Not sure where shaft guy is getting his $30 figure, but a good taxi is going to charge for the time to make it look good. He is trying to make a living too!
If you make the pedestal, are you still going to want habitat with it? That can be much more time consuming and requires some artistic ability to do it right. Nothing looks lamer to me than poor habitat on a ped. mount.
So look at it as a piece of art, and don't worry so much about the price. If it is done right you will be able to enjoy it for a long time.