Picking a Contractor for newbies

[Dagart Allison]

I am in escrow on a 1 bedroom condo that needs some work. The bathroom needs upgrades, primarily the bathtub/shower. I also plan on having the flooring redone from ceramic tile to laminate floors.

First off, what are some important questions that I should ask the contractor my friend recommended? I trust my friend, but he is more experienced and I don't know if this contractor will take advantage of a new buyer...

Secondarily, any other random advice for this topic? My plans are paint the interior myself, demo the ceramic tile floors and have pros put in the laminate floors, have pros demo and install the new bathroom upgrades (bathtub/shower, toilet, maybe new sink)

Thanks!!!

[Bob Couture]

Dagart,

Put everything in writing in a SOW (Statement of Work). You must be very detailed to exactly what you want. Pay for work completed. So set up a payment schedule that you both can agree on with payment milestones along the way. Be leery of deposits to start work. A real contractor can start work without a deposit although we often buy the materials ourselves upfront. Add penalties for not meeting your agreed timeline. Contractors are the most crucial part of the job, but are hands down the most difficult. I would go to your local REIA and ask for recommendations or get three bids and determine who was the most professional (not the cheapest). Good luck!!