On this page
- 01Key takeaways
- 02What should you ask a web designer about cost?
- 03The 12 cost questions
- 04Which answers should worry you?
- 05How do the answers help you compare?
- 06When is a shorter conversation enough?
- 07What does this look like in practice?
- 08Cost question checklist
- 09Next step
- 10Sources and further reading
- 11Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
Before hiring a web designer, ask 12 cost questions covering what is included, what is excluded, running costs, ownership and how changes are charged. The answers reveal the true total and the risks behind a headline price. Ask them in writing and use the replies to compare suppliers like for like.
- Ask what is included and excluded.
- Ask about running costs for three years.
- Ask who owns the domain, design and content.
- Ask how changes and extra work are charged.
Want the 12 questions as a template? Message us on WhatsApp.
Chat on WhatsApp →What should you ask a web designer about cost?
Ask what the price includes and excludes, how many days it assumes, what running costs follow, who owns the work, how changes are charged and what happens if you leave. These questions turn a headline price into a full picture you can compare.
The 12 cost questions
Send these 12 questions to every supplier you are considering, and compare the written answers.
- What exactly is included in the price?
- What is excluded or extra?
- How many days does the price assume?
- Who writes the copy and supplies images?
- How many revision rounds are included?
- What are hosting and care costs each month?
- Which licences will I pay for yearly?
- How are changes during the build charged?
- What is your rate for work after launch?
- Is there a fix period after launch?
- Who owns the domain, design, code and content?
- What does it cost to leave or move supplier?
Want help reading the answers you get? Message us on WhatsApp and we will discuss your requirements.
Chat on WhatsApp →Which answers should worry you?
Worry if answers are vague, if the supplier will own the domain or design, if running costs are "to be confirmed", or if there is no rate for changes. Each leaves cost or risk with you after signing.
How do the answers help you compare?
The answers let you build a comparison table with the same rows for each supplier, add three-year running costs and see true totals. A supplier with a higher build price and clearer answers often costs less overall.
When is a shorter conversation enough?
A shorter conversation is enough for small fixed packages with published inclusions. Still ask about ownership, running costs and exit, which matter whatever the size.
What does this look like in practice?
At Global Bridge Labs (GBL), a UK dog daycare sent our 12 questions to three suppliers. One could not say who would own the design; another listed hosting as "TBC". The third answered every question in a page, and despite a higher build price, cost the least over three years.
Cost question checklist
- Send all 12 questions in writing.
- Compare answers side by side.
- Flag vague or missing answers.
- Add three-year running costs.
- Check ownership and exit answers.
- Choose on clarity and value.
Next step
Copy the 12 questions into an email and send them to each supplier on your shortlist before your next call.
Message us on WhatsApp for the 12 cost questions template, or book a 30-minute consultation.
Chat on WhatsApp →Sources and further reading
- Consumer Rights Act 2015 · legislation.gov.uk
- How copyright protects your work · GOV.UK
- Late commercial payments: charging interest and debt recovery · GOV.UK
Frequently asked questions
What questions should I ask a web designer before hiring?
Ask what the price includes and excludes, how many days it assumes, who supplies content, how many revisions are included, what hosting, care and licences cost, how changes are charged, whether there is a fix period, who owns the work and what leaving would cost.
How do I know a web designer's price is fair?
Ask for the days behind the price and check the day rate against market ranges, then compare inclusions and three-year running costs with other quotes against the same scope. A fair price is clearly explained, matches the work involved and leaves no major costs unstated.
Should a web designer give a fixed price?
For a clear scope, a fixed price is reasonable and gives you certainty. The designer should also explain how changes outside the scope are charged. For uncertain projects, a paid discovery phase followed by a fixed build price is often the fairest approach.
Written by
Global Bridge Labs (GBL) is a UK–Sri Lanka partner for social media, websites and BPO. Everything here comes from client delivery, not theory.
