10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Contractor for Office Partitions and Fit-Outs in Uganda

An office fit-out is a big spend with a hard deadline — the day your lease starts or your team moves in. Choosing the right contractor matters more than choosing the right colour of glass. Use these ten questions when you interview contractors for partitions, ceilings, blinds and related works.

1. Can I see similar projects you have completed?

Ask for photos and, where possible, a visit to a finished office. A contractor with an online portfolio — such as the EDEVA Uganda project gallery — makes this easy.

2. Who have you worked for?

References from known organisations show the contractor can meet institutional standards and deadlines. EDEVA, for example, lists clients such as Uganda Christian University, NSSF, WWF, UAP Insurance and BIDCO (U) Ltd.

3. Do you fabricate in-house?

Contractors with their own aluminium and steel workshop control quality and timing instead of waiting on a supplier.

4. Who will be on site?

Ask for the name of the site manager and how often the technical manager will visit. A named, experienced supervisor is your best protection against poor workmanship.

5. Will you visit and measure before quoting?

A quotation without a site visit is a guess. Good contractors measure every wall, window and ceiling height first.

6. Is the quotation itemised?

You should see separate lines for partitions, doors, ceilings, painting and blinds, with materials specified (glass type, board type, frame finish). This lets you compare quotes fairly and change scope without surprises.

7. Can you handle partitions, ceilings, painting and blinds together?

One contractor for all finishing trades means one programme and one point of responsibility. Separate contractors often blame each other for delays and damage.

8. What is the programme — and can you work evenings or weekends?

If you are already occupying the space, ask whether noisy works can be done out of hours.

9. How will you protect the building and clean up?

Landlords expect floors, lifts and common areas protected, and the site cleaned daily.

10. How do I track progress and give feedback?

Some contractors now offer online tracking. EDEVA's customers can book online, follow each stage of the job and review the finished project on the EDEVA website.