Notes on building.
Guides on mobile apps, web platforms and AI products. Cost breakdowns, stack comparisons and how we ship.
HIPAA Compliance Costs: What It Takes to Build a Healthcare Product
Building a healthcare product means dealing with HIPAA from day one. Here is what compliance actually costs, what corners you absolutely cannot cut, and how to budget realistically.
Cost & planning · Feb 9, 2026 · 14 min read
How Much Does Payment Integration Actually Cost?
Payment integration costs vary wildly based on what you are building. A simple Stripe Checkout costs $3K. A multi-vendor marketplace payment system costs $80K+. Here is the honest breakdown.
Cost & planning · Feb 9, 2026 · 12 min read
Fractional CTO vs Full-Time CTO vs Agency: Which Does Your Startup Need?
You need technical leadership but hiring a full-time CTO at $200K+ feels premature. Here is how to choose between a fractional CTO, a full-time hire, and an agency partnership.
Cost & planning · Feb 8, 2026 · 14 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Build an AI Agent Platform in 2026?
An AI agent platform with multi-agent orchestration costs $75K to $500K+ depending on scope. This guide breaks down every cost layer, from agent frameworks and LLM API spend to MCP integration and production monitoring, so you can plan your budget without guessing.
Cost & planning · Feb 8, 2026 · 15 min read
Fixed Price vs Time & Materials: Which Model Saves You Money?
Fixed price contracts feel safe until you realize you are paying a 30% to 50% risk premium for that certainty. Here is how each model actually works and when to use which.
Cost & planning · Feb 7, 2026 · 12 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Shopify Alternative in 2026?
Most businesses should just use Shopify. But if you are one of the few that genuinely needs a custom ecommerce platform, here is exactly what it costs and what you are signing up for.
Cost & planning · Feb 6, 2026 · 14 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Mobile Game in 2026?
Mobile game development costs range from $10K for a hyper-casual title to $1M+ for a polished mid-core experience. Here is what actually drives those numbers and where your budget should go.
Cost & planning · Feb 6, 2026 · 15 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Build an API in 2026?
API costs depend on what the API actually does, not how many endpoints it has. This guide breaks down real pricing for REST APIs, authentication layers, documentation, and infrastructure so you can budget with confidence.
Cost & planning · Feb 6, 2026 · 13 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Chrome Extension in 2026?
Chrome extensions look simple from the outside. A little icon in the toolbar, a popup, maybe some page modifications. But the range between a basic utility and a full SaaS companion extension is enormous, and so is the price tag.
Cost & planning · Feb 6, 2026 · 12 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Slack or Teams Bot in 2026?
Slack bots and Teams bots look deceptively simple. A slash command here, a notification there. But the gap between a simple webhook integration and a full AI-powered workflow bot is massive, and so is the cost difference.
Cost & planning · Feb 6, 2026 · 12 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Build a No-Code vs Custom App?
No-code platforms promise fast, cheap apps. Custom development promises full control. The truth is more nuanced than either camp admits. This guide breaks down real costs, hidden fees, and the decision framework you actually need.
Cost & planning · Feb 6, 2026 · 13 min read
Outsourcing App Development: The Complete Cost Guide for 2026
The cheapest hourly rate almost never produces the cheapest project. This guide breaks down outsourcing models, regional rates, hidden costs, and how to pick a vendor without burning your budget.
Cost & planning · Feb 6, 2026 · 14 min read