Cost guarantee for an agreed scope
A cost guarantee comes with clearly defined conditions. We tie it to the pessimistic estimate and an unchanged scope.
Pessimistic estimate as the cost ceiling
Valid as long as scope and assumptions stay the same
Time and materials remains visible and explainable
What the guarantee rests on
A cost ceiling for unchanged scope
The cost guarantee in our project proposals is directly tied to the pessimistic estimate. If the agreed functionality stays intact and the boundary conditions do not materially change, we will not charge more in the end than that maximum stated upfront.
That is different from pretending software can always be predicted exactly. We still keep hours, progress, and risk visible during the project. That way you can follow how the work develops, while a clear upper limit remains in place as long as the assignment itself stays the same.
How this works in practice
Cost guarantee with clear conditions
The pessimistic estimate is the highest amount within the agreed range. That is the basis of the cost guarantee.
We still track the real work and discuss progress along the way. So the guarantee does not replace transparency, it relies on it.
New functionality, extra integrations, or different assumptions require a new estimate. That means the financial framework changes too.
As soon as assumptions change, we make visible what that means for planning, budget, and priority. That keeps the guarantee from turning into an argument about interpretation afterward.
The guarantee provides a cost ceiling for the agreed scope. If that scope changes, we discuss what this means for the costs.
Defined upfront
Pessimistic estimate as the ceiling
The pessimistic estimate is the highest amount within the agreed range. That is the basis of the cost guarantee.
Why this matters
Track scope and budget together
A cost guarantee only works when everyone is having the same conversation: what is fixed, what is uncertain, and when do we need to make a new agreement? That is why we always connect this promise to explicit Glossary · In briefscopeScope defines the boundaries of a project or assignment: which goals, activities and results are included and which are excluded.Read more, clear assumptions, and budget tracking during the project.
For organizations building software that real processes depend on, that matters. You should not have to choose between full transparency and some financial footing. This approach aims to keep both intact.
What this gives you
A clear cost ceiling for unchanged scope
Transparency about hours and progress during the project
Early signalling when assumptions shift
Less chance of financial debate afterward
Frequently asked questions
We do. We still work on time and materials with visibility into real hours. The cost guarantee simply places an upper limit on top of that while scope and assumptions remain the same.
As soon as the assignment changes in substance, for example through new functionality, extra integrations, or different assumptions, the financial framework has to be set again as well.
Because that number is specifically meant to include uncertainty explicitly. That makes it a logical and checkable ceiling rather than an arbitrary figure.
No. A fixed fee often tries to lock everything into one total amount upfront. Our cost guarantee stays connected to transparent execution, progress discussions, and an explicit scope.
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