What does a custom web application cost?

A focused web application -- a single core use case, clean UI, and standard integrations -- typically runs $20,000 to $50,000. A more complex application with multiple user roles, real-time features, complex business logic, and third-party integrations typically runs $50,000 to $150,000. Fixed cost agreed before development starts. We scope every project before pricing it, so you know the number before committing.

Why React and Next.js rather than another framework?

React and Next.js are the right choice for most web applications because the ecosystem is mature, the developer pool is large, and the framework handles the hard parts -- routing, rendering strategy, performance -- without locking you into a proprietary platform. For the backend we use Node.js, which keeps the language consistent across the stack. We'll use different tools if the project warrants it -- the technology choice follows the requirements, not the other way around.

How long does a web application take to build?

A focused web application with a clear scope typically takes 10 to 16 weeks from the start of development to production launch. A more complex application with multiple user types, significant backend work, and external integrations typically takes 16 to 28 weeks. Timeline depends on scope -- the more tightly defined the scope, the more accurately we can commit to a delivery date. We scope before we estimate.

When does a web app make more sense than a mobile app?

Web applications are the right starting point when your users are on desktop or laptop, when the workflow involves data entry and detailed views rather than on-the-go consumption, when you need to reach users across different devices without asking them to install anything, or when a browser-based tool is the fastest path to validating a product. Mobile apps make more sense when the use case is field-based, when you need device hardware (camera, GPS, NFC), or when the user experience depends on native platform interactions. Many products need both -- we'll tell you which to prioritise and when.

What does a custom web application cost?

A focused web application -- a single core use case, clean UI, and standard integrations -- typically runs $20,000 to $50,000. A more complex application with multiple user roles, real-time features, complex business logic, and third-party integrations typically runs $50,000 to $150,000. Fixed cost agreed before development starts. We scope every project before pricing it, so you know the number before committing.

Why React and Next.js rather than another framework?

React and Next.js are the right choice for most web applications because the ecosystem is mature, the developer pool is large, and the framework handles the hard parts -- routing, rendering strategy, performance -- without locking you into a proprietary platform. For the backend we use Node.js, which keeps the language consistent across the stack. We'll use different tools if the project warrants it -- the technology choice follows the requirements, not the other way around.

How long does a web application take to build?

A focused web application with a clear scope typically takes 10 to 16 weeks from the start of development to production launch. A more complex application with multiple user types, significant backend work, and external integrations typically takes 16 to 28 weeks. Timeline depends on scope -- the more tightly defined the scope, the more accurately we can commit to a delivery date. We scope before we estimate.

When does a web app make more sense than a mobile app?

Web applications are the right starting point when your users are on desktop or laptop, when the workflow involves data entry and detailed views rather than on-the-go consumption, when you need to reach users across different devices without asking them to install anything, or when a browser-based tool is the fastest path to validating a product. Mobile apps make more sense when the use case is field-based, when you need device hardware (camera, GPS, NFC), or when the user experience depends on native platform interactions. Many products need both -- we'll tell you which to prioritise and when.

Have a workflow that off-the-shelf SaaS tools can't fit -- because it was built for someone else's business, not yours?
Paying for multiple SaaS subscriptions that almost do what you need but require workarounds to connect them?

Web Application Development

Custom web applications for businesses that need a product built around their specific workflow -- SaaS products, customer portals, operational platforms, and internal tools. React, Next.js, Node.js.
We handle the full build: architecture, UI, API, database, and deployment. You own the code and the infrastructure it runs on.

React/Next.js frontend and Node.js backend -- matched to what the project needs
Full-stack from UI to API to database, scoped and priced as one engagement
Deployed to your domain and infrastructure -- not locked into our platform
Fixed cost agreed before development starts

RaftLabs builds custom web applications for businesses that need software designed around their specific workflow -- SaaS products, customer portals, operational platforms, and internal tools. We use React, Next.js, and Node.js and handle the full stack from UI to API to database. Fixed cost agreed before development starts.

Custom web applications are built around the way your business actually operates -- not the way a SaaS vendor decided the market should operate. The result is software that fits your workflow rather than workflow that fits your software.

For businesses with specific operational requirements, customer-facing products that need to reflect their brand and processes, or internal tools where generic platforms create friction, a custom web application is the right investment.

What we build

SaaS web application development

End-to-end SaaS product development -- multi-tenant architecture, subscription billing integration, user onboarding flows, role-based access, and the feature set that defines the initial product. Authentication, team management, usage limits, and the admin panel your team needs to manage the platform. Built to scale from first customer to enterprise contracts without a ground-up rebuild. The SaaS product scoped, built, and shipped as a single engagement.

Customer portal development

Self-service portals where your customers manage their accounts, view order history, track service status, submit requests, access documents, and interact with your business without calling your support team. Integrates with your existing CRM, ERP, or order management system. Branded to your product, not a generic platform template. The portal that reduces support volume while giving customers more transparency than a ticket queue.

Internal operations tools

Custom internal tools for operations, finance, HR, and logistics teams -- replacing spreadsheets, shared documents, and the manual steps that sit between systems that don't talk to each other. Workflow automation built into the tool, not bolted on. Role-based access so each team sees what they need and nothing they don't. The internal application that makes a specific process faster and less error-prone rather than a generic platform your team adapts to.

API-first architecture

Web applications built with a clean API layer that supports multiple frontend clients, third-party integrations, and future extension without rewriting core business logic. RESTful and GraphQL API design, versioning, authentication, rate limiting, and the documentation that lets other systems consume your data reliably. The architecture that treats the API as a product in its own right rather than an implementation detail that becomes a bottleneck later.

Progressive web applications

Web applications with offline capability, push notifications, home screen installation, and native-app-like performance without requiring App Store distribution. The right choice when your users are on mobile but a full native app build isn't justified at the current stage -- or when you want to cover mobile users alongside desktop without a separate codebase. PWA features layered onto a web application built for both contexts from the start.

Dashboard and reporting platforms

Data visualisation platforms, reporting dashboards, and operational intelligence tools that pull from multiple data sources and present the information operations and leadership teams need to make decisions. Real-time and scheduled data refresh, filterable views, exportable reports, and the drill-down capability that makes a dashboard useful rather than decorative. Built for the people who will use it daily, not as a demo for a sales call.

Have a web application project?

Tell us what the application needs to do, who uses it, and what existing systems it needs to connect to. We'll scope it and give you a fixed cost.

Talk about your web app project

Custom Software Development -- full custom software capability overview
Enterprise Software Development -- platforms for large organisations with complex requirements
MVP Development -- production-ready first version in 10-14 weeks
Legacy Software Modernisation -- replace aging systems without losing the business logic

Mobile App Development -- iOS, Android, and cross-platform mobile apps
AI Development -- AI features and automation built into your web application
Real-Time App Development -- WebSocket and live data for web applications

Frequently asked questions

: A focused web application -- a single core use case, clean UI, and standard integrations -- typically runs $20,000 to $50,000. A more complex application with multiple user roles, real-time features, complex business logic, and third-party integrations typically runs $50,000 to $150,000. Fixed cost agreed before development starts. We scope every project before pricing it, so you know the number before committing.
: React and Next.js are the right choice for most web applications because the ecosystem is mature, the developer pool is large, and the framework handles the hard parts -- routing, rendering strategy, performance -- without locking you into a proprietary platform. For the backend we use Node.js, which keeps the language consistent across the stack. We'll use different tools if the project warrants it -- the technology choice follows the requirements, not the other way around.
: A focused web application with a clear scope typically takes 10 to 16 weeks from the start of development to production launch. A more complex application with multiple user types, significant backend work, and external integrations typically takes 16 to 28 weeks. Timeline depends on scope -- the more tightly defined the scope, the more accurately we can commit to a delivery date. We scope before we estimate.
: Web applications are the right starting point when your users are on desktop or laptop, when the workflow involves data entry and detailed views rather than on-the-go consumption, when you need to reach users across different devices without asking them to install anything, or when a browser-based tool is the fastest path to validating a product. Mobile apps make more sense when the use case is field-based, when you need device hardware (camera, GPS, NFC), or when the user experience depends on native platform interactions. Many products need both -- we'll tell you which to prioritise and when.