What Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Software Development Partner

Hiring a Software Development Company? Ask These Questions First

Picking the right software development company can make a big difference to your project. Whether you’re a startup on a budget or a large company going through digital changes, asking the right questions helps you choose a partner — not just someone to write code. Making sure they have the right skills, communicate clearly, and are dependable can help you avoid costly problems later.

Here’s a practical checklist of what to ask before signing the dotted line.

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

When hiring a software development partner, it’s easy to just look at price or past work. But looking closer shows important details about how well they fit your project. Knowing this can help make the partnership smoother and more successful.

• • How well they understand your business goals
  • Their technical expertise and ability to deliver on time
  • Communication, collaboration, and culture fit
  • Risk mitigation, support, and long-term scalability

Just like you wouldn’t hire someone without an interview, don’t choose a development company without checking them properly first.

Essential Questions to Ask a Software Development Company

1. What’s Your Experience With Projects Like Ours?

Why ask this: You need to find out if they’ve worked on problems like yours before. Experience in your industry can save time and lower risks.

Look for:

• • Relevant case studies or client success stories
  • Domain-specific challenges they’ve tackled
  • Reusable knowledge that can benefit your project

You can also check their past projects in similar industries. See how businesses used these solutions in our blog on Scalable IT Solutions for SMBs.

2. Who Will Actually Work on Our Project?

Why ask this: Many companies outsource or subcontract work, so the team you meet during the pitch might not be the one actually building your product.

Ask about:

• • Team structure: developers, project managers, designers
  • Staff seniority and time zone overlap
  • Use of staff augmentation vs. in-house teams 

3. What’s Your Process for Communication and Project Management?

Why ask this: Clear communication and teamwork are key to a successful project. You need regular updates before problems happen — not fixes after something goes wrong.

Probe deeper into:

• • Agile or Scrum methodologies used
  • Project tracking tools (e.g. Jira, Trello, ClickUp)
  • Frequency of updates, sprint cycles, stakeholder check-ins

Want to know which tools to use? Check out our list of the Best Tools for Project Planning.

4. How Do You Ensure Code Quality and Testing?

Why ask this: Buggy software leads to technical debt and rising maintenance costs. Their QA process must be structured and well-resourced.

Ask for clarity on:

• • Use of automated testing tools and frameworks
  • Security testing protocols
  • Performance metrics and regression testing practices

We break down advanced tools in our post on QA Automation with Playwright.

5. What Happens If the Project Goes Off Track?

Why ask this: Delays and budget shifts happen. A professional custom software company plans for contingency.

Ask about:

• • Change request policies
  • Scope creep management
  • Refunds or course-correction measures

Tip: Learn about common outsourcing pitfalls in Things to Consider Before Outsourcing a Software Project.

Don’t Skip These Final Checks

Even if a development partner sounds perfect, always ask:

Can You Provide References or Case Studies?

Review client testimonials, especially those with measurable impact.

What’s Your Timeline and Budget Estimate?

Don’t just ask for a quote — ask how they calculated it. Transparent estimates reflect their planning maturity.

What Will Ownership and IP Rights Look Like?

Ensure your business retains full ownership of code, designs, and deliverables post-project.

What Happens If You Don’t Ask These Questions?

Skipping these key questions might save time at first — but it can lead to big problems later. Not checking a software development company properly can cause:

• • Misaligned expectations
  • Budget overruns and missed deadlines
  • Poor code quality and lack of testing
  • Legal complications around IP ownership
  • Ongoing frustration due to communication issues

In short, not asking the right questions can hurt your project and your business reputation. A little time spent checking things early can save you from months of extra work, delays, and surprise costs.

Red Flags to Watch Out For When Hiring a Software Company

Not every vendor will tell you their weak points — but some red flags are too important to miss. Watch out if the company you’re considering:

• • Avoids giving direct answers to timeline or process questions
  • Promises unrealistic delivery speeds without a discovery phase
  • Lacks case studies or client testimonials
  • Can’t clearly define who will be on your team
  • Is vague about code ownership or post-launch support
  • Pushes a one-size-fits-all model, regardless of your unique business needs

If these issues show up during early conversations, it’s often a sign to reconsider before moving forward.

Why Emvigo Could Be the Right Software Development Partner

At Emvigo, we believe great software comes from shared goals, open communication, and strong teamwork. We do more than just write code — we work closely with your team to create solutions that fix real business problems.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• • UK-Based Project Management with global delivery capabilities
  • Flexible team models including staff augmentation, dedicated teams, or full-cycle development
  • Proven experience in AI tools, eCommerce, mobile apps, and enterprise systems
  • Transparent pricing and clear ownership of IP and deliverables
  • Focus on scalability, security, and long-term support

Whether you’re creating an MVP, updating old systems, or growing a digital platform, we provide custom solutions that grow with your needs.

Explore how our approach led to success in Smarter Software Development: The Gap Analysis Impact and see how startups launch faster in MVP in 4 Weeks

Looking for a software development company that understands your business as well as your tech stack? Let’s talk.

FAQ: Common Queries When Hiring a Software Development Partner

1. How do I evaluate if a software vendor is technically competent?

Look for detailed project portfolios, client references, and certifications. Don’t hesitate to ask for sample code or technical walkthroughs.

2. Should I choose a local development company or outsource abroad?

It depends on how complex your project is, your budget, and deadlines. Outsourcing can save money, but working with local teams makes communication easier. Many companies use both to get the best of both worlds.

3. What’s the risk of not owning the code after development?

If the agency holds the IP, you may face costly licensing or rework in the future. Always ensure code ownership clauses are part of your contract.

Make the Right Choice — Before You Code

Picking the right software development company isn’t just about price — it’s about trust, honesty, and working toward the same goals. Asking the right questions helps protect your investment and makes your project more likely to succeed in the long run.