I entered into a strange relationship with a general contractor who from my perspective was trying to give his construction business design-build capability. It started as create some construction documents and we will see how it goes. No contract, no hard figures as far as payment goes except for $1 per Sq ft (excluding the non-livable space). As time passes and projects were completed I kept getting wiffs of something and it started feeling like something was off. I was in the process of making some changes to some documents when I received a request for a cheaper alternative method of construction (specifically changing from a stem wall with spread footing to a slab on grade monolithic style foundation) my immediate reaction was HELL NO. I didn't respond immediately, the request was on a Friday evening. The next day I asked 1 of the 3 home owners had signed their contract yet. They had, on Friday morning. From my perspective, he is trying to save money by cutting corners without the owners knowledge. They believe that they are paying for one type of foundation, yet would more than likely receive the cheaper alternative were I to supply it. I adjusted my invoice and send a formal letter stating that due to my elevated exposure to risk my invoice would reflect that. Am I correct that his actions were unethical and my response appropriate?