Software Project Rescue
Stalled project? Developer disappeared? 84EM provides software project rescue services for abandoned builds, broken integrations, and failed migrations. Any platform, any stack.
Stalled or abandoned builds
84EM picks up where a silent developer or dead vendor left off.
Test coverage from zero
Add the suite a rushed build never got.
Security & dependency audit
Patch the critical vulnerabilities and outdated packages.
Honest recoverability call
A senior read on whether to salvage or rebuild.
What kinds of projects does 84EM rescue?
Stalled or abandoned builds, half-finished vendor work, AI builds stuck on the last 10 percent, and projects that ran out of budget mid-build. Any platform, any stack. 84EM picks up where a silent developer or dead vendor left off and takes it to production.
Developer Went Silent
No response to emails, no access to the codebase, no documentation. Just silence.
Previous Vendor Delivered Half-Finished Work
The proposal looked great. The delivery didn't match. Now they've moved on to other clients.
AI Build Got Stuck
You thought the project was 90% of the way there, but that last 10% was a lot harder than it seemed.
Budget Ran Out
The original estimate was wrong, the scope crept, and now there's a half-built project with no plan to finish it.
How does 84EM get your project back on track?
Three steps: assess the existing codebase, architecture, and hosting; stabilize by identifying what’s broken, incomplete, or worth rebuilding versus salvaging; then deliver to production with clean code, documentation, and full ownership. The engineer who assesses it is the one who fixes it.
Assess
A senior engineer reviews the existing codebase, architecture, hosting environment, and documentation (if any exists). The person evaluating your project is the person who will fix it.
Stabilize
84EM identifies what's broken, what's incomplete, and what needs to be rebuilt versus salvaged. You get an honest assessment -- including whether the existing work is worth saving or if a different approach will cost less in the long run.
Deliver
84EM brings the project to production. Clean code, proper documentation, deployment to your hosting environment, and a handoff that actually makes sense. When it's done, you'll own everything and won't be locked into anything.
> RUNNING_RESCUE_DIAGNOSTICS... [84EM_ASSESSMENT]
> CODEBASE_REVIEW: COMPLETE
> DEPENDENCY_SCAN: VULNERABILITIES_PATCHED
> TEST_SUITE: IMPLEMENTED
> DOCUMENTATION: GENERATED
> DEPLOYMENT_PIPELINE: CONFIGURED
> HANDOFF_STATUS: READY
Rescue Work 84EM Has Done
WordPress Security Remediation and Site Modernization
A company's site had accumulated security vulnerabilities and years of outdated code that made every update risky. 84EM resolved every finding from the audit, reorganized the codebase, and cut page weight by roughly 80%.
What to Expect When Someone Takes Over Your Broken Site
The last developer stopped answering. This walkthrough covers what actually happens next: getting access back, the assessment, the fix-or-rebuild call, and how to keep it from happening again.
Rescue Work by Platform and Stack
Website and WordPress Rescue
A website project that stalled mid-build, or a WordPress site the last developer left broken. 84EM gets access back, audits the code and hosting, and finishes or rebuilds the parts that need it. Malware cleanup and security hardening if the site was compromised.
E-commerce and WooCommerce Rescue
A store that breaks on every plugin update, loses orders, or was left half-migrated. 84EM stabilizes checkout, payments, and inventory sync, then documents what changed.
Outsourced Code and Vendor Handoffs
Code an outside vendor delivered that doesn't run, doesn't match the spec, or nobody can maintain. 84EM reviews the codebase, gives an honest recoverability call, and takes it to production.
Business Systems and Integrations
A CRM, ERP, or payment integration that was started and abandoned. 84EM traces the data flow, repairs the broken syncs, and gets the connection reliable again.
Rescue the existing build, or start over?
Salvaging the existing code is right when the foundation is sound and the gaps are finishable. A rebuild is right when the architecture is broken, undocumented, or would cost more to untangle than to replace. 84EM gives an honest recoverability call after assessing the code, not before.
Rescue the existing build when
- The core architecture is sound and worth keeping
- The remaining work is finishable, not a rewrite in disguise
- History, data, and integrations are costly to recreate
- A working version needs to ship soon
Rebuild from scratch when
- The architecture is broken, insecure, or undocumented
- Untangling the old code costs more than replacing it
- The original approach can’t meet current requirements
- Every change risks breaking something else
Andrew partnered with my team to build a custom learning platform tailored to our unique needs. We specifically appreciated his expertise balanced with creativity and practicality. When presented with a new project, Andrew created multiple approach options that we could configure as necessary. He delivered work on budget and on schedule, and, on top of it all, is thoroughly enjoyable to work with!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of projects do you rescue?
Stalled builds, vendor abandonments, brittle codebases, and half-finished platforms. If a previous team couldn't deliver, 84EM figures out what's salvageable and builds a plan to ship. Any platform, any stack, including stalled AI builds from Replit, Cursor, or similar. See Project Rescue for details.
Can you fix a hacked website?
Yes. Malicious code removal, site hardening, and breach monitoring implementation.
My website is slow. Can you help?
Yes. Diagnosis covers hosting, database, plugin, image, and caching issues with real performance measurements.
Will I work directly with Andrew?
Yes. Every 84EM engagement is handled by a principal engineer. Andrew is the point of contact and the accountable party from scoping through deployment. For larger engagements, a trusted network of developers and specialists is brought in, but communication and accountability stay with Andrew.
Do I own the code you write?
Yes. All custom code is owned by the client. Full access provided. Documentation included. No lock-in.
How do I get started?
Contact 84EM to discuss your requirements, timeline, and budget. No commitment required.
Project stalled?
Say what went sideways. 84EM takes over abandoned builds, broken integrations, and failed migrations -- any platform, any stack.
Folks We've Helped
