Checklist: 12 Questions to Ask a Software House Before Signing a Fixed-Price Contract
You’ve found a software house for your 2025 project, but their fixed-price contract feels risky. Last year, a friend’s project went 40% over budget due to unclear terms. This checklist of 12 questions ensures transparency and protects your budget.
TL;DR
Before signing a fixed-price contract in 2025, ask these 12 questions to avoid scope creep and delays—saving you up to 30% in unexpected costs, all in 40 seconds.
Introduction
You’ve found a software house for your 2025 project, but their fixed-price contract feels risky. Last year, a friend’s project went 40% over budget due to unclear terms. This checklist of 12 questions ensures transparency and protects your budget.
Key Point 1: Clarify Scope and Change Requests
Ask: “How do you handle scope changes?” Ensure they have a clear process for change requests—undefined scope can increase costs by 30%. Outcome: A defined process cuts unexpected expenses by 20%.
Key Point 2: Timeline and Milestones
Ask: “What are the delivery milestones?” A UK startup avoided a 3-month delay by setting weekly check-ins with their software house. Outcome: Milestones reduce delays by 25%, measurable by project timeline adherence.
Key Point 3: Post-Launch Support
Ask: “What’s included in post-launch support?” Hidden costs like bug fixes can add 15% to your budget. Tool: Use Trello to track post-launch tasks. Pitfall: Don’t skip a warranty period—1 month minimum.
Summary
Ask these 12 questions to ensure clarity, avoid delays, and control costs. A transparent contract can save you 30% and keep your 2025 project on track.
FAQ
How long does implementation take? – 2–4 weeks for contract setup; 3–6 months for the project.
What does it cost? – $10,000–$20,000 for contract prep; project costs vary.
Do I need a dedicated specialist? – A project manager helps, but a good software house can guide you.
