How To Get The Best Website?

Wow, that's a loaded question!
If your just outsourcing, find a developer who just "kicks ass" and stick with them.
The best way to create quality, is to design and code yourself, but this certainly requires having the latest knowledge of various coding languages.
A quick process:
- Fine-tune the clients needs
- Design the mockup site in Photoshop or Fireworks
- Code the mockup using HTML5 and CSS3 as well as various other languages depending on the client needs, and of course validate the code.

What really defines quality?
In general the coding should be up-to-date and the graphics crisp and sharp.

If a client cannot pay more then....let's say $800 they definitely will not get what the client that gave me $12,000. will get, but the core/base will still contain quality coding.
Based on my observations, I believe more then 50% of designs/themes I see are of poor quality. It's not usually the aesthetics, but poor coding or depreciated functions which is pretty common even in premium themes (WordPress).
Your question is a little broad so I'm not sure if I even came close to answering it, but hopefully it helps.
Are you looking for "how to" create a quality site, or the best "process" to create a quality site?

Here's what I suggest:

#1: Search the Google keyword tool for the 10 top search queries your target market is making.

#2: Make a list of the top 10 or 20 search phrases, ranked by *lowest # of results in google results pages*.

#3: For each search phrase or keyword you make a good article headline and have a good and reliable publishing company create your content.

You seem to have the design and development aspect down to a science so far, but content is still king. I've seen 1998 HTML sites get ranked well above wordpress because it was 15 pages of pure content (we're talking old school anchor reference links). It still works, content is still king.

... But of course I'm going to say this.


#3:

Grab a good WordPress theme and customize it with your own logo and style. It is the easiest option available. Avoid free hosting/website services.