Estimating cost to hire a programmer

[justhopingandsearching]

I have all these ideas for programs I would like to create and have on my website, but the thing is I have no clue what the first step would be in writing these programs. So, I decided why not just hire someone to do it for me, but before hiring I was wondering if there was a way to figure out how much a program or project would approximately cost. For example, if I wanted someone to create for me a personalized forum or flashcard program, how much would it cost?

[Curtis2011]

Originally Posted by justhopingandsearching

I have all these ideas for programs I would like to create and have on my website, but the thing is I have no clue what the first step would be in writing these programs. So, I decided why not just hire someone to do it for me, but before hiring I was wondering if there was a way to figure out how much a program or project would approximately cost. For example, if I wanted someone to create for me a personalized forum or flashcard program, how much would it cost?

As far as forums go, there are already so many already-existing programs out there that people can use, you could probably pay an expert like $50 for 2 hours to set one up for you from a pre-packaged thing, instead of potentially $1000's for him to create one from scratch.

For other things, I would suggest going to Elance.com or Rentacoder.com and looking through jobs that other people have listed, and look at how much they expect to pay for the job. This will give you an idea of what they are worth.

[ellie]

How long is a piece of string? It can vary so much, but the best thing to do, would to be really clear about your brief and requirements, that way you can get a realistic quote. Then on top of that you have to factor in the different rates between programmers. You also have to think about what framework you need your applications need to be created in. Some more specific frameworks will cost a lot more.

It might be good to research what certain programs are needed for what you want as well, like will you just need HTML and CSS, or would you need something like ruby-on-rails?

[Lil Chris]

I agree with Curtis, you can use an already established forum, pay to have someone install it, and the next step may be pay to have it customized as far as colors. Take this forum for example, it's displayed in it's standard colors, but could be redone in custom colors to match your site scheme.

The thing with designers and developers, is to be thorough in the contract. If you don't know what you want, you can discuss it with the developer.

A good developer should have you do some sort of contract (this protects you both and keeps a clear understanding of what was discussed). You might have to pay say half up front (maybe not). The things I as a developer need to be aware of are things like scope creep. This is where a specific outline is established, and the client decides to make changes along the way, which is normal, but must be kept in check, this keeps the developer from doing a bunch of extra work for "free" or doing things multiple times.

Communication is also a good thing, so be prepared to answer questions along the way should they arise.

Another thing is to ask what's available if you don't know. If you've got an idea of what you want, look around the internet for examples and pass those along to your developer (ex. "this is what I had in mind").

One last thing, there is a difference between designer and developer. A designer makes things look good, a developer makes things work. Some are great at coding, but have no sense of style. There are some folks who do both. With that said, some designers think they know best, so make sure they will take your designs (if you have any) and put them to use. Ask questions, ask questions, ask questions...

Just like anything, everybody has an opinion, find one that you agree with or makes sense to you...

[justhopingandsearching]

Ok thanks everyone. I already know exactly how I want these programs to look and function, but I didn't want to post up a job offer only to cancel it because I couldn't afford it at that moment. So, yeah I'll start working out everything I want done on paper, and once finished post it as a job. On these websites is it possible to develop a permanent relationship with a specific developer and/or designer because I have so many ideas I would like to try out on my website to see if people do or don't like them.

[Lil Chris]

Originally Posted by justhopingandsearching

On these websites is it possible to develop a permanent relationship with a specific developer and/or designer because I have so many ideas I would like to try out on my website to see if people do or don't like them.

I would say yes.

[Surfing]

To add, you should bring those things that Lil said when you interview developers that will bid for your project. Also keep in mind that lowest bidders are not really ideal. You will get what you pay for, so be smart.

Never outsource activities that can directly impact your business and customers or clients if you will have any soon. You can outsource them though if your developers are really reliable and trustworthy.

[Peter T]

Originally Posted by justhopingandsearching

I have all these ideas for programs I would like to create and have on my website, but the thing is I have no clue what the first step would be in writing these programs. So, I decided why not just hire someone to do it for me, but before hiring I was wondering if there was a way to figure out how much a program or project would approximately cost. For example, if I wanted someone to create for me a personalized forum or flashcard program, how much would it cost?

I often hire people on Freelance sites. It costs around 7 to 10 bucks / hour.

[Brutha]

I often hire people on Freelance sites. It costs around 7 to 10 bucks / hour.

That's completely meaningless for someone who doesn't know the amount of effort that it requires to program the thing.

With that said, some designers think they know best, so make sure they will take your designs (if you have any) and put them to use.

They actually might know best.
If you don't have any design experience and hire a professional designer than it might be a good idea to follow their advice.

[designer]

I agree with Brutha, if you hire a professional designer, your best bet is to take their advice. There are standards and best practices in web design that you have to understand and follow.

I also agree with Lil Chris that there is a difference between a designer and a programmer. So you may need to hire both a front-end (the look and feel) designer as well as a back-end (functionality) programmer.

[splok]

Also, keep in mind that the productivity gap between a bad programmer and a great one can be MUCH, MUCH larger than you might expect, so it's not always easy to compare prices. Of course, it can be hard to tell the difference if you're not a great programmer yourself, so I would recommend speccing out whatever you want done in as much detail as possible and then solicit bids on the entire project completed and ready to go. Also be sure to cover in the discussion how future bugs/issues/updates will be handled.

[GraemeMcA]

Originally Posted by Brutha

If you don't have any design experience and hire a professional designer than it might be a good idea to follow their advice.

I couldn't agree more!! Find someone you can trust and stick with them. I've seen systems built up over time by numerous freelancers (some being sound developers, some cowboys) - It's not pretty. When it comes to scaling these things up and adding functionality.. time and money go down the drain!!!

Be very wary of anyone who says "yes" too quickly. A good developer will want a long conversation, may pick a few holes in your concept and is very likely to ask a lot of questions about where you see your project going in a few months or years.

If your not technically minded - references and a portfolio are your most valuable source of information. The references especially, just because a site looks "cool" doesn't mean it works well, the backend and CMS could be falling apart.

In conclusion - be careful and think "Value for Money" rather than "low hourly rate".