Process, ownership & care

Know what you’re building. Know what comes next.

A practical guide to discussing a Smoketown Software project: the initial estimate, project scope, domain access, hosting, maintenance, and handoff.

On this page
  1. How do we start?
  2. Who owns the website and domain?
  3. Are hosting and maintenance included?
  4. How many revisions are included?
  5. How long will a project take?
  6. What should be checked at handoff?
  7. Plan your next step.

How do we start?

Tell Cody and Jonathan what you need and share your existing website or a description of the workflow. We offer a free estimate and quote the work before starting. Our quote checklist helps you prepare that first conversation.

Who owns the website and domain?

Domain registration, website files, content, and third-party licenses are separate things. Confirm who controls each account, what transfers to you, and what access you receive in your project agreement. Keep a record of the domain registrar and renewal responsibility.

Are hosting and maintenance included?

Confirm those items in your quote. Hosting keeps a site available; maintenance concerns changes and upkeep after launch. Ask which services are included, which have recurring charges, and how a future change request is handled.

How many revisions are included?

The revision allowance and approval steps should be part of the agreed scope. Collect feedback from the people who need to approve the website so that changes can be discussed together. New pages or functionality may require a scope update.

How long will a project take?

Discuss a schedule for your project rather than assuming a fixed turnaround. Content readiness, required features, feedback, and access to existing accounts all affect launch planning. Tell us about a deadline during the estimate conversation.

What should be checked at handoff?

Confirm contact details, test forms and phone links, review the mobile layout, and document who handles future changes. Keep account access and renewal information somewhere your business can retrieve it. Use our website launch checklist for a fuller walkthrough.

Plan your next step.

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