Business ProfileforM.A.K. Construction Services

I contacted M.A.K. Construction Services to enclose an existing, attached, carport. I was given a proposal for between $20K-30K, and that I would have to pay an additional $4K, just to get a real estimate for the construction. I asked if the enclosure could be done for $20K, in their opinion, and the response was "no". I requested a construction project proposal, and this is what I received: "Design & Budget Agreement: To obtain a solid cost of the below scope of work we will need to create a clear design that works for you and your wallet. Our Design and Budget Agreement includes 3D imaging of your requested remodel project, up to two layout changes, product schedules and their costs, and permit ready construction drawings. (Design Cost $4,000)" 1.) When did it become an industry "Best Practices" to charge a customer, to find out how much you are going to charge the customer, to do the work? Keep in mind that this is an existing structure already incorporated on the existing property plat. 2.) If you know that your pricing is fair, in-line with the industry, and has to be done on every project, why isn't this cost already included in the construction project proposal? 3.) All projects are required to follow the codes, rules, and regulations, for that county and state. Why is the customer paying a separate fee for this, when this is part of the approved permit process? Drawings have to be submitted with permits, to receive approval, and are part of the construction contract cost. So is the customer paying twice, by creating a design and budget proposal cost? 4.) It's unfortunate that it is difficult to receive transparency. I am eager to get this work done, and prepared to do so. Why is it required that I enter into a legally binding contract, to find out basic information...like the company's true pricing structures? The company rep came to a prescheduled appt, and was supposed to have done all of the measurements, etc. MAK decided not to do the work...