Your time
Count the hours spent prompting, checking and resolving issues.
Home / Compare
The cost of DIY AI builds
Compare the full cost of vibe coding.
A tool subscription is one line in the budget. Include your time, hosting, external services, troubleshooting and ongoing changes. An agency fee buys a defined implementation scope; it does not remove every other cost.
For founders comparing tool fees with a development quote.
Get a scoped estimate ↗Work directly with Paul · Scope agreed before implementation
Illustrative workflow
01
Same requirements
02
All costs included
03
Compare both options
What changes when you hire help.
DIY, engineering or bothServices & usage
Include hosting, databases, email, payments and relevant usage charges.
Review & rework
Budget for checking the implementation and correcting what fails.
Keeping it running
Include monitoring, updates and the next person who changes the code.
Who handles what?
| Responsibility | AI builder alone | Forward Growth engagement |
|---|---|---|
| Initial spend | Tool subscriptions and setup time | Agreed planning and implementation fees |
| External services | Hosting and usage costs | Hosting and usage costs remain separate |
| Troubleshooting | Your time or outside assistance | Included only within the agreed scope |
| New features | Your time plus tools | A new scope or agreed support capacity |
Delivery
Small steps.
Visible progress.
- 01Share the brief
- 02Agree the scope
- 03Build & review
Pricing follows the scope. Existing code, integrations, content and release requirements affect the estimate. You’ll see deliverables, milestones and third-party costs before committing.
Useful answers.
Is hiring an agency cheaper?
Sometimes, but not always. Compare the same deliverables and account for your own time. There is no universal break-even point.
Can you give me a price from a screenshot?
A screenshot helps explain the interface. Data, integrations and behavior are also needed for a useful estimate.
What is separate from the development fee?
Hosting, third-party subscriptions, provider fees and ongoing work unless explicitly included in the proposal.
Your next step
Have a project
in mind?
Share what you need, what already exists and your timing. I’ll reply personally within one business day.
paul@forward-growth.com