Realistic costs—and what drives your CMS investment up or down.
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- WCAG 2.2 AA
- Surrey, BC · Canada
- Senior engineers only
Frequently asked questions
What factors most impact custom CMS cost?
Custom CMS costs are driven by the level of feature complexity, selected platform, strictness of accessibility compliance (like AODA/WCAG), number of distinct content types, number and difficulty of integrations, and migration needs. Careful project scoping and upfront technical planning keep your budget predictable.
Do you offer 'quick-fix' or template CMS sites?
No. DoodleWeb delivers only bespoke CMS builds tailored to your specific requirements. We do not resell off-the-shelf templates or themes; each project is architected for your goals and workflows.
Is there a difference in cost by platform (WordPress/Drupal/Webflow)?
Absolutely. WordPress and Webflow generally require less engineering effort, so projects on those platforms start at lower price points. Drupal, React, or highly customized solutions demand more time for architecture, module development, and security, so expect higher costs for these stacks.
How do accessibility requirements affect my project cost?
If your organization must comply with AODA or WCAG (such as public sector or Ontario-based entities), the CMS must include dedicated accessibility design, testing, and remediation. This adds upfront cost but future-proofs your web presence and protects against legal risk.
What is included in ongoing support or maintenance?
Ongoing support can include security updates, routine content changes, proactive accessibility monitoring, platform upgrades, and technical troubleshooting. DoodleWeb scopes and prices these services based on your actual platform and support needs.
Can DoodleWeb handle migrations from legacy or proprietary systems?
Yes. DoodleWeb routinely migrates content and features from legacy platforms like Drupal 7, custom PHP, proprietary CMSs, and outdated site builders, handling automated redirects and thorough QA to ensure content integrity and technical reliability.
How do you bill and what currencies do you support?
DoodleWeb offers both fixed-price and retainer agreements, and will bill in CAD or USD to fit your organization's finance and procurement requirements, whether you are Canadian-based or cross-border.
What happens if my organization is not compliant (AODA/WCAG)?
If your site is non-compliant, you risk formal complaints, government audits, mandatory remediation orders, or removal of digital services until fixed. Investing in accessibility from the start eliminates these urgent and expensive risks.
How quickly can my custom CMS be delivered?
Most custom CMS projects are delivered in 8 to 24 weeks, with actual timelines depending on your project’s scope, decision cycles, and readiness of content. Delays in approvals or content delivery may extend this schedule.
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