viper, look at my previous post (Please help with my strut). Doing it your self might be alright, but you can also end up spending way more than $150!!!

You will need:
Allen Key Set (Metric - NOT imperial! Trust me on this!)
Min. 18" breaker bar
1/2" Socket Set
Spanners
Trolley Jack
JackStands
Spring compressors
Wheel braces etc
Alot of luck (if anything breaks you'll need to replace it etc)

Looking back on it, i wish i'd just gone with the $200 which Tempe quoted me

As for signs of a bad job i think Sam on AccordTurbo.com had a problem where the strut wasnt put back together properly, and the shock ended up popping through and into his bonnet! But i'm not sure if you could spot that without taking a before and after photo of the strut top.