There's definitely some good names in here. What I would say is that the cost of any trade is much higher these days. Fewer tradesmen means they get a TON of business and have raised prices accordingly. Because you said you bought a new house, it's worth noting for any future project of yours. Get lots of quotes and get them before you need the work done because it can take a while for good tradesmen to find time to quote a job!

Congrats on the new house by the way. You made it through the slugfest :)