What to Look For Before Hiring a Web Designer

Hiring a web designer is a bit like hiring a contractor — the price matters, but it's not the only thing that determines whether you end up happy or stuck. A few questions upfront can save you from a much more expensive problem later.

Do you actually own what they build?

Ask directly: who owns the domain, the hosting account, and the source files once the project is done? Some agencies quietly keep the keys — the domain stays registered under their account, or the site only runs on their hosting — which means leaving them later means rebuilding from scratch. A designer who's comfortable handing over full access when you're done is a good sign. When Durays Dev wrapped up the J5 Beauty & Skincare project, that handover included giving up delegate domain access entirely — the client owns it outright, with nothing held back.

Is the price the whole price?

A quote that looks great upfront can turn into a very different number once monthly hosting fees, "premium" plugin costs, or a limited number of included revisions get added on. Ask what's actually included, and whether there's any recurring cost after launch.

Can you see real, relevant examples of their work?

A portfolio full of generic templates or work in a completely unrelated industry tells you less than a couple of examples close to your own type of business. Look for a designer whose past work actually resembles what you need, not just a long list of logos.

How do they handle communication?

Before you sign anything, notice how they respond during the sales conversation itself. Slow, vague answers now are usually a preview of what communication will be like once they've already been paid.