March 2005 - Progress on the adaptation

Last month we interviewed Shane Boylan, who's responsible for the building the extension to the Baskaran's house.

This month we ask Oliver and Jamie how they feel about the extension, which has two bedrooms and an adjoining bathroom.

Below you can also see how work has progressed since the end of February.

Have you been following the progress of the extension?

Oliver: "Yes. Every day after school we watch what's going on and see what’s changed."
Jamie: "Yeah, and we've got so used to having the builders there all the time!"




(This photograph shows the extension at the start of March.)

How are you feeling about it all?

Jamie: "It’s going to be like moving house!"
Oliver: "I'm scared about how much rubbish I'm going to find under my bed when I move. But it is good - I'm excited about having a new room."

Did you ever expect you'd get your own wheelchair-accessible bedrooms?

Oliver: "We should have had it done ages ago. Mum's hurt her back lifting us and I want her and dad's backs to get better."

Have you decided who's having which room?

Jamie: "I'm getting the room on the right because I'm oldest so I get first choice!"

How are you going to decorate them?

Jamie: "I'm going to have a massive Chelsea badge on my wall. I'm going to have Chelsea everything."

Oliver: "I'm not having Chelsea. I'm having AFC Wimbledon stuff."

Have you any concerns?

Jamie: "I'm a bit worried about how the bathroom doors will open but apart from that I'm looking forward to having a new room."

The family's thoughts

Ben and Debby said: "The building work has gone on in leaps and bounds and we are excited for the boys as the light at the end of the tunnel is now visible.


(The photograph shows the extension at the start of April 2005 - you can see how much progress has been made in a matter of weeks.)

"All parties, builders, architect and social services have provided great support and information to ensure the job progresses smoothly. We feel this is a testament to all the professionals out there."

Next month

We'll talk to Debby and Ben what they've learnt from the process and ask them about advice they have for others about to embark on an adaptation.

The Adaptations diary front page.