We often do website builds ‘by the hour’ which can save the client a lot of money on package costs when they have all the content ready and know exactly what they want to achieve, with the functionality and the design.

However, this option is not for everyone and if you chose this route, there are several factors to be aware of which can significantly impact the final cost of your website project:

Scope and Complexity

If the scope changes or you decide you want more features. This is a common one as you’re thinking more about the project, and your objectives grow over time.

Feature expansion: Adding functionality beyond the initial requirements
Complex interactions: Custom animations, advanced filtering systems, or unique user flows
Integration requirements: Connecting with third-party services, APIs, or databases
Custom functionality: Building features from scratch rather than using existing solutions

Design Considerations

Sometimes you can get hung-up about it looking pixel-perfect. It’s your baby (and I get it) but you should try to design for the customer and not you – you’re not buying your own services. Simple is often better as it’s usually clearer for the client to navigate.

Custom design elements: Unique layouts requiring bespoke development rather than templates
Responsive customizations: Special adaptations for different device sizes beyond standard responsive design
Design revisions: Multiple rounds of changes after development has begun
Complex visual effects: Parallax scrolling, custom animations, or interactive elements

Content-Related Factors

We recommend you have most of your content ready before we start building with a pay-by-the-hour project as it saves time and revisions.

Content delays: Developer waiting for text or images to complete pages
Content migration: Moving large amounts of content from an existing site
Content structuring: Organising complex information architectures
Last-minute content changes: Altering layouts to accommodate different content than planned

Technical Requirements

It’s good to have an idea if you’d like any of these options before we start building. Knowing your desired features in advance helps us quote properly and if you have many requirements, a package option might be more economical.

Performance optimization: Additional time spent improving load speeds
Security enhancements: Implementing advanced protective measures
Accessibility compliance: Meeting WCAG standards (especially higher levels like AA or AAA)
Browser compatibility issues: Solving problems specific to certain browsers

Project Management Challenges

Clear communication is key. Meetings are useful, but they require more time which is usually an additional cost. Consider pre-recorded videos work best for efficiency over emails which can sometimes be unclear. Package deals often offer meetings within the overall cost.

Unclear requirements: Time spent clarifying vague specifications
Scope creep: Gradual expansion of features beyond initial agreement
Frequent changes in direction: Shifting priorities during development
Communication inefficiencies: Delays in responses or fragmented feedback

External Dependencies

This is something that isn’t always easy to plan for but it’s worth checking in advance to see how easy everything is to connect up.

Third-party service limitations: Workarounds for API restrictions or service limitations
Hosting configuration issues: Unexpected server setup requirements
Domain and DNS complications: Resolving problems with domain registration or DNS settings

Being aware of these factors can help you manage costs more effectively when working with website developers on an hourly basis. Clear requirements, timely communication, and maintaining scope discipline are key strategies for keeping your project within budget and projected estimate.