FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about how we work, pricing, timelines, or healthcare expertise? We have answers. And if you don't see what you are looking for, just ask.
Pricing Questions
Pricing & Budget
Everything you need to know about our pricing and what you get for your investment
How much does a custom application cost?
Most projects range from $2,000-$10,000 depending on complexity. Simple automation: $2,000-$4,000 (4 weeks). Custom tools: $4,000-$7,000 (6-8 weeks). Complex platforms: $7,000-$10,000+ (8-12 weeks). You own the software—no monthly fees.
Why are your prices lower than big agencies?
Owner-operated means no corporate overhead. You work directly with me—the senior engineer building your software. No account managers, no junior developers, no fancy offices. Lower overhead means better pricing for you without sacrificing quality.
Are there ongoing fees or recurring costs?
None. You get a fixed price upfront, and that is what you pay. Optional monthly maintenance is available after the included 30-day support period, but completely optional. You own the software, free and clear.
What payment terms do you offer?
Typically 50% upfront to start the project, 50% on delivery. For larger projects, we can structure milestone payments. Flexible—let me know what works for your business.
Timeline Questions
Timeline & Process
How long things take and what to expect during development
How long does it take to build custom software?
Most projects complete in 4-12 weeks depending on complexity. Simple automation: 4 weeks. Moderate complexity: 6-8 weeks. Complex platforms: 8-12 weeks. You see working software every Friday, so you always know exactly where things stand.
What if I need changes during development?
You see progress weekly and provide feedback continuously. Small course corrections are no problem. If you want to add significant features beyond the original scope, I will discuss timing and pricing impact upfront. No surprise invoices.
Do I need to be technical to work with you?
Not at all. I speak plain English, not jargon. You know your business—I know software. Together we build what you need. Many clients are non-technical and appreciate my communication style.
How often will we communicate during the project?
Weekly Friday demo meetings where we show working software, discuss blockers, and plan next week (30-45 minutes). Between meetings, I am available for quick questions via email, typically responding within 24 hours.
Healthcare Questions
Healthcare Expertise
Healthcare experience and HIPAA-conscious development
Do you have healthcare experience?
Yes. Senior Software Engineer at Centene (Fortune 50), CarePathRx, and MMIT—three consecutive healthcare roles. I have built HIPAA-conscious applications handling sensitive patient data at scale. This is legitimate healthcare expertise, not just "healthcare-curious."
What about HIPAA compliance?
I understand what "compliance" actually means from working at Fortune 50 healthcare companies. HIPAA-conscious development practices, data access controls, audit trails, and secure data handling. I know what is required and what is overkill.
Have you built healthcare practice software?
Yes. Medical consent platform migration (InformedConsentMD), healthcare data platform rebuild (MMIT), and pharmacy data systems (CarePathRx). I understand medical office workflows and the unique challenges healthcare practices face.
Do you work with EHR systems?
I can build patient intake forms, documentation templates, and staff dashboards. For full EHR integration needs, I will assess the scope and be transparent about what I can deliver vs. when you need specialized EHR integration partners.
Technical Questions
Technical & Code
Understanding what you get when the project is complete
Do I own the code when the project is done?
Absolutely. You own 100% of the code. You get the GitHub repository, documentation, and everything you need. It is yours forever—no licensing fees, no monthly subscriptions, no vendor lock-in.
What technology stack do you use?
React/TypeScript frontend, Python (FastAPI/Flask) backend, MongoDB/PostgreSQL databases, and Go for high-performance services when needed. Distinguishes me from typical Node.js-only developers.
Can I see the code while it is being developed?
Yes. You get access to the GitHub repository to watch development in real-time. See every commit, track progress, and understand how your software is being built. Transparency builds trust.
What if I need changes after the project is complete?
Every project includes 30 days of post-launch support. After that, I offer hourly rates for changes or optional monthly maintenance. Or if you have another developer, they can pick up right where I left—I write clean, documented code.
Background Questions
Experience & Credibility
Getting to know my background and expertise
What is your background?
9 years running KarunaCode LLC. Senior Software Engineer at MMIT (present), Senior React Engineer at CarePathRx (2023-2025), Software Engineer at Centene Corporation (Fortune 50, 2022-2023), Nucamp bootcamp instructor.
What makes you different from other developers?
Three things: (1) Fortune 50 healthcare experience—real enterprise expertise, not just bootcamp training, (2) The Weekly Demo Method—you see progress every Friday, no black-box development, (3) Teaching included—I train your team, never create dependency.
Can I see examples of your work?
Yes. Healthcare data platform rebuild (MMIT), medical UI modernization (InformedConsentMD), legislative analysis tools (Citizen in a Republic), field service automation (AmeriTex), AI news categorization (RealityBrief). See the portfolio page.
Do you meet in person?
Yes. Based in Amherst, NH. Available for on-site meetings in Nashua, Manchester, and Concord area. Your office, coffee shop, or video call—whatever works for you.
Company Questions
About KarunaCode LLC
Getting to know how I work and serve clients
Is KarunaCode a one-person company?
Yes, owner-operated LLC. You work directly with me—the senior engineer building your software. No account managers, no junior developers, no overhead. You get senior-level expertise at a fraction of the cost of larger firms, with faster communication.
What industries do you specialize in?
Healthcare practices (small clinics, dental, therapy)—my primary focus given Fortune 50 experience. Home services (HVAC, plumbers, electricians)—proven delivery. Government/mission-driven organizations—recent NH experience.
Do you only work with New Hampshire businesses?
New Hampshire is my primary market and I am invested in the community. I also work with remote clients across the US. Recent work includes Concord-based organizations and I am available for on-site meetings in Southern NH.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Former Nucamp bootcamp instructor. I build software with clients, not for them. You learn how it works. Complete documentation, team training, no knowledge hoarding. You should never be dependent on any contractor—including me.
Comparison Questions
Alternatives & Comparisons
How custom software compares to other options
Why not just use off-the-shelf software?
Off-the-shelf software is built for "everyone," which means it does not perfectly fit anyone. You pay for features you do not need, work around features that do not match your process. Custom software fits YOUR workflow and you own it.
Should I hire a full-time developer instead?
A full-time developer costs $8,000-$15,000/month plus overhead, benefits, and equipment. With KarunaCode, you get senior-level expertise for a fraction of the cost, only pay for what you need, and I am done when the project is done—no ongoing salary.
Why not use a no-code platform?
No-code tools are great for simple needs, but they hit a wall fast. Custom features, complex workflows, and integrations quickly become impossible. When you outgrow the platform, migrating is expensive. I build software that fits your needs and can grow.
Can I just use spreadsheets for now?
You can, but spreadsheets have no error checking, no validation, and break easily. They do not scale, do not support multiple users well, and are prone to mistakes. I have converted many spreadsheet "apps" to proper software—the ROI is usually immediate.
Support Questions
Support & Maintenance
What happens after your software is live
Do you offer ongoing support after launch?
Every project includes 30 days of post-launch support for bug fixes and small adjustments. After that, optional monthly maintenance packages are available for updates, security patches, and minor improvements. Or pay-as-you-go for occasional changes.
What if something breaks after the support period ends?
I am still here. Contact me and I will fix it quickly, typically at my hourly rate. I do not abandon clients—even years later, I am available to help with updates, fixes, or new features.
Do you provide training and documentation?
Yes. I document everything I build and train your team. No tribal knowledge—anyone should be able to understand how the software works. If questions come up later, I am here to help.
What about hosting and infrastructure?
I can help you get set up with affordable hosting (often $20/month or less). You pay the hosting provider directly—I do not mark it up. Or if you have existing infrastructure, I can work with that. You are never locked in.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Former Fortune 50 healthcare engineer offering free 30-minute discovery calls. No sales pressure—just honest answers to your questions.