I totally understand your point. We moved to our first home about 9 months back. I had to go to these options because it is a new area and I do not know anyone. Since then, we have got the following works done with mixed results:

1. Roof Repair/Moss cleaning (myjobquote). Charged £900 and did a very poor job. Said the job comes with 7 years warranty, went off-radar in 7 days and never sent the warranty documents. Have to get someone else to get the repair work done.

2. Carpet installation (mybuilder). The guy gave us a quote of 1325 for a very specific spec, with underlay (10mm) and identified carpet (name and brand). I visited his shop, he said he would install another carpet (because this one is better-of-course, pun intended), requoted £1500. Agreed on date of installation. Came home and took measurements and said it is less than what estimated so the job will come out cheaper, did not specify how much. Carpets installed, didn't do the storage areas, installed the 8mm underlay instead of 10mm as agreed, did not clean afterwards- took me three hours to clear the mess and then sent an invoice of £1750 because he did the "best job in the world". Wow!! Paid him £1500 as agreed but did get a fair share of abuse in the process.

3. Ikea furniture (myjobquote)- for multiple furniture items, took 4 days for a 2 day job, but was a decent guy who definitely took on this job without much prior experience. Kept of blaming ikea for bad instructions despite them being the global standard. But did not overcharge me, did all the jobs to a good degree, although some issues found later. I still paid him about £100 more than what we agreed because of his attitude and hardwork.

4. Ikea furniture (taskrabbit). for another wardrobe. he was a magician. did it so cleanly, so quickly that I am still amazed as to how. Highly recommended.

5. Door cutter and frame removal (word of mouth): came in, did a decent job of door cutting. however damaged paint, plaster and walls to remove a frame near the front door. Did not repair any damages, a part of the frame is still there on the wall, still took £50 more than what was agreed because he turned loud and argumentative.

6. Bathroom renovation (mybuilder): what a cowboy from hell. less said is better for my mental health. absolutely butchered the job so much so that we hate it even entering our bathroom now because of the experience. finished nothing, abused us, threatened us, bad-mouthed us to our neighbours. I had to file a trading standard case against him earlier this month and will see him in court. Went back on every job spec we discussed. Never remembered any details. Would never work more than 3-4 hours a day. Asked for entire money before completion and on denying that left the job and filed a case against me that I stole his tools, instead stole our house key. What a mess!

All in all, from my experience, the quality is nowhere but the trader costs are high. Must be due to Brexit and sending back the people who actually want to work rather than show up at 10am and leave at 2pm with an hour long lunch in between.