Office fit-out proposals can look alike until you read the details. Two quotations for the same floor can differ widely because of scope assumptions, specifications and exclusions. These questions help facilities, admin and project teams compare commercial interior contractors fairly and choose a partner who will deliver.
1. Compare the same scope
Ask each company to price the same drawings, specification and bill of quantities. Check exclusions, assumptions, material specifications and the responsibilities retained by your own team. If one company is pricing a different design, its total cannot be compared.
2. Read the BOQ, not just the total
Compare line items for partitions, ceilings, flooring, electrical, HVAC, fire, data cabling routes, joinery and furniture. Look for provisional sums and items marked “by client”. Confirm whether GST, building approvals and debris removal are included.
3. Understand who coordinates the details
Confirm who manages construction drawings, services interfaces, samples and site queries. A named decision process helps prevent design changes from being lost between suppliers and contractors. Ask whether MEP work is done in-house or subcontracted.
4. Look at relevant completed work
Review projects of a similar type and scale: corporate offices, institutional workspaces, co-working floors or showrooms. Ask about the work actually delivered by the contractor, rather than judging only by photographs of the finished building.
5. Ask about building and society requirements
Office buildings have their own fit-out rules, working hours, loading bay access and approvals. A contractor familiar with commercial buildings will plan for these from the start.
6. Check manufacturing and supply
Joinery, reception desks, storage and pantry units are often custom-made. A company with its own manufacturing controls quality and timing. PID Projects manufactures at its 36,000 sq ft workshop in Tikri Kalan, New Delhi.
7. Meet the delivery team
Meet the project manager and site supervisor who will run your job. Ask how often you will receive progress reports and who your escalation contact is.
8. Discuss delivery and handover
Ask how progress, changes and approvals will be recorded. Review the proposed installation sequence, snag process, handover documents and aftercare terms before appointing a partner.
9. Consider how the work affects your business
If you are refurbishing an occupied office, ask how the contractor will phase work, manage noise and dust, and protect working areas.
Office fit-out comparison checklist
- Same drawings and specification priced by every bidder
- Itemised BOQ with clear exclusions
- Named coordinator for drawings and services
- Relevant completed office or institutional projects
- Experience with commercial building requirements
- In-house or controlled joinery manufacturing
- Project manager and reporting process
- Defined snag, handover and aftercare terms
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose the lowest quotation?
Only after confirming that all quotations cover the same scope and specification. A low total often reflects exclusions that return later as variations.
Does PID Projects work outside Delhi NCR?
Yes. PID Projects is based in New Delhi and delivers projects across India, such as the Plaksha University fit-out in Mohali, Punjab.
Read office interior design ideas or how to write a fit-out brief, and explore our commercial interiors.