we took that approach when we moved into our gaff.I don't know about claiming back stuff.
I did just strip out my whole shower though for similar reasons on the basis that i can do that bit myself and then get a pro in to stick it back together and not have to pay them the demolition bit
however, this was ultimately outweighed by the fact we got utter cowboys to do the 'pro' stuff.
but the principle of doing the heavy, non-skilled stuff yourself is sound.