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!!!