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FAQ
Everything you need to know about working with Build Lean. Can't find your answer? Reach out — we're happy to help.
Getting Started
We help growing businesses figure out where AI can save them time and money, then build the software to make it happen. We handle both the strategy and the build under one roof, so you're not bouncing between a consultant who advises and a dev shop that builds. One team, start to finish.
We work best with growing businesses that have real operational pain — too much manual work, too many disconnected tools, or processes that should be automated but aren't. Our main verticals are construction, real estate and property management, legal, and dental and medical practices. That said, if your team is losing hours to repetitive work and you want to fix it properly, we're probably a good fit.
A good rule of thumb: if you're not sure where to start with AI, begin with consulting. If you already know what you want to build, start with a custom software scoping call. A lot of clients do both because the consulting audit often uncovers that a custom tool is the right move, and we can build it right away without handing off to another team.
Book a free 30-minute discovery call. No pitch, just a conversation. We'll learn how your business runs and give you an honest take on whether AI consulting, custom software, or both actually makes sense for where you are right now. Scoping and architecture review are always free before any commitment.
AI Consulting
Every engagement produces five concrete deliverables: an AI Opportunity Audit, a Custom AI Roadmap, a KPI Framework, Implementation Guidance, and Team Adoption Workshops. The goal is measurable operational results within 90 days, with the metrics defined before we start so you know exactly what success looks like.
We map out your workflows end to end and find every place where manual work, data bottlenecks, or repetitive decisions are eating time. You get a prioritized list of what AI can actually handle today, ranked by impact and how realistic each one is to implement. Not a brainstorm, a real action list with rationale behind it.
It's a phased implementation plan built around how your business actually runs. Specific tools, integrations, timelines, and costs per initiative. Not generic slides you file away and forget. It's designed to be followed, and everything in it has a defined outcome attached.
It's the list of metrics we agree on before anything gets built that will prove the work is delivering results. We track things like time saved per task, error rate reduction, volume processed per week, and team adoption rate. The point is you know whether it's working on day 30, not six months later when it's hard to course correct.
That's actually the most common way AI projects fail. It's why we include team adoption workshops in every consulting engagement. We run role-specific training built around your actual tools and workflows, not generic AI literacy content. Adoption rate is tracked as a real metric and we stay engaged until it sticks.
The audit, roadmap, and KPI framework are usually delivered within 2 to 4 weeks. Implementation guidance and team workshops run alongside execution after that. Most clients hit their first measurable results within 90 days of getting started.
Consulting engagements run $3,000 to $15,000 depending on scope. If you need ongoing advisory, we also work hourly at $150 to $350 per hour. Full transformation programs are a flat fee between $5,000 and $25,000. Discovery and scoping are always free before you commit to anything. See our pricing page for full details.
Custom Software
We build custom business software tailored to how your company actually operates. That includes operations platforms, internal tools, client portals, workflow automation, AI-powered document processing, custom integrations between your existing tools, and full replacements for SaaS stacks that aren't working for you. If you can describe the problem, we can scope a solution.
Yes, completely. You get the full source code, you control the infrastructure, and your data stays yours. No monthly licensing fees tied to the software, no vendor lock-in. You can host it yourself, hand it to another developer, or bring it in-house whenever you want.
SaaS tools are built for the average business in your industry, not your specific workflow. You end up paying monthly fees forever for features you don't use, working around limitations in someone else's product, and locking your data into their platform. Custom software is built around exactly how you work, you pay once, and you own it outright.
Not really. Zapier and similar tools are great for simple workflows but they hit ceilings fast. Task limits, unreliable syncs, and no custom logic. When you need something that actually fits how your business runs, we build a custom integration layer using your tools' native APIs. Real-time data flow, no task caps, and you own it outright with no per-task fees stacking up.
No. We build around what you already use. QuickBooks, Salesforce, HubSpot, Procore, Jobber, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and more. The goal is to connect your existing stack or replace only the specific tools that aren't working, not blow everything up and start over.
Most builds ship in 6 to 12 weeks from scoping to launch. A focused automation tool or API integration can be done in 3 to 4 weeks. A full platform with AI features is typically 8 to 12 weeks. We scope everything clearly before we start so you know what to expect and when.
Builds start at $1,500 for simpler projects. A full operations platform with AI features typically runs $10,000 to $25,000 plus. Everything is itemized by component and you get a fixed price before we start. No hourly billing surprises. See our pricing page for full details.
Working Together
Most agencies take a spec sheet and build it. We start with an operational audit and a strategy before writing a line of code. That means every build has a defined business outcome behind it with KPIs attached, not just a list of features.
Most AI consultants advise but don't build. Most dev shops build but don't advise. Build Lean does both under one roof. The strategy is grounded in what's actually buildable and the software is designed around real operational outcomes, not generic recommendations.
Absolutely. Consulting and custom software are separate services priced separately. Some clients only need the strategy and roadmap to execute internally. Others use us for the full journey from audit to production software. Either way works.
It depends on what level of support you need. Light support runs $100 to $500 per month and covers monitoring, alerts, and bug fixes. Growth tier is $500 to $1,500 and adds UI refinements and feature credits. Partner tier is $1,500 to $3,000 and includes a dedicated advisor, regular strategy calls, and ongoing roadmap planning.
You can take the code and run it yourself, bring in your own developer, or stay on a retainer with us for ongoing support, improvements, and strategy. There's no obligation to continue after the build is complete. The code is yours regardless.
Yes. We're based in New Jersey but work with clients nationwide. All discovery calls, scoping, and collaboration happen remotely so location isn't a factor.
Pricing and Process
It goes like this. First we do a free discovery call to understand your business. Then we deliver a strategy and fixed-price proposal. Once you're ready, we move into the build or consulting engagement with defined milestones. You review progress along the way and we launch when it's ready. No surprises and no scope creep because everything is defined upfront.
Yes. Every engagement is covered by a clear statement of work that defines the scope, deliverables, timeline, and price before anything starts. You know exactly what you're getting before you pay anything.
We handle this with change orders. If something outside the original scope comes up, we discuss it, price it, and you decide whether to add it. The original scope and price don't change unless you want them to.
Yes and it's actually our most popular option. The combined consulting plus custom tools engagement runs $5,000 to $35,000 plus depending on scope. The consulting audit informs exactly what gets built so nothing is wasted and the software ships with a clear ROI attached from day one. See our pricing page for full details.
Let's Talk
Every business is different. Book a free discovery call and get answers tailored to your situation — no commitment required.