January 2005 - The Surveyor's Role

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

Last month Terry Reeves, the surveyor managing the adaptation to the Baskarans' home, selected a building firm for the job. This month we talk to him about his other involvement in the process.

When did you start work on this adaptation?

I was contacted by Cathy Durbridge, Senior Occupational Therapist, in the middle of 2004 to ask if act on behalf of the family in the design and project management of the large, single storey extension to provide two bedrooms with a communicating shower room. We met with the family to discuss the layout for the extension and a likely budget.

The final scheme was agreed and a planning application submitted. A full set of working drawings and a specification were prepared, and builders were invited to tender. Armed with planning approval and the builders' tenders, the package was submitted for grant approval.

Have you done any adaptations work before?

I've worked on about 200 adaptations, they form almost my complete workload, so I have a lot of experience in this area. Not all contracts are as big as this one though - a normal contract might be for alterations costing between £5,000 and £10,000. At the moment I am working on about 30 adaptations, of which maybe half a dozen are on the scale of the Baskaran project.

Have you encountered any problems with this project?

The only potential problem so far was the location of a stormwater drain. The records held by Thames Water were incomplete and so they thought that there might be a large drain running down through the site. Thankfully, following the survey, it was confirmed that the drain ran around, and not through, the garden. Apart from that, everything is on course and the foundations will be laid on 1 February.

What's your involvement in the process now?

I'm involved with the adaptation all the way through - from the brief with the occupational therapist until when the work is completed. At the moment, I'm project managing the work; ensuring we stick to the budget, visiting the site to oversee the building and addressing any problems as they arise.

As the site is now cleared, it's ready for the builders to start. We're looking to complete the work within 12 to 14 weeks.

The family's thoughts

Ben Baskaran adds: "Obviously we are pleased to see the work start. We have met with the builders and discussed access to the site and of course the safety aspect of the work.

"Jamie and Oliver are excited about the work starting especially as it will give them the space and freedom they so desperately need."

Next month

Next month, we'll speak to the builder and show you how the work on the Baskarans' family home is progressing.

If you have any comments or feedback, please email web@muscular-dystrophy.org, and we'll forward your messages onto the family. Any topics of interest will be included in next month's update.

Return to the Adaptations diary front page.