I have learned too about contractor cost overruns. Thats why I only deal with family or close friends. One is a rough carpenter, one a finish and three great friends handle electric and plumbing.

I did my 30k estimated contracted kitchen with maple cabinets and granite for $18k by installing myself with friends. Although building a house from the ground up is a different story, it really helps when word of mouth assists in the decision along with speaking to people who have had houses built by the firm.

As far as the drafting plans, I believe as long as you were not provided a hard copy of the originals, you do not have to pay for the drawings. Thats just my impression of what I heard from builders.