In this month’s ‘Day in the Life’ blog, we speak to Rap’s Senior Estimator Gavin Cons about what life is like working for an interior fit out company. Whether you’re interested in a career in in estimating or simply want to learn about what life is like at Rap, Gavin will give you an interesting insight here!
How did you get into estimating?
I did an HND back in the day at university. Then I landed my first job as an assistant estimator for an interior fit out company in Brixton. I then moved from the estimating into contracts/site management for the same company.
After that I changed to be a site manager for another company but then went back into the office where I took over the running of their small works department. This meant doing all the estimates and running small works projects leading up to £100,000.
I was then made redundant from that job and did a few bits and pieces for a while before getting in touch with various interior fit out contractors to see if they were hiring estimators. Luckily a role came up here at Rap Interiors and Rick and Julie decided to give me a chance.
When the project manager hands over the project requirements of a new fit out job, I start by writing up a scope of works. This is then send out to subcontractors to price, or alternatively we price in house. When I get the subcontractors’ prices back I extract their quote and put it into ours. And once that’s done I run through it with the project manager to make sure that all the requirements have been covered and the quotation is then forwarded to the client.
What is the biggest challenge you face?
The biggest challenge is getting estimates back from subcontractors on time. As a fit out company we’ve got deadlines for estimates to be submitted, so you need to have strong time management skills!
What’s been your favourite Rap project?
I think my favourite one so far has got to be the control tower over at Kings Hill. It’s an old WW2 control tower which had already undergone a CAT A fit out on the first and second floors. The ground floor needed considerably more work but eventually we fitted out offices within the space for Liberty Property Trust.
What do you enjoy the most about working at Rap?
I like the fun family atmosphere. We’ll rib each other but we all give as good as we get, and it’s that friendly atmosphere that I really enjoy.
Thank You for Reading
We hope that Gavin’s story has inspired some of you to pursue a career in estimating. If that is the case, then keep an eye out for opportunities on our ‘Work for Us’ page.
Are you looking for fit out contractors to quote your project?
If you’re in need of a quote for your fit out project, then Rap Interiors can help. From the estimating process to the design and fit out, Rap Interiors offers a full, start-to-finish service.
To arrange your free consultation, call 0333 600 1234 or email refurb@rapinteriors.co.uk
