You could have gotten them cheaper. But if they do a good build and true them free for life and get you back on the road quick if you have a warranty issue or accident, then how much is that worth. It is not unusual to see someone here complaining about not having their wheels for a month or more. I cannot even imagine that since I only recently purchased new wheels and now have some backup rims that I could move my tires, tubes, and cassette too if there is a problem.

I had a quote for Ultegra hubs on DT Swiss 1.1 rims for around $500. Not sure of spoke type or if that included skewers, tape, etc. So yours is not that far out of line for a local builder that gives great service and helps you design the wheel for you. The comparison being made are for mail order and the advantage in price but potential disadvantage in service and warranty claims.

Don't sweat if it turns out okay.

I just realized, does that price include the cassette. the price I referenced certainly does not.

BTW, I have Shimano 600 7-speed downtube shifters that are still going strong on my 1980's vintage Schwinn Paramount that is now my backup bike.