February 2005 - The building work begins

The Baskarans are having their home adapted to make it more accessible for Oliver and Jamie, who both have Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Last month we interviewed Terry Reeves, the surveyor who is managing the adaptations process. This month it's the turn of Shane Boylan, the man responsible for the entire building process.


And just to remind you - here's a photograph that shows the Baskaran's garden before any of the building work on the extension started.

When did the building work start?

We started work on the extension at the beginning of February.

The foundations were dug, all the drainage pipes were laid, the blockwork was done, and so was the oversite.

What's your opinion on how the work is progressing?

The Baskaran's extension is quite a big project and so we're really pleased with the progress we made in the first two and a half weeks.

Have you experienced any setbacks?

We were doing so well and then the bad weather came in, which has put the project on hold temporarily. Bricks can only be laid in certain temperatures and it's too cold at the moment to continue laying them.

Once the weather clears I estimate it will take us another two to three days to finish the brickwork, and then it will be time to put the roof on.

Have you worked on similar adaptation extensions before?

Yes. I've done a lot of alterations to properties to make them wheelchair accessible. I've also worked with Terry Reeves, the surveyor, on a number of projects like this, and we work well together. We've also had a lot of discussions with Ben Baskaran throughout - keeping him up to date, answering questions, that sort of thing.

When do you expect to finish the work?

We're allowed 16 weeks to complete the job, which would take us through until the end of May. However, I expect to have completed the work by the end of April. I'm involved with the project from start to finish. It's always best if the clients, in this case the Baskarans, only need to speak to one person about the building and finishing work. I'm there to make sure that the plastering is done, the boiler is connected, that the domestic appliances are in - everything.

Have Oliver and Jamie been following your progress?

I see them looking out the window watching what's going on! The whole family has been fascinated as they see the extension taking shape.

The family's thoughts

We think the work has progressed very quickly. We're obviously disappointed that the weather halted the work. Shane felt guilty and kept apologising! We have assured him that the bad weather is no reflection on his abilities - him and his team are doing a great job!

Next month

We'll show you continued progress on the extension. We also hope to catch up with Oliver and Jamie to see how they feel about the adaptation.

Back to the Adaptations diary front page.