[mewpmewp2]

Then there are others where you go pay 10k and get a WordPress spaghetti that no one else is willing to take on because it just is done completely out of standards of WP.

So how do you as a small business owner even know whether the agency you pay 10k is giving you good and maintainable code?

in 2 years when you want changes you'll realise that no one wants to work on this or if they do, they will ask much more, and the previous agency might be willing to take it on, but they will have the leverage to ask even more.

[johnchristopher]

> So how do you as a small business owner even know whether the agency you pay 10k is giving you good and maintainable code?

Like in any other industry: you network and connect and consult with people before knocking on any random agency door.

I don't ring a random plumber, I ask a friend or two if they know someone who's reliable.

Also, you need to add maintenance to your budget.