Fixed-scope project
A defined first release for an agreed price. Best when the requirements are reasonably clear, such as a new internal tool, an integration or a first app version.
How we work
A straightforward way to build software
Clear scope, regular working versions, and no surprises on price. Here is what working with Gumtree Hill Solutions looks like, from the first email to ongoing support.
Discovery
A free initial call of about an hour to understand the problem, who will use the software, what exists today, and any deadlines or constraints. For larger projects, a short paid discovery phase produces a written specification and clickable screen designs.
Scope and quote
We agree what the first release includes and what is deliberately left for later. You receive a written proposal with either a fixed price or a time-and-materials estimate, a timeline and payment milestones.
Build and review
We build in one- to two-week cycles. At the end of each cycle you get a working version to try, a short progress note, and a chance to adjust priorities.
Launch and support
We handle deployment, app store submission and data migration, then hand over documentation. Ongoing support and improvements are available on a monthly agreement.
Engagement options
Ways to work together
Most clients start with a fixed-scope project and move to a support agreement after launch.
Time and materials
Billed for time spent against an agreed estimate and regular reporting. Suits evolving products, work on existing systems and projects where priorities will change.
Support and maintenance
A monthly agreement covering monitoring, security and dependency updates, operating system and app store changes, backups, and a set amount of development time.
Standards
How we build
The practices below are included in every project. They make software cheaper to own over its lifetime, not just cheaper to build.
- Version control and code review. All work is tracked in Git in a repository you own, with a history of every change.
- Automated testing and deployment. Key behaviour is covered by tests, and releases go through a repeatable pipeline rather than manual copying.
- Separate test and production environments. Changes are tried somewhere safe before they reach your users.
- Secure defaults. Encryption in transit and at rest, least-privilege access, secrets management and regular dependency updates.
- Privacy by design. We collect only the data the software needs and help you meet your obligations under the Australian Privacy Principles.
- Accessibility. Interfaces are built to recognised accessibility guidelines so they work with screen readers, keyboards and larger text.
- Documentation. Setup instructions, architecture notes and a runbook, so another developer could pick up the project.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Something else you would like to know? Contact us.
How much does a custom application cost?
It depends on the scope. A small internal tool or a focused integration may take a few weeks; a web platform with a companion mobile app takes longer. After an initial conversation we provide a written estimate or fixed-price quote for the first release, so you know the cost before any work begins.
How long does a project take?
Small tools and integrations are often delivered in two to six weeks. A first release of a larger web or mobile application is typically two to four months. We would rather release a smaller, useful first version early and improve it than spend a year building everything at once.
Who owns the source code?
You do. Intellectual property created specifically for your project is assigned to you once the related invoices are paid. The code is stored in a repository you control, and hosting and app store accounts are set up in your organisation’s name.
Can you publish our app on the App Store and Google Play?
Yes. We prepare builds, test versions, store listings and privacy details, and submit the app for review. Apps are published under your organisation’s own developer accounts so the listing and its reviews belong to you.
Can you take over or fix software someone else built?
Yes. We start with a short paid review of the existing code, hosting and documentation, then recommend whether to maintain, improve or replace it.
Do you sign non-disclosure agreements?
Yes. We are happy to sign a reasonable NDA before you share details of your idea or business, and we treat all client information as confidential whether or not an NDA is in place.
Do you work with clients outside Queensland?
Yes. We work with clients across Australia, and occasionally overseas. Most of our communication happens by video call, email and shared project tools, with face-to-face meetings in South East Queensland where useful.
What happens after launch?
You can choose an ongoing support agreement covering hosting, monitoring, security updates, operating system and app store changes, and small improvements. If you prefer to take the software in-house, we provide a full handover.
Start a conversation
Have a project in mind?
Tell us what you are trying to do and we will come back to you with questions, an initial view on approach, and the next step.