FAQ
Frequently asked questions about working with Cordial Forge.
A few practical answers to help you decide what the next conversation should cover.
What does custom software typically cost?
Discovery typically starts around $1,000, with most standalone engagements ranging from $1,000–$5,000 or more as complexity increases. Implementation and ongoing maintenance are priced separately after discovery once the scope is clear. Builds typically start around $5,000. Every custom software project begins with paid discovery. Its depth and price depend on the complexity of the project.
See discovery pricingDo you charge hourly?
I price implementation and ongoing maintenance separately once the scope, milestones, and acceptance criteria are clear. Hourly staff augmentation and ongoing task queues are generally not a good fit. Changes to the agreed scope are priced separately before additional work begins.
See how projects are scopedWhat does discovery include?
After the initial assessment confirms custom software is appropriate, discovery is a paid engagement to define the right solution before development. I document goals, workflows, requirements, acceptance criteria, dependencies, risks, and scope boundaries, then prepare proposed milestones and a proposal for build and maintenance.
Explore discoveryWhy does every custom software project begin with discovery?
Discovery defines the right solution, makes scope boundaries and acceptance criteria explicit, and resolves the important unknowns before implementation is priced. Its depth and price depend on complexity. Every custom software project begins with paid discovery so I can quote the build responsibly.
Understand the processDo I have to proceed with implementation after discovery?
No. I review the specification and proposal for build and maintenance with you. You can assess the scope, milestones, and acceptance criteria before deciding whether to proceed with development.
See discovery deliverablesHow are scope and pricing agreed?
I agree the deliverables, milestones, acceptance criteria, and price with you before development starts. You can review progress against that scope. If a new requirement changes the work, I agree the revised scope and price with you before proceeding.
Read about scope and pricingWhat does discovery cost?
Discovery starts around $1,000. Most engagements cost $1,000–$5,000+, depending on the workflow, stakeholders, integrations, and unresolved questions. Implementation is quoted separately after discovery.
Read about discovery costsDo you offer staff augmentation?
I work on defined problems and outcomes rather than joining teams as hourly engineering capacity. Staff augmentation, hourly placements, and open-ended task queues generally aren’t a fit.
Read about engagement fitWhat is included in the acceptance period?
Delivery is reviewed against the agreed acceptance criteria. In-scope defect repairs remain covered throughout an active maintenance subscription. New requirements and work beyond that scope are priced separately.
Read about acceptanceHow does ongoing maintenance work?
A subscription covers maintenance within the agreed scope, including routine compatibility updates to existing integrations. Pricing reflects hosting costs and the application’s complexity and maintenance needs. New features, major integration redesigns, and replacements for discontinued services are separately scoped and priced.
Read about recurring maintenanceHow are new features or change requests handled?
New features and new capabilities are separately scoped and priced. We agree scope, acceptance criteria, and price before work begins, with another paid discovery engagement when needed to define the right solution.
Read about expansion and changesWho owns the software?
You receive the source code and lasting rights to use, modify, self-host, and have another developer maintain your application—even after your subscription ends. I retain code ownership. You own your data, and third-party licenses still apply.
Read about software ownershipWhat happens after launch?
Delivery is reviewed against the agreed acceptance criteria. A subscription covers maintenance within the agreed scope, including routine compatibility updates to existing integrations. Pricing reflects hosting costs and the application’s complexity and maintenance needs. New features, major integration redesigns, and replacements for discontinued services are separately scoped and priced.
See launch and support arrangementsHow long does implementation usually take?
Most projects take about 2–4 weeks from completed discovery through implementation. Larger projects, integrations, institutional requirements, or multiple stakeholders can extend that timeline. I establish a more precise schedule during discovery.
See the implementation timelineCan you work with existing systems?
Yes, where the systems support the access needed. I check APIs, permissions, data responsibilities, and organizational constraints during scoping before proposing an integration.
Explore integrationsCan you improve an existing application?
I can assess an existing application before proposing improvements. I look at its condition, the changes you need, and technical constraints to establish whether extending it is practical.
Describe your applicationDo you work outside education?
Yes. I build custom web applications, workflow software, and integrations for organizations beyond education. Internal tools are one use case for that work.
Explore the servicesDo you work outside Seattle?
Yes. I’m based in Seattle, Washington, and work with organizations locally and remotely. You work directly with me to understand the workflow, agree the scope, and review the software as it takes shape.
Discuss a remote projectWhat projects fit?
I work best with organizations that have a real operational problem, access to the people who understand it, and a willingness to define success before implementation. During the initial conversation, I help assess whether custom software, an existing product, or a process improvement is the right answer. If we proceed with a custom software project, paid discovery produces an implementation-ready specification and a proposal for build and maintenance.
Describe your workflowWhat kinds of projects are not a good fit?
I may not be the right fit for staff augmentation, hourly task queues, the lowest-cost option, or a large development team. Fixed quotes need a clear scope; unlimited revisions, continuously changing scope, 24/7 support, and immediate, open-ended emergency work don’t fit this practice.
Discuss whether your project fitsHave a different question?
Your workflow is a useful place to start.
Tell me what should work better