I have to echo Geozukigti's comments. I just finished doing my head because of bad valves and it is relatively easy to do... just takes a fair amount of time to do it. If you have the time, do it yourself... it cost me roughly $700 cdn to do the head and replace the timing belt... and that included me having to get a mechanic in for a half an hour to help me ensure that the engine was timed correctly. However, I would not bother sending it into a shop. Another place you could consider sending it to, if you have it, is a school which is training new mechanics. They do the job under supervision, and it will cost about half what it costs in a normal garage.
Stan