Structural drawings from General Contractor

[Paul C.]

Hello

This is my first post, I have a home in Hollywood FL with substantial termite damage in my upstairs rooms.  I hired a General Contractor to get an estimate on repairs,  The contractor estimated the repairs at 30K, (verbally) and stated they would provide a proposal once the  Engineer firm they worked with completed the drawings.  The cost for dwawings was $2800 in which I paid 50% ,$1400.00.  and would pay the other $1400 once the drawings were complete.   When the drawings were complete the Contractor submitted a proposal for 80K,  The price was over my budget and I have since found other vendors willing to do the work for 40K.

The drawings appear to be ok and will be submitted to the City for a building permit, My questions is  if changes to the plans are required from the city am I obligated to pay the contractor I declined the remaining 50% prior to obtaining a permit or should I delay payment until the city approves the permit.  It was my original intention that the quote would be reasonable and the Contractor would provide the permits and work through any changes.    Since I declined the contractor proposal its unlikely there would be any assistance  from the Contractor should the drawings require a revision. The Contractor is asking for payment which I intend to pay but I am concerned about possible changes required from the building permit.

Any advice on how to proceed would be very much appreciated.