Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with 84EM -- services, pricing, process, security, and more.
What does 84EM do?
84EM is hired for work where mistakes are expensive: money moving through a system, personal data sitting in it, or a business that stops when it breaks.
The work covers websites (including WordPress), apps, software, AI integration, website security, agency partnerships, and taking over builds another team could not finish.
Who actually does the work?
84EM's principal engineer, Andrew Miller, is the point of contact and the accountable party from scoping through deployment.
For larger engagements, a network of personally known (not sourced on demand) developers and specialists is brought in, but communication and accountability stay with the principal engineer.
What does an agency partnership look like?
Agencies have sent 84EM overflow work for decades, client-facing or white-label, whichever fits the client relationship.
Your process stays intact: send a scope, or bring 84EM in early to help write one. See Agency Partnerships.
What does a project cost?
Past engagements have ranged from an hour of work to multi-year retainers.
Some clients send a short task every few months, others run projects that span years. See How Pricing Works.
How long does a project take?
Every project is different, but here are some examples:
- Small fixes and hourly tasks: a few business days.
- Plugin builds or focused integrations: a few weeks.
- Custom applications or platform integrations: 2 to 4 months.
- Enterprise engagements: 6 to 12+ months.
Who owns the code?
The client. All custom code is owned by the client, with full repository access, documentation, and no lock-in.
What happens after launch?
Monthly retainers cover development, consulting, support, maintenance, and security. See Website Security.
Is WordPress always the right choice?
Not always. WordPress powers over 40% of the web and is flexible, well-supported, and cost-effective for most sites, but it is not ideal for highly interactive applications or specialized performance needs.
84EM recommends based on requirements, not platform preference.
Can 84EM take over a project already in trouble?
Yes. Stalled builds, vendor abandonments, brittle codebases, and half-finished platforms, on any platform or stack, including stalled AI builds.
84EM assesses what is salvageable and builds a plan to ship. See Project Rescue.
How do I start?
Contact 84EM with your requirements, timeline, and budget. No commitment required. Get in touch.
Still have a question?
Didn't see it covered here? Send your project and you'll get a straight answer.
Folks we've helped.
