If you're running on outdated code, you’ve probably wondered: What would it cost to rebuild this whole thing from scratch? The answer is—it depends. But we can help you understand the key factors and what to expect before you write a single line of code.

1. What is “Legacy” Software?

Legacy software usually refers to systems that:

• Are 10+ years old

• Run on outdated frameworks or programming languages

• Are hard to update, scale, or integrate with modern tools

• May lack documentation or current access to the source code
  
  
  

If your system fits any of the above, a rebuild might be on the table—but it’s not always the best (or most affordable) option.

2. The Biggest Cost Factors in a Software Rebuild

Here’s what really drives the cost of a rebuild:

• System Complexity: Is it a simple website or a custom platform with integrations and business logic?

• Current Code Quality: Clean, well-documented code is easier to migrate. Messy code might need a full teardown.

• Feature Set: Rebuilding a simple brochure site is cheaper than recreating a full SaaS product or e-commerce platform.

• Access and Ownership: If you don’t have access to your source code, reverse-engineering it takes extra time (and money).

• Team Size and Location: Are you working with freelancers, an agency, or an internal team? Costs vary widely depending on expertise and location.
  
  
  

3. Typical Price Ranges

While every project is different, here’s a rough breakdown of what you might expect:

These are just ballpark figures. The more legacy constraints and unknowns you have, the higher the potential cost.

4. When a Full Rebuild Isn’t Necessary

Here’s the good news: many projects don’t need a full rebuild. In fact, you might be able to:

• Refactor the front end for speed and design without touching the back end

• Modernize only the pieces that aren’t working

• Document and clean up existing systems to extend their life
  
  
  

At Rescue My Code, we call this the X-Ray approach: we audit the software first to see what can be saved—and only rebuild what truly needs to go.

5. How to Budget for a Rebuild (or Rescue)

If you're considering a rebuild, here’s how to prepare:

• Start with a diagnostic to assess what you’re working with

• Prioritize features—what’s critical for launch vs. what can wait

• Request a clear scope and timeline from any dev team or vendor

• Build in a contingency buffer (we recommend 15–20%) for surprises
  
  
  

6. Final Thoughts: Don’t Guess—Audit First

Rebuilding software is a major decision—but you don’t have to go in blind. The right diagnostic will help you:

✅ Understand what you have
✅ Know what needs fixing
✅ Get clear on cost and effort

Want to know what a rebuild might cost you? Start with an X-Ray audit to get real answers before you commit.

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