Common questions
Freelance web development in Canada, answered.
Everything about pricing, process, ownership and what it's like working with johncolindesigns.
How much does a freelance web developer cost in Canada?
Rates vary by project type and scope. In Canada, a custom landing page typically starts around $2,000, a business site around $6,000 and a web app or e-commerce build around $15,000. My prices are fixed 15% below those market averages, so you know exactly what you'll pay before work starts.
What is your web development process?
It starts with discovery: goals, audience and scope. Then I design the layouts and a small design system in the browser, build a responsive and accessible front end, and wire it to whatever backend the project needs. After launch, I keep the site monitored, updated and improving.
How long does a website take to build?
Landing pages usually take 1–2 weeks, business sites 3–5 weeks, and web apps or e-commerce builds 6–12 weeks. The exact timeline depends on how quickly feedback and content arrive, which is why I fix the schedule at the quote stage.
Do I own the finished website?
Yes. The code, design files, domain and hosting accounts are all in your name from day one. I use familiar, open standards and keep everything well-documented so you or another developer can take it over if you ever need to.
What makes working with a freelancer different from an agency?
You deal with one person who designs, codes and maintains the project. There are no account managers, no handoffs and no junior staff learning on your budget. The work is faster to align, easier to talk through and I stay accountable for it after launch.
Why not just use Squarespace, Wix or WordPress themes?
Page builders and themes are fast to start but slow to grow. They often load extra scripts, fight with unique branding and make you dependent on a platform. A custom site is faster, more flexible, built for your specific conversion goals and owned outright by you.
What payment terms do you use?
Most projects use a 50% deposit to book the timeline and 50% on launch. Larger web app builds are split into milestone payments so cash flow stays predictable for both of us.
How many revisions are included?
Landing pages include two rounds, business sites three rounds, and larger web apps include revisions tied to each milestone. Revisions are for design and layout refinements; adding new features or whole new sections after the quote is scoped as a separate change request.
Will my site show up on Google?
Every site I build includes technical SEO: clean semantic markup, structured data, fast load times, Core Web Vitals and mobile-first indexing. I also set up analytics and search console so you can see how it performs.
Do you host and maintain the site after launch?
Yes. I host the sites I build and offer care and maintenance packages that include hosting oversight, updates, backups, monitoring and small monthly improvements. Every live site I manage stays under regular care.
Do you work with Canadian clients outside Vancouver?
Absolutely. I work with businesses across Canada by video call, shared documents and asynchronous feedback. Time zone alignment makes it easy to stay in touch from coast to coast.
What tech stack do you use?
I work with React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Next.js, Node.js, PostgreSQL, Supabase, Stripe, Cloudflare and Figma. The stack is chosen to match the project — not the other way around.
Contact
Let's build something
worth visiting.
Tell me about your project — a new site, a rebuild, or ongoing maintenance. I reply within one business day with next steps and a clear quote.
- hello@johncolindesigns.com
- Availability
- Taking new projects