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KCD Guide

How to choose a software house: what to check before you sign

You can recognise a good software house by the fact that it asks about your problem before giving a price, shows similar projects with a description of the results, and puts the scope, schedule, price and the rules for handing over the code into the contract.

Updated: 30 October 2026

What should you check in case studies and references?

Look for projects similar to yours in terms of the problem, not just the industry. A good case study says what the client had at the start, what was built and what changed. A reference letter or a conversation with a client is stronger evidence than a logo on a website.

What should you ask on the first call?

  • who will run the project and who will be my contact
  • how the work is organised: stages, progress demos, acceptance
  • how often I will see a working version
  • what the price includes and what is paid separately: licences, hosting, subscriptions
  • how copyright is transferred and when I get the code
  • what happens after launch: fixes, support, response times

How do you compare quotes from several companies?

Compare the scope, not just the amount. Ask each company for a list of features, a schedule and its assumptions, and then check what the cheaper offer leaves out. On a large project a reliable company first gives a price range and proposes an analysis, and only then a binding price.

What should a contract with a software house include?

  • scope of work, schedule and acceptance procedure
  • price and payment terms, including for scope changes
  • transfer of economic copyright and handover of the source code
  • rules for fixes after acceptance
  • rules for support and further development after launch
  • a data processing agreement if the contractor has access to personal data

Which signs should worry you?

  • a price given without questions about the scope
  • no contract, or a contract without a description of the work
  • the code and server access stay only with the contractor
  • no working version to look at for many weeks
  • no case studies you can verify

Frequently asked questions

A software house or a freelancer?

A freelancer works well for small, well-defined tasks. A software house gives continuity when a project needs several skills at once and support after launch. See details

How does KCD Studio work?

A project starts with a free call and a quote, usually within 48 hours. A clickable prototype is made before development, and during the work we show progress every week. The scope, deadline and price are set out in a contract with KCD STUDIO sp. z o.o. See details

Let's talk about your project.

The conversation and the quote are free and non-binding.

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