Choosing whether to build custom software, buy a SaaS product, or migrate off a system that no longer fits is rarely one decision. It is a stack of smaller ones about cost, risk, scope, and who you trust. These tools and worksheets are the same frameworks we use with Seattle-area clients.
Tools & Resources
Interactive estimators and free PDF worksheets for Seattle SMBs evaluating custom software. No email gate, no sales pitch.
Interactive tools
Run these in the browser. Save progress, copy results, and bring them into a team conversation or a consultation.
Project Cost Estimator
Get a planning-range estimate for portals, dashboards, automation, and APIs based on real project bands.
Build vs Buy Calculator
Compare five-year SaaS TCO against a custom build and see where the break-even point lands.
Vendor Selection Scorecard
Score any development vendor on eight weighted criteria and walk away with a clear verdict band.
Migration Readiness Assessment
Answer ten questions, get a 0–100 readiness score, and a gap checklist before you switch systems.
Admin Panel Feature Checklist
Check the features your internal tool needs, estimate build complexity, and export a scope summary.
Evaluating software options
PDF worksheets for figuring out whether to buy, build, or extend.
Worksheet
Custom Portal ROI Calculator
A 5-year build-vs-buy worksheet. Fill in your numbers and see when custom development pays for itself, including soft costs you usually forget.
- •Off-the-shelf vs custom side-by-side
- •Soft-cost calculation (manual workarounds, errors, lost opportunities)
- •Decision rule of thumb included
Scorecard
Vendor Selection Scorecard
Score any software option on 8 criteria in 15 minutes. Built-in red flags for the demo and the contract.
- •8 criteria × 3 options scored 1–5
- •Red flags to watch in demos and contracts
- •Decision thresholds explained
Planning a project
Printable frameworks for getting a custom software project started right.
Playbook
The 4-Phase Data Migration Playbook
The exact 4-phase process for switching business systems without losing data, breaking workflows, or causing downtime. Includes a readiness scorecard.
- •Audit → Plan → Migrate → Validate
- •Key questions + success criteria per phase
- •10-item readiness scorecard
Checklist
Admin Panel Feature Checklist
12 features every internal admin panel should have. Score your current tool (or your spec for a new one) and find what you're missing.
- •12 must-have features with definitions
- •What 'good' looks like per feature
- •Priority by team size (2–5, 5–20, 20+ users)
Hiring help
Vetting guides for choosing the right developer or agency.
Checklist
Developer Vetting Checklist
20 questions that expose red flags before you sign. Plus 8 contract clauses to insist on and a list of walk-away signals.
- •12 questions to ask in the first conversation
- •8 contract clauses to insist on
- •Walk-away signals in conversation and proposal
Want help applying any of these to your business?
Schedule a free consultation. Send a worksheet or tool output ahead of time and we will work through your situation together.
