The ribbon was cut at a refurbished building containing new affordable housing in Sandys.

The rooming house at 27 Beacon Hill, a remodelled grade three-listed building, will provide a home for five male occupants.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch commended the work done but warned there were more people in need of affordable accommodation than those registered with the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

“It remains over 100, and I actually do not believe that’s an accurate number — there are more than that.

“I suspect that as we bring these units online, more people will recognise that we are increasing the inventory and get on the list as well.”

Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, cut the ribbon with Christopher Famous, the BHC chairman, at a ceremony on Thursday.

The project, which began in November 2022, was awarded to Vision Construction, owned by Terron Thompson, and budgeted at $419,863.

It was a three-phase job with demolition, recovery and interior and exterior renovation.

Colonel Burch said the work had gone $60,000 over budget when it emerged that the building’s roof needed replacement.

A retaining wall was built in 2021 under a separate contract.

Electrical work was completed by Victor Thompson and Boris Plumbing handled water.

“Significant rot and structural issues were discovered,” Colonel Burch noted, requiring the help of Westbrook Engineering.

The original two-storey, three-bedroom studio was remade with one bedroom and bathroom on the lower floor and four bedrooms with bathrooms upstairs.

Local companies were hired for cabinetry and flooring, with appliances and furnishing consistent with other BHC units.

BHC found five clients for shared accommodation with management and monthly inspections.

Colonel Burch said he had originally allocated the rooms to women, but had switch it to male accommodation at the advice of BHC.

“The work of refurbishing BHC properties continues apace and I expect further occasions such as this as we progress through the remainder of this year and into 2024.”