I recently had a block done ... $1200. cash. I bought a balanced assembly so they didn't have to do that but I did have them assemble the shortblock. Sure its nice to save a few bucks and say you did it and it was certainly within my capability BUT the shop had some tools that I don't - like a ring filer and a rod bolt stretch gauge to name a couple. I preferred to leave that to a pro who does that every day and knows the drill!

Don't forget to align hone and deck the block, otherwise you're just wasting your time and money. Don't let them hose you on "clearancing" as that is minimal if at all in your case.