Rant....

[Build-It-Break-It]

I had a plumber quote me $450 bucks to change a water heater thermostat that was brand new and under warranty for less then an hours work/drive time.

He told me I couldn't get the parts from the locally supplier under warranty because I'm the home owner and he had to do it.

I took the part off and took it in ,filled out the requested warranty information and what do you know, they handed me the replacement part under warranty.

I installed it and 20 min later I had hot water again for free. Some people just pray on anyone that'll believe it. It's sad.

I've learned to try my best to do things myself just for the exact reasons you listed.