Hiring a Full stack developer can feel like a shortcut to getting a website, app, or ongoing web support without hiring multiple specialists. But “full stack” covers a broad range of skills—and the right choice depends on what your business actually needs. This article clarifies common Full stack developer roles, typical deliverables, pricing models, and practical steps you can use to evaluate candidates and define scope and budget.
What a Full stack developer does
At its core, a Full stack developer can work on both the front end (what users see) and the back end (server, database, integrations). Typical competencies include:
- Front end: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive layouts, and common frameworks (React, Vue, or plain JS for WordPress themes).
- Back end: server languages and frameworks (Node, PHP, Python, Ruby), database work (MySQL, PostgreSQL), and API design.
- DevOps basics: deployments, hosting setup, SSL, basic performance tuning and backups.
- Integrations: payment gateways, CRM/email providers, analytics, and third-party APIs.
- Testing and maintenance: bug fixes, security patches, and performance monitoring.
Note: Skill depth varies. Some Full stack developers are stronger on front end or back end. Ask specific questions about the technologies you care about rather than assuming blanket expertise.
Common deliverables small businesses should expect
Deliverables depend on whether you hire for a project or a retainer. Typical outputs include:
- Project builds: responsive website, custom WordPress theme or plugin, single-page app, API integration, e-commerce checkout, or migration from an old platform.
- Platform improvements: speed optimizations, accessibility fixes, SEO technical cleanup, or conversion-focused changes to landing pages.
- Ongoing work: monthly updates, security and dependency patching, new feature sprints, analytics setup, and A/B testing support.
When defining deliverables, be precise: list pages, content migration needs, integrations, user flows, and acceptance criteria. Vague briefs create scope creep and surprise invoices.
Project vs retainer: which model fits your business?
Choose a model based on goals, predictability, and how frequently you need changes.
Project-based
- Best for one-time builds or migrations with a defined end date.
- Advantages: fixed scope and clearer final cost when specs are complete.
- Risks: change requests add cost; slower follow-up support unless you buy a maintenance package.
Retainer (monthly)
- Best when you need regular updates, quick bug fixes, or continuous optimization.
- Advantages: priority access, predictable monthly cost, ongoing performance and security maintenance.
- Typical structure: X hours per month at a discounted hourly rate. Ensure unused hours don’t vanish or clarify rollover rules.
How to evaluate Full stack developer candidates
Use a mix of technical checks, portfolio review, and real-world scenario questions.
1. Portfolio and references
- Look for work similar to your project—WordPress builds, e-commerce, or API integrations—and ask for references from comparable clients.
- Check live sites for performance, mobile behavior, and broken features.
2. Technical vetting
- Request a short technical brief: how they would approach your project, major milestones, and estimate of hours.
- Ask targeted questions: Which framework would you use and why? How do you handle backups and deployments? How do you keep a site secure?
- If you’re hiring for WordPress, confirm experience with child themes, custom post types, and plugin conflict resolution.
3. A small paid test task
A focused, paid trial (2–8 hours) is one of the best ways to gauge fit. Example tasks: speed optimization of a key page, implement a small integration, or build a simple feature. It demonstrates code quality, communication, and delivery speed without committing to a large project.
4. Communication and process
Clarify project management tools, frequency of updates, code ownership, and deployment steps. Ask who will own the repo and hosting account after launch. Good developers document decisions and share a simple handoff checklist.
Setting scope and budget realistically
Scope drives cost. Break the project into clear phases and price them separately:
- Discovery: requirements, user flows, and prioritized feature list.
- Build: core functionality, integrations, and content migration.
- Polish: performance, accessibility, and QA.
- Launch and support: deployment, DNS, and monitoring.
Budget ranges vary widely by location and expertise. For many small businesses, expect a credible Full stack developer to quote anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a simple WordPress site to tens of thousands for custom applications. If you need ongoing changes and conversion optimization, budget a monthly retainer equal to a modest part-time rate rather than chasing hourly unpredictability.
Red flags and green flags
- Red flags: vague estimates, no portfolio, resistance to code ownership transfer, poor communication, and promises of impossibly fast delivery.
- Green flags: clear milestones, an organized repo and deployment plan, test coverage or QA steps, and referrals from similar clients.
Conclusion
A skilled Full stack developer can simplify your vendor list and deliver meaningful business results when you match the role to real needs and communicate scope clearly. Start with a short discovery phase, use a paid test task if uncertain, and choose project or retainer terms that match how often you’ll need updates. If you want help defining a practical scope for your next web project, see our web development services and how we structure clear scopes and retainers: edwin-quijada.com/web-development. Hiring the right Full stack developer starts with a clear brief and realistic expectations.