December 2004 - Before the work starts

Last month, the Baskaran family learnt that planning permission for the adaptations to their house had been given. The last step, before the work actually starts, was to choose a building firm to take on the job.

The surveyor received three building firms' estimates and, at the start of the December, awarded the contract to the company who had submitted the lowest costing. Additionally, the firm that was chosen had also carried out similar adaptations work before.

The estimate was for approximately £58,000. However, when VAT and the surveyor's fees were added, the total cost of the whole adaptations process was just over £80,000, which was £10,000 over the funding level agreed. The Baskaran's social worker applied for the extra funding and, on 22 December, the family found out they had secured the additional money - great news.

Here are some photographs, taken this month, of the house in its present state.

The driveway and front door

At the moment, Oliver and Jamie find negotiating the driveway in their wheelchairs hard work. The driveway will be repaved and smoothed as part of the adaptations process.

A ramp will be placed at the front door to make the house accessible.

The extension

The main change to the house is the extension that will be built at the back. This will comprise two bedrooms - one for Oliver and one for Jamie - with a bathroom in between.

The photograph above shows where the extension will be built - adjoining the wall on the left and extending far over to the right.

Inside the house

The inside of the house, at present, doesn't need to be altered that much. The doorframes are wide enough, as is the hallway. The bathroom, shown here is not that accessible at the moment. However, it doesn't need to be adapted because, as mentioned above, Oliver and Jamie will have their own bathroom in the new extension.

Next steps

The building firm is hoping to start work in January 2005. We will keep you updated with the progress it makes, and show how the Baskaran's home changes during this time.

Return to the Adaptations diary front page.

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