FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we are asked most often about pricing, timelines, platforms, hosting and working with us.
Pricing and quotes
Every project is priced individually because the requirements are different. The final cost depends on the scope, platform, design complexity, content, functionality and integrations involved. Once we understand what your business needs, we’ll recommend the right approach and provide a clear, detailed quotation.
Fixed packages tend to either overcharge simple projects or fall short on more complex ones. We prefer to understand the requirement, then quote it accurately.
A deposit is generally required to confirm a project and reserve time in the schedule — commonly 50% — with the balance normally due before the website goes live. Larger projects may be structured in milestone payments, and the individual quotation takes precedence.
Quotations are generally valid for seven days, and accepted pricing is generally honoured for around 30 days before a project commences. Significant delays may require pricing to be reviewed.
Timelines and process
A typical website project takes approximately four to six weeks when content, information and feedback are supplied on time. eCommerce websites, digital solutions, integrations and custom development usually take longer.
A project generally moves from an initial enquiry and understanding your requirements, through discovery where needed, to a proposal and quotation, then design, development, review and testing, and launch. The amount of discovery and planning depends on the complexity of the project.
Mainly content, information and timely feedback. We generally ask for requested information or feedback within around five business days, because delays in either affect the schedule. Changes introduced during a project can also affect the timeline and cost.
We confirm timelines for the individual project rather than guaranteeing a date in advance, because delivery depends on scope, feedback and any changes made along the way.
Platforms and technology
It depends on the requirement rather than on a preferred technology. We consider the functionality involved, who will manage the website, integrations, budget and ongoing costs, and the realistic future needs of the business. We work with WordPress, WooCommerce, Shopify, Wix and custom React (Lovable) development, and we are a Wix Legend Partner.
Not automatically. The requirements drive the cost more than the platform does, and hosted platforms carry subscription costs while self-hosted platforms carry hosting and maintenance costs. We set out the likely ongoing costs when quoting.
Yes. Rebuilds and migrations can include content, products, customer information, orders, URLs and SEO considerations. We only recommend a migration where the benefits justify the work involved.
Hosting, domains and email
Hosting, domains, DNS, SSL and business email may be arranged as separate services depending on the project. WordPress and WooCommerce websites require appropriate hosting, while Wix and Shopify include hosting within their platform subscriptions.
Maintenance and ongoing support
Ongoing maintenance and support can include updates, security, backups and technical assistance. What is appropriate depends on the platform and the agreement in place.
Ownership, access and third-party accounts are confirmed as part of the individual project agreement, so that you know exactly what is handed over at launch.
Working with Stonehut
Yes. Projects are run remotely with online meetings, shared documents and regular review points, and we serve clients across South Africa and internationally.
Yes. Many enquiries start with a problem rather than a specification. We work through what you are trying to achieve and recommend an approach — which sometimes means a smaller project than expected.
No. AI is useful where information needs to be interpreted, but many processes are better served by conventional automation or a simpler change. We recommend AI only where it genuinely helps.
Send us an enquiry describing what you want to build or improve. We will ask a few questions to understand the scope, then prepare a proposal and quotation.
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