Questions
Straight answers before you start.
Pricing, timelines, ownership, publishing, and what happens after launch.
What does Columbus App Builders do?
We design and build custom apps and digital systems — booking and intake tools, operational platforms, internal workflows, and customer-facing products — for businesses in Columbus, Georgia and beyond.
How much does an app cost?
We don't price screens, we price systems. Pricing is scope-driven. Launch builds start at $2,999+ for focused applications. Business builds generally run about $5,000–$20,000+ for workflows, data, integrations, payments and role-based functionality. Custom platforms generally run $10,000–$20,000+ and can go higher for advanced platforms, SaaS products and intelligent systems. These ranges are not hard maximums. Third-party software, infrastructure, integrations and ongoing service costs may be included in CAB Managed plans when appropriate.
What is free, and what does the Blueprint cost?
Your Idea Snapshot is free: we summarise your idea and what we'd explore first, at no cost and with nothing to order. Every CAB project then begins with a Blueprint, and CAB decides which one applies from the size of your project. The Launch Blueprint is $499 for focused Launch Builds. The full Blueprint is $999 for Business and Platform projects. Every dollar you pay becomes project credit toward your build for 12 months, and if your build costs less than the Blueprint the leftover stays as credit for those 12 months — usable on changes, Managed App Care, or a future build. Your build estimate and timeline arrive inside the Blueprint, not before it. Read the full Blueprint explainer at columbusappbuilders.com/blueprint.
How long does a build take?
Small builds are often finished in days. Business applications typically take a few weeks. Platforms depend on scope. Your Blueprint includes an estimated development range based on what your idea actually needs.
How does the App Planner and estimate code work?
You describe your idea in your own words and get a free Idea Snapshot. To continue, you unlock your Blueprint — $499 for Launch-range projects, $999 for Business and Platform projects, credited toward your build. We then ask a short set of questions and produce your Blueprint with a recommended build class, core systems, price range and timeline, plus a code like CAB-8F42K — use it when you contact us or activate your client portal.
What is a CAB Pre-Built system?
A Pre-Built is a sophisticated system we have already engineered — architecture, database, workflows, admin, authentication and automation are done. We personalize the branding, configure your business settings, roles, workflows and connected services, then deploy it. Pre-Built systems run $1,500–$6,000+ depending on sophistication, and they are not templates. Substantial new functionality outside the product's configuration scope is quoted separately.
Do I own my app?
Yes — the application we build for you is yours, and ownership transfers once your project is fully paid for. You keep ownership of your idea, your brand, your content, your data and your accounts throughout. CAB keeps ownership of its own internal tooling, templates and frameworks, exactly as set out in our Idea Terms.
What is Managed App Care?
Managed App Care keeps your app healthy after launch: managed hosting, 24/7 automated uptime and security monitoring, backups, weekly security and performance maintenance, and developer support. Launch Care is $59/month, Business Care $149/month, Platform Care starts at $399/month, and Intelligence Care starts at $750/month for qualifying AI and agentic systems.
Is new development included in Managed App Care?
No. Care keeps your existing application running well. New features and expansions are scoped and quoted separately, so you always know what you're approving.
Can you publish to the Apple App Store and Google Play?
Yes. We handle store-ready builds, listing details, and submission when your project needs native distribution. Many businesses launch on the web first and add stores later — your blueprint recommends the right path.
What do you need from me to get started?
A clear description of what you want the app to do. From there we handle the architecture. Later we'll collect brand details, content, and any store or hosting access through your client portal checklist.
Where are you located?
1190 Front Ave, Columbus, GA 31901. We work with local businesses in person and with clients elsewhere remotely.
How do I check on my project?
Sign in to the Client Portal and activate your project with your CAB estimate code. You'll see your build stage, blueprint, required information, files, deployment status, updates, and messages in one place.
Still have a question?
Ask about pricing, timelines, App Care, publishing, or how we work. Answers come straight from how Columbus App Builders actually operates.