You've just given an excellent summary of how things can appear really simple and end up really expensive if you have no idea what you're doing and then type that :lolol:
I'm somewhat limited in my DIY skills but being old with a toolbox that has been built up over 40 years can turn my hand to a few things. Having seeing yet another plumbing advice thread it has got me wondering. I have close Family who can just about build a house, (groundworks, bricklaying...