A good book, patience, and lots of wood and a smart/crafty person can DIY. It might be cheaper / faster / more enriching for you to post on craigslist and ask if there is a local hadyman-type that would be willing to teach you as you do the project together on-site. This way, you get what you want accomplished and you learn from the experience—it will probably cost less than you are fearing, and you will be helping our your local craftsman.