Nervous about hiring a contractor

[Douglas T.]

I posted this in the contractors forum, but wanted to get some landlords' advice on this too.  I need to talk to and hire a contractor as I'm preparing to convert my condo in Chicago into a rental. Most of the things on my list are small wear and tear items that have come up from living in the unit for 11years. The biggest job is putting in a cheap ceramic tile kitchen floor, bolting lower kitchen cabinets to the walls, maybe adding 1 lower kitchen cabinet and then new durable but inexpensive countertops.  It's a small 100sqft galley kitchen.  However, I've never talked to a contractor before. I know next to nothing about construction and repair work. I don't know if there is a set price or hourly rate. I don't know what happens if they go over the estimate or time period. I feel like there are a million questions that I don't even know to ask, and I don't want to appear unprepared when I do this. Can anyone direct me to a resource where I can get a feeling of how the meeting will go with the contractor, questions I should ask, things I should know, and things to watch out for. I won't be here when the work is actually being done, and I won't be able to see it in person when it's done.  I'll already be moved out of state.  The property mgr I hire will oversee the work and do a walk-thru when it's done.  They've said I can have a friend come double check the work.  I'd really appreciate any help you guys could offer. Thanks!