In Austin (granted a hot bed of cycling), we have several custom wheel builders and the cost they have thrown out isn't extravagant. Buidling up wheels really taught me a lot of about bike parts, I didn't have one of the local guys do it but I still had a lot of input before ordering. I understand how hubs work better, benefits of different ways they are laced and how much difference stiffness can be. It was really fun and I feel smarter!