As a tradesperson here are my tips for getting the best out of tradespeople.
Word of mouth is EVERYTHING. As your neighbours and friends who they use. Especially ask the older people who have been in your area a long time who they use. They're most likely to have good networks and long relationships with tradespeople they trust. They're also likely to know older tradespeople with experience rather than flash harry after a quick buck.
If you see someone working in your area and doing a good job - ask for their card.
Ask your existing, trusted tradespeople for their recommendations. Your plumber is likely to know lots of other tradespeople through jobs they've worked on.
Get someone who is actually a tradesperson. Someone who advertises as 'gardener/gutter cleaner/patio jet washer' isn't a gardener. They're a jack of all trades. Trained experience gardeners garden. They'll be rushed off their feet with clients who'll pay them to do what they're good at. They don't need to clear your guttering to fill their time.
Know what you want. Do some research BEFORE you call tradespeople. The worst kind of initial meeting with a client is someone who gets you round and says, 'I don't know what I want, but I think it's a wild flower meadow, with a tree of some sort, I'm not sure where I want it or how big'. The best type of client says, 'I want a 6m x 6m wild flower meadow. I want it there. My budget is £500. Can you do that?'. Send that to the tradesperson in an email before they arrive. If that's not what they do or you're being unrealistic it'll save hours of wasted time on both sides.
One last thing. Don't take the cheapest quote unless you're convinced that person is right for your job. Good, decent, qualified, experienced, reliable and personable tradespeople are in huge demand. They don't need to undercut other people to get work - they have a waiting list. If you pay peanuts......
Lastly, if something isn't working out right then SAY! Be honest and straightforward immediately. Good tradespeople want to do a good job for you and meet your needs. They'll change things/compromise/be realistic. They won't have a paddy.
Pay. Pay on time. Give the young lad he brings with him a fiver for a pint on the last Friday. Let them park on your drive. Bring them a jug of water on a hot day or tea if it's freezing. Add biscuits. Let them use your loo.
They will come back. They'll tell their tradespeople friends you're a good egg.
You'll find it easier to get good tradespeople in future.