10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an App Developer (From a Studio That Has Shipped 8 Apps)
Hiring the wrong app developer is one of the most expensive mistakes a business can make. We have seen projects abandoned after $30,000+ in wasted spend because the client did not ask the right questions upfront.
As a studio that has shipped 8 apps on the App Store — from AI utilities to educational tools to games — we know what separates a developer who will deliver from one who will not. These are the ten questions we wish every client asked before hiring anyone (including us).
See the result of a good development process
SnapFix: AI Home Repair Help
SnapFix went through the exact process described above — discovery, design, development, testing, and ongoing support. The result: a polished AI-powered home repair app with a 4.7-star rating on the App Store.
1. Can I download your apps right now?
This is the most important question and it eliminates 80% of problematic developers immediately. A developer who has live, downloadable apps on the App Store or Google Play has proven they can complete the entire development lifecycle — not just write code, but design, test, submit, and get approved.
Ask for 2-3 specific apps you can download and test yourself. Pay attention to the details: Is the UI polished? Does it feel responsive? Are there obvious bugs? The quality of their existing apps is the best predictor of what your app will look like.
Developers who only show mockups, screenshots, or 'projects for clients under NDA' without any publicly verifiable work are a significant risk. If they cannot show you anything you can test, they may not have the experience they claim.
2-3. What is your development process, and how will I be involved?
A good developer should be able to explain their process clearly in plain language: discovery, design, development, testing, launch, and support. If they cannot articulate a structured process, they are likely winging it.
Ask specifically how often you will receive updates (weekly is standard), how you will review progress (test builds, staging links), and at which points you can provide feedback. You want a developer who builds in checkpoints — not one who disappears for three months and delivers a finished product that misses the mark.
Also ask what tools they use for communication and project management. Slack or email for daily communication, and a tool like Linear, Jira, or Notion for task tracking gives you visibility into what is being worked on and what is coming next.
4-5. What happens if the project goes over budget or over time?
Every project encounters unexpected challenges. The question is whether the developer has a fair process for handling them.
For fixed-price contracts, ask what happens if the scope changes mid-project. A good developer will document the change, estimate the additional cost, and get your approval before proceeding — never just bill you for extra hours without discussion.
For hourly-rate contracts, ask about budget caps and early warning systems. A responsible developer will alert you when the project is at 70-80% of the estimated budget, giving you time to adjust scope or approve additional spend.
Ask about their track record: what percentage of their projects are delivered on time and on budget? An honest answer is more valuable than a perfect one.
6-7. Who owns the code, and what tech stack will you use?
You should own 100% of the code, design files, and assets after final payment. This is non-negotiable. Some developers retain code ownership or charge licensing fees — walk away from these arrangements.
Ask for the tech stack in plain terms. For iOS: Swift and SwiftUI are current best practices. For Android: Kotlin with Jetpack Compose. For web: React or Next.js with TypeScript. If a developer proposes outdated technologies (Objective-C for iOS, Java for Android, jQuery for web), they may not be keeping up with the industry.
Also ask whether the code will include documentation. Well-documented code means another developer can take over the project if needed. Undocumented code creates vendor lock-in.
8-10. What happens after launch?
Launching an app is the beginning, not the end. Ask three post-launch questions:
8. Do you offer a warranty period? A good developer includes 30 days of free bug fixes after launch. This is standard practice and covers issues that only emerge with real users.
9. What are your ongoing maintenance options? Apps need regular updates for OS compatibility, security patches, and performance optimisation. Ask for monthly or quarterly maintenance pricing.
10. Will you be available for future feature development? If the developer builds version one, you want them available for version two. Ask about their capacity and commitment to long-term relationships.
A developer who is evasive about post-launch support may be planning to move on immediately after delivery, leaving you without technical support when you need it most.
Frequently asked questions
How do I verify an app developer's experience?
Download their apps from the App Store or Google Play and test them yourself. Check their App Store developer page for the number of published apps, ratings, and last update dates. A developer with multiple live, well-rated apps has proven delivery capability.
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
Freelancers and small studios typically cost 40-60% less than agencies for the same deliverables. Agencies add value for very large projects requiring multiple teams, but for MVPs and small-to-mid-complexity apps, a skilled freelancer or small studio is often the better investment.
What is a fair warranty period for app development?
30 days of free bug fixes after launch is standard. Some studios offer 60-90 days. This warranty should cover bugs and issues in the delivered scope — not new features or scope changes.
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All Kinexapps apps are free to download on the App Store. No subscriptions, no paywalls.