Pakistan has hundreds of software houses, from two-person studios to large export firms. Most can show a polished portfolio. Far fewer can deliver on time, on budget and with code you can keep using for years. These ten questions help you tell the difference before you sign.
1. Who will actually work on my project?
Ask whether the work is done by an in-house team or passed to freelancers. Ask to meet the project manager and the lead developer. A company that is comfortable introducing its people is usually comfortable being accountable for them.
2. Will I get a written scope and a fixed quote?
A vague proposal leads to a vague result. Look for a document that lists features, screens, integrations, timelines and what is not included. A fixed quote based on that scope protects both sides.
3. Who owns the source code and designs?
The answer should be: you do, once the project is paid. Make sure the contract says so, and that you will receive access to the code repository, design files, hosting and domain accounts.
4. How will I see progress?
Good teams show working software every week or two, usually on a staging link you can open at any time. If the first time you see your product is the launch date, the risk is far too high.
5. How many revision rounds are included?
Revisions are normal. Ask how many rounds are included in the price for design and development, and how extra changes are quoted. This avoids disagreements later.
6. How do you test before launch?
Ask which devices and browsers are tested, whether there is a separate QA step, and how bugs are reported. A software house without a testing process is relying on your customers to find problems.
7. What happens after launch?
Every website and app needs updates, security patches and backups. Ask what the warranty period covers, and what a monthly maintenance plan costs and includes.
8. How do you handle security and my data?
Ask about HTTPS, password storage, backups and who can access your servers. If they will handle customer data, ask whether they will sign a non-disclosure agreement.
9. Can I speak to a past client?
Portfolios show the final result. A short call with a previous client tells you what the process was really like: communication, deadlines and how problems were solved.
10. Are you a registered business?
Working with a registered company gives you proper invoices and a clear party to contract with. In Pakistan, ask for the business's FBR registration and office address.
A simple way to compare
Send the same short brief to two or three companies and compare the answers to these questions side by side. The best partner is rarely the cheapest or the most expensive. It is the one whose answers are clearest.
At Elevate Labs we answer all ten in our first proposal. If you would like to see one for your project, send us a brief.