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!

[George P.]

douglas, this is what you do.... it's super easy..

write down the items that you need done. do not write down HOW you want it done (ie, you driwall screws to hang cabinets, i want a 1 1/2" p-trap here). 

just write down:

1. hand these 3 cabinets

2. rip up tiles and install new subfloor and tiles

3. change cabinet handles.

now, take 1-2 days and think about the list. add whatever else you need/want (paint, caulking, etc, etc).

good... you are almost there. 

get a few guys and LET THEM TALK. just ask them.... how are you going to do that? let them talk, you shut up. you will learn who knows their stuff and who doesn't. 

ask questions, please!