Two five-page websites can involve very different work
One might use a repeating layout and existing materials. Another needs a new content structure, copywriting and individually designed screens. Even with the same page count, design and development work can differ substantially.
That is why a quote should start with the audience, goal and content. The list of screens follows those decisions; it does not measure the whole project on its own.
Check what the developer is responsible for
An offer should distinguish a visual design from a website ready to use. Agree on who prepares the copy and photographs, and what handover includes.
- Information structure and writing or organising content.
- Screen design, mobile layouts and interactions.
- Forms, editing tools and agreed integrations.
- Testing, deployment and domain configuration.
- Source code, account access and operating instructions.
Price features together with their edge cases
A booking button linking to an external service is a different scope from a custom calendar with availability and notifications. Similarly, a simple form differs from a portal that stores the history of enquiries.
For each important feature, establish what happens when it works, when data is invalid and when a connected service is unavailable. Those less visible situations also need design, implementation and testing.
Separate the build from ongoing costs
Domains, hosting, paid tools and external APIs may have separate fees. Content updates and future development also depend on the project. Ask for one-off and recurring costs before choosing a solution.
Find out whose accounts run the services, who holds access and how the website could be moved if your working arrangement changes. These are practical parts of handing over a project.
Use the agreed scope to assess changes
A new idea during development does not have to cause a problem. Its effect on cost and timing should be clear before the work begins. Both sides can then see what belongs to the current phase.
If the budget cannot cover every idea, choose a smaller, complete scope. A polished website with a clear offer and a working contact route provides a better starting point than many unfinished features.