Development Services
Frequently asked questions
What I work on, how quotes work, and what you get at the end. If your question isn't here, ask me.
Working together
Quotes, payment, and deliverables
How do you price custom projects?
Selected debugging, Linux VPS, automation, and code review work currently has an introductory rate of $75/hour. See the services and pricing page for scope and limitations. Clearly scoped projects may receive a fixed quote; custom applications, APIs, legacy .NET Framework modernization, managed application hosting, and work with uncertain or changing scope are quoted separately. The static website packages and basic static hosting content updates have their own published prices.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. Projects generally require at least a 25% deposit before work begins or the project is scheduled. The deposit and payment schedule may vary with the project's size, scope, and risk; they'll be stated in the quote.
Who owns the finished code?
For normal client work, once the agreed project has been paid for, you own the project-specific deliverables unless the quote or contract explicitly says otherwise.
I may retain and reuse generic tooling, libraries, templates, scaffolding, utilities, and components I already own or develop for general use. Examples include JoyfulReaperLib and reusable project/job templates. This doesn't include your private code or business-specific logic.
Will I receive the source code?
Yes, unless an unusual project-specific agreement says otherwise. For the fixed static website packages, the finished site files belong to you.
Will my project or source code be made public?
No, not without your permission. Private repositories and confidential projects stay private. My GitHub links let you inspect examples of my public work; they don't mean client projects will be published.
Do you only work with local clients?
No. Remote work is fine.
Project fit
Projects and technologies
What kinds of projects do you take on?
I'm deliberately broad: websites, backend systems, .NET applications, APIs, automation, integrations, Linux/VPS/server work, Docker, deployment, debugging, migrations, custom tools, existing applications, and unusual technical problems.
If it involves software, servers, APIs, automation, integrations, networking, or getting technical systems to work together, it's worth asking. I'll tell you whether it's a good fit for my skills.
What is your preferred technology stack?
My strongest and preferred areas are C#/.NET, ASP.NET Core, Linux, Docker, APIs, SQL and data-backed applications, nginx/reverse proxies, deployment, and backend/infrastructure tooling. I'm willing to work outside that stack when the project calls for it.
Can you work on an existing project?
Yes. I have professional experience modernizing older .NET applications, including converting .NET Framework/VB.NET web applications to ASP.NET Core. I also take on debugging, extensions, migrations, cleanup, broken deployments, and partially completed projects.
Can you work with code written by somebody else?
Yes. Existing code, legacy code, partially completed applications, and AI-assisted or generated code are all acceptable starting points. I'll inspect what's there and recommend whether to repair, refactor, modernize, or replace parts of it.
Do you do frontend work?
Yes. I build responsive websites and application interfaces, including frontend implementation as part of a larger project. I'm primarily a software, backend, and infrastructure developer. Bespoke branding, illustration, logos, or visual identity work may need client-supplied assets and design direction, or separate design work.
Do you work with WordPress or PHP sites?
No. I don't build or host WordPress or PHP sites. I prefer static websites or custom applications built with technologies I work with regularly.
Development tools
AI-assisted development
Do you use AI-assisted development?
Yes. I use AI-assisted tools when they help with implementation, research, debugging, exploration, or repetitive work. I remain fully responsible for the architecture, engineering decisions, code, review, testing, security, and final work I deliver. AI doesn't transfer that responsibility away from me, and generated code still needs review and testing.
You can inspect examples of my public work on GitHub.
Can I request that AI not be used on my project?
Yes. Tell me before the project is quoted. No-AI development is billed hourly and doesn't qualify for the advertised fixed package prices. It generally takes substantially more development time, making the total work harder to predict accurately in advance.
After delivery
Hosting, updates, and support
Do I have to host with you?
No. Managed hosting is optional. You can host the finished project yourself or with another provider. For the static website packages, managed hosting is currently $149/year and includes:
- HTTPS/SSL
- Hosting and deployment management
- Basic uptime/technical monitoring
- Keeping the contact form infrastructure operational
- One minor content update per year
Domains aren't included and should remain yours. I can help configure DNS or help you set up a domain.
This is static hosting without an uptime SLA, guaranteed recovery, or included backups. Please keep your own site files. Support replies are normally within a few business days, but aren't guaranteed. Read the full hosting details and hosting terms.
Can I bring an existing static website?
Yes. I can review an existing HTML/CSS/JavaScript site for compatibility before agreeing to host it. You don't need to buy one of my website-building packages. WordPress, PHP, customer-run server-side code, databases, and dynamic applications aren't part of this plan.
What happens when annual hosting expires?
There's a 14-day period to renew after expiration. Your site may be suspended during that period. After the grace period, files may be deleted, and retention or recovery isn't guaranteed after your agreement ends. Annual fees are nonrefundable for early cancellation, except where required by law.
What counts as the included minor website update?
Changing business hours or contact information, editing a small amount of existing text, or replacing an existing image.
It doesn't include new pages, redesigns, new functionality, booking systems, e-commerce, substantial copy or content work, new integrations, or custom backend/API work. Additional content updates for websites on my basic static hosting plan are $50/hour with a 30-minute minimum. That rate does not apply to other development work, which is quoted separately.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance or support?
Yes, where appropriate. Static sites can use the published website hosting terms above. Applications, servers, VPS work, APIs, Docker deployments, and other systems may need a separately scoped ongoing maintenance arrangement. Support is limited to the scope we agree on.
Can you work with my existing hosting or servers?
Yes. I can deploy to or work with infrastructure you already own, including Linux, VPS, and Docker environments where appropriate. You don't need to move everything onto infrastructure I control.
Something else?
What if my project doesn't fit one of the listed services?
Unusual projects are welcome. Send me the problem and I'll tell you whether I can help.