Building your own is definitely the way to go.
If you go into my gallery you can probably get some ideas on the way you want to build it.
I don't like PC fans. They're noisy, and they don't circulate alot of air. Yea....They're inexpensive. But I would definitely spend the extra money and get something better. Look on Ebay, you should find some good deals on blowers.
Lighting is important. But if your looking into only building one cabinet. Then I would definitely look into a convertible ballast, where you can convert from Metal Halide to HPS by only changing the bulb and flipping a switch.
As far as the size of your cabinet. You have to remember that your going to have to keep the bulb at least 18 inches away from the leaves.
Also you have to consider the size of the plants your wanting to grow.
Let's say you want a plant that get's about 32 inches tall. Then you'll want cabinet to be at least 6 feet tall. Considering the size of the planter or pot, the size of the plant, the space in between the leaves and the bulb, and the size of the reflector.
Plan ahead.....
Plus, make sure that this is something you really want to do. It's a huge commitment.
I've got about $3,000 into my grow Op.
Goodluck.
