How much custom software costs
With The Project Drivers, a first production version of custom business software typically costs $20,000 to $80,000. Every project starts with a free 30-minute call and an optional fixed-price Discovery Sprint of $2,000 to $5,000 that produces a firm estimate and is credited toward the build. Ongoing development is $50 to $99 per hour.
Engagement options
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| First call | Free | 30 minutes about one process: what to build, what to automate, where AI helps. |
| Discovery Sprint | $2,000–$5,000 fixed | 2 weeks: requirements, architecture, clickable prototype and a firm estimate. Credited toward the build. |
| First production version | typically $20,000–$80,000 | Depends on integrations, roles, platforms and hardware. Larger platforms are phased. |
| Ongoing development | $50–$99 per hour | Dedicated engineers for new features, support and DevOps. |
| AI-built MVP rescue | typically $3,000–$8,000 | Audit and hardening sprint for apps generated with AI coding tools. |
Ranges, not quotes. A firm price comes after the Discovery Sprint.
What drives the price
- Number of systems to integrate and how good their APIs are.
- Platforms: web only, or also iOS, Android, desktop, devices.
- Roles, permissions and audit requirements.
- How many rules and exceptions the logic has.
- Data migration from old systems.
- AI features and the quality bar they must meet.
How to keep cost under control
Start with the process that costs the most manual work today, build the smallest version that removes it, measure, then extend. The Discovery Sprint exists so that you commit to a full build only after you have seen a prototype and a firm estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does custom software development cost in 2026?
With The Project Drivers, a first production version of custom business software typically costs $20,000 to $80,000, after an optional fixed-price Discovery Sprint of $2,000 to $5,000; ongoing development is $50 to $99 per hour.
Do you work fixed price or hourly?
Both: the Discovery Sprint and clearly scoped phases are fixed price, while ongoing development and changing scope are billed hourly at $50 to $99 per hour.
Is the first call really free?
Yes. The first 30-minute call is free; we review one process and tell you honestly what is worth building, automating or leaving as is.