Is $30,000 to shore up and waterproof foundation and rebuild front stairs a fair price?

My girlfriend and I hired a foundation contractor. I'm not from this part of the country originally and am unfamiliar with local customs. Where I'm from, it's not unusual to take a picture of the person or money when paying a contractor large sums, especially if no immediate receipt is provided. I politely asked to take a picture of the man picking up our cashier's checks as a precaution, and he agreed. Two days later, the business owner texted my girlfriend, stating I made the contractor's son feel like a criminal and implying we don't trust them. I'm being criticized for this action, which I viewed as a pseudo-receipt, and my girlfriend had to apologize on my behalf, which I find excessive. I'm questioning if my actions were impolite or out of line for covering my bases.