring
Complete laundry upgrade
“Our trusted team of interstate in-house tradies and subcontractors worked together to ensure the projects were delivered on schedule,” says Brendon.
With border restrictions in place Brendon also used technology as a valuable tool.
“We used Facetime to conduct client handovers. Even though I couldn’t physically be there we could still discuss the jobs in detail with our client,” said Brendon. “The team were pleased to deliver the building works to the original timeline despite the border closures,” says Brendon.
Brendon keeps the safety of the retirement living clients top of mind by ensuring team members on site are up to date with vaccinations, socially distance and wear masks when appropriate.
It’s a great example of keeping safety top of mind. A timely reminder as October is Safe Work Australia month. It’s an important opportunity to highlight our team’s commitment to strong safety practices.
New LED lighting, fans, flooring and AC
Renovated bathroom complete with zero transition flooring
Total refresh of internal living space
Project Highlights
Complete renovation including all new flooring
Upgraded lighting from oyster lights to all new LED downlights
Zero transition flooring in the bathroom
Disability accessible sink and grab rails
New kitchen including custom joinery
Air conditioning units and ceiling fans
Epoxy garage flooring
Concrete slab in the backyard
Queensland’s Design & Construct Experts
We understand retirement living communities and are proud to deliver a high-quality product every time. Sensus Building Group believes in achieving superior results for our clients. To discuss your next retirement living project please contact us on 07 3205 8000 or office@sensus.com.au
Want to see more of Sensus Building’s Group latest news? You can view the latest projects and updates here.
From a termite damaged condo to a terrifically renovated retirement living unit. Step inside this $100k renovation to see how the Sensus’ team of retirement living construction experts transformed a independent living unit from the inside out.
We’re pleased to offer an interactive tour of the incredible transformation. Thank you to Builda Connection for providing this fantastic 3D look into the renovated unit.
When the team originally arrived on site they immediately saw that there was widespread termite destruction to the building.
“This unit had extensive termite damage and our in-house tradespeople rebuilt everything except for the roof,” says Sensus Project Manager, Brendon Horne. “To maintain the structural integrity of the building, we propped up the roof and ensured the load bearing walls were stabilized before beginning demolition.” You can watch the team in action here.
After rewiring the electrical across the entire unit, adding new door jambs and window frames, the team started the process of framing and sheeting the walls.
“We maintained the original layout but everything else is brand new,” says Brendon. “This includes all new LED down lights, upgraded AC, not to mention a pull-out pantry in the kitchen.
Custom built-ins and new fans are wonderful touches to the bedroom.
Sparkling new kitchen includes pull-out pantry and down lights.
Bathroom features zero transition flooring and grabrails.
Many of the features were thoughtfully designed taking into consideration the needs of an elderly community member who will somebody soon call this unit home.
“We work with our retirement living clients to identify features like zero transition flooring in the bathroom making the space easier to navigate in a wheelchair,” says Brendon. “It’s the little thoughtful features that add up to make a big difference.”
Queensland’s Design & Construct Experts
We understand retirement living communities and are proud to deliver a high-quality product every time. All Sensus employees are required to have up-to-date police checks, Blue Cards and flu vaccinations before arriving on site.
Sensus Building Group believes in achieving superior results for our clients. We would love to work together on your next retirement living project. To discuss how Sensus can help you please contact us on office@sensus.com.au
Want to see more of Sensus Building’s Group latest news? You can view the latest projects and updates here.
At Sensus we offer extensive industry experience renovating independent living units, refurbishing aged care rooms and completely transforming village common areas.
“Our large-scale projects are overseen by a dedicated Sensus project manager who liaises with clients to create comfortable living environments,” says Sensus CEO, Sean Kenny.
“By understanding the unique difference between retirement living and aged care, our team of design and construct experts create unique spaces where safety, seamless form and function, and the upmost quality are paramount”
This financial year alone Sensus has delivered:
$500k Brisbane Aged Care Facility Commercial Kitchen Refurbishment
Regional QLD Aged Care Facility Upgrade: 18+ Rooms, Ensuites and Facility Common Area
30+ Retirement Living Independent Living Units Renovated across QLD and NNSW in FY21
Sensus is committed to delivering excellent results in a safe environment. This means all Sensus employees and sub-contractors are required to have up-to-date police checks, Blue Cards and flu vaccinations before arriving on site. We also follow and stay up-to-date with the latest Covid guidelines.
Bringing Your Project to Life
Sensus Building Group believes in achieving superior results for our clients. We would love to work together on your next retirement living or aged care project. To discuss how Sensus can help you please contact us at office@sensus.com.au
Want to see more of Sensus Building’s Group latest news? You can view the latest projects and updates here.
“The area was extensively damaged by termites, so the entire frame had to be removed- including all external and internal walls, door jambs and window frames,” said Sensus Project Manager, Brendon Horne. “The only structure salvable was the roof which was remarkably still in perfect condition because of the higher termite resistance rating compared to the existing wall frames,” says Brendon.
“To maintain the structural integrity of the building, the team safely propped up the roof and ensured the load bearing walls were stabilised before beginning demolition.”
The team also added tie downs to the roof which will secure it in case of future weather events.
“Once complete this 100k renovation will see the unit completely transformed,” says Brendon. “We look forward to installing zero-transition flooring in the bathroom, a modern kitchen and energy efficient air conditioning units.
The new unit will soon take shape with framing and wall sheeting currently underway.
“We look forward to touching base in a few weeks to show you the incredible transformation of this independent living unit,” says Brendon.
Queensland’s Design & Construct Experts
We understand retirement living communities and are proud to deliver a high-quality product every time. All Sensus employees are required to have up-to-date police checks, Blue Cards and flu vaccinations before arriving on site.
Sensus Building Group believes in achieving superior results for our clients. We would love to work together on your next retirement living project. To discuss how Sensus can help you please contact us on 07 3205 8000 or office@sensus.com.au
Want to see more of Sensus Building’s Group latest news? You can view the latest projects and updates here.
For more than 15 years Sensus Project Manager, Brendon Horne has been expertly crafted residential and commercial construction projects in Canberra and the Gold Coast.
After working on Sensus Building Group’s Ashmore TAFE state-of-the-art renovation in July, the team knew Brendon would be a great fit to join the Sensus team as our latest Gold Coast & Northern NSW project manager.
“I’ve been working for myself for the past few years and wanted to join a company that shared my commitment to customer service,” said Brendon. “It was clear Sensus and I had the same core values of excellence, customer service and safety.”
Since joining the team this spring, Brendon has been busy managing a variety of projects on the Gold Coast and Northern NSW.
He is just putting the finishing touches on a three-bedroom retirement living unit in Northern NSW that will be ready for a lucky resident to move in to by Christmas.
“When walking into the space we could immediately see potential to transform the unit into a modern free-flowing layout,” says Brendon. “We knocked down a 4 metre wall to open up the kitchen area, installed a luxurious island to create an open plan living space. The en-suite shower has also been extended to make the bathroom easily handicapped accessible.”
Brendon worked closely with our retirement living client to thoughtfully construct a unit that the future owners will be proud to call home.
Renovation highlights include:
Realigned all flooring
New bathroom fit-outs
Extended shower, zero transition flooring
Widened en-suite door frames
Created open plan layout
Luxurious new kitchen island
Completely refurbished laundry and toilets
Queensland’s Design & Construct Expert
Sensus Building Group believes in achieving superior results for our clients. We would love to work together on your next retirement living project. To discuss how Sensus can help you please contact us on 07 3205 8000 or office@sensus.com.au
Want to see more of Sensus Building’s Group latest news? You can view the latest projects and updates here.
The Sensus team of retirement living renovation experts were just starting demolition on an independent living unit in Northern NSW when they got the news – the Queensland / NSW border would be closing again.
“Our team acted quickly to ensure our in-house tradespeople and subcontractors were following the appropriate policies and procedures to operate within the border zone,” says Sensus CEO, Sean Kenny. “By monitoring changing policies and procedures we’re able to operate in a Covid safe environment.”
In addition to the border regulations the team ensured they followed stringent Covid-19 safety guidelines on site including temperature checks, flu vaccinations and social distancing.
Thanks to the team’s safe and nimble thinking they kept the job on track and delivered another exceptional independent living unit for our valued client.
“I was impressed with the quality of the final renovated product,” noted our client. “Sensus were very professional. Their staff were extremely helpful and responded to all communication timely and effectively, keeping to project timelines.”
2020 has been an unpredictable year but one thing remains the same – Sensus Building Group is always committed to delivering exceptional results.
Renovation highlights
– Completely renovated kitchen with smart stone benchtops and Westinghouse appliances
– Fully updated bathroom with built-in grab rails and zero transition flooring
– Renovated laundry
– New vinyl flooring
– Plush carpet in the living and dining room
– Custom wardrobe doors and inserts in bedrooms
– Full paint
– Replaced electrical fixtures and fittings
– New AC
Queensland’s Design & Construct Experts
As niche retirement living builders we are proud to deliver a high-quality product every time. Sensus Building Group believes in achieving superior results for our clients. To discuss how Sensus can help with your next project please contact us on 07 3205 8000 or office@sensus.com.au
Want to see more of Sensus Building’s Group latest news? You can view the latest projects and updates here.
Our latest renovation completely transformed a dated apartment into a modern light filled living space.
“As design and construct experts we work closely with our clients to create the perfect place for residents to call home,” says Sensus Project Manager, Joel Quillan. “By working in partnership with key stakeholders we create fully functional and stylish living spaces.”
The team have been busy the past few months transforming retirement living units across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.
In our latest Brisbane unit renovation, the team identified an opportunity to remove a bulky column in the middle of the room. Once the column was demolished the space was completely transformed – feeling like it had doubled in size. The new open plan kitchen was finished off with stone benchtops and soft close drawers.
Watch the transformation unfold
Demolition and construction were done in accordance with the village’s noise minimization policy.
“As retirement living building experts, we understand the importance of taking into consideration the needs of the village residents,” says Joel. “Our team and sub-contractors adhered to strict noise guidelines to ensure minimal disruption. We also follow all Covid-19 site safety procedures.”
The bathroom was another stunning transformation. With the future owners in mind the team installed grab rails and zero-transition flooring for convenience.
“We were pleased to deliver the project ahead of schedule,” says Joel. “Our client was ecstatic with the finished product. We take real pride in crafting boutique spaces for retirement living residents.”
Queensland’s Design & Construct Experts
We understand retirement living communities and are proud to deliver a high-quality product every time. All Sensus employees are required to have up-to-date police checks, Blue Cards and flu vaccinations before arriving on site.
Sensus Building Group believes in achieving superior results for our clients. We would love to work together on your next retirement living project. To discuss how Sensus can help you please contact us on 07 3205 8000 or office@sensus.com.au
Want to see more of Sensus Building’s Group latest news? You can view the latest projects and updates here.
Pristine beaches. World class dining. Unsurpassed lifestyle. Who hasn’t dreamed of retiring in Noosa?
When our valued client asked us to renovate their Noosa retirement living unit we were excited to transform the villa.
“We are proud to deliver a high-quality product every time,” says Sensus CEO, Sean Kenny. “We listen closely to our clients to create stylish living spaces that exceed expectations.”
The coastal lifestyle inspired the team as they created a space that embodies the exclusive Noosa lifestyle. If you’re considering renovating a retirement living unit contact our team of experts today 07 3205 8000 or office@sensus.com.au
Features Include
Ducted AC
Open plan kitchen and dining
Chef’s kitchen with glass backsplash and stone benchtops
Custom wall hung vanity with semi-recessed basin
Anti-slip epoxy garage flooring
These before and after photos further illustration the incredible transformation.
Bathroom: Before & After
Kitchen: Before & After
Building the Perfect Place to Call Home
Sensus Building Group believes in achieving superior results for our clients. We would love to work together on your next retirement living project. To discuss how Sensus can help please contact us on 07 3205 8000 or office@sensus.com.au
Interested in what else has been happening at Sensus Building Group? View our latest news stories here.
As Retirement Living construction experts Sensus is dedicated to creating seamless spaces for elderly residents.
With all the wet weather Eastern Australia has experienced recently the last place a retirement living resident expected to find water overflowing was in their bathroom!
“One of our clients called us to investigate why water from a shower was draining towards the doorway,” said Project Manager, Michael Taylor. “Another contractor had installed the flooring incorrectly leading to water filling the bathroom.”
The village wanted to fix the issue as quickly as possible and our expert team were on site straight away with solutions.
“We consulted with our client to propose a renovation that would fix the functional issues and create a stylish living space,” says Michael.
The team started by jack hammering up the existing flooring. A new waterproofing membrane was installed on the floor and walls to stop moisture. A new tile bed was installed with the correct falls to ensure proper drainage. To reduce slip hazards and to further ensure appropriate drainage new zero transition flooring was installed.
During construction our industry experts also anticipated resident’s future needs by building in connection points for easy installation of a bidet. They also lined all walls with structural ply so assistance aids can be installed anywhere in the room in the future.
“Sensus prides itself on our high-quality work,” says Michael. “Throughout the construction process we kept open lines of communication with the village and resident to ensure any needs were met quickly and respectfully.”
During construction the resident asked to remain in their home so Sensus happily installed zip-up dust covers. This provided access to different parts of the unit without having to encounter the construction site. It also mitigated the spread of dust.
The team enjoying thinking of the ‘the little details’ to finish off the space. Features like a detachable showerhead, chrome towel hooks and easily accessible drawers.
The resident is enjoying their new bathroom (pictured below) and is glad the only wet weather they have to worry about is outside.
Queensland’s Preferred Boutique Builder
At Sensus we understand retirement living communities and are proud to deliver a high-quality product every time. Let’s work together to create the perfect bathroom for your retirement village. To discuss how Sensus can help you please contact us on
07 3205 8000 or office@sensus.com.au
Interested in what else has been happening at Sensus Building Group? View our latest news stories here.