Working Together: FAQs for Software Engineering Consulting Services

(Current as of: April 17, 2025)

This FAQ is designed to help us start our working relationship smoothly by outlining common questions about process, communication, and billing. For the legally binding terms, please refer to our formal Consulting Agreement.

Q1: What kind of software engineering services do you offer?

I provide a range of services including software design, coding, code reviews, debugging, testing, documentation, system integration, and related technical tasks as we agree upon. We can define specific tasks via email or Slack. I keep track of all of my tasks in a Linear board specific to you as a client.

Q2: Are you my employee?

No, I operate as an independent contractor. This means I'm responsible for my own taxes, insurance, etc., and I'm not an employee of your company.

Q3: How do we end the working arrangement if needed?

Either of us can decide to end our engagement. We just need to provide the other party with 30 days' written notice (or what's specified in our formal Consulting agreement). You'll be responsible for payment for all work completed up to the termination date.

Q4: How should I assign work or new tasks to you?

The best way is through email or Slack (if we've set that up as part of our agreement). Please include as much detail as possible so I can understand the requirements clearly.

Q5: What are your typical working hours?

My general availability for work and communication is Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. My work hours vary.

Q6: If I send you a question or a new task, how quickly will you respond?

For non-urgent messages (like routine questions or new task assignments), I aim to acknowledge receipt within 24 hours. Task completion time varies and we'll discuss that per task (see Q8).

Q7: What if there's an urgent issue, like a critical system outage?

For urgent matters, please contact me via phone AND an email with 'URGENT' in the subject line. I will make every reasonable effort to respond to urgent issues within 4 business hours during my working hours.

Q8: Can you provide time estimates for tasks?

Yes, absolutely. For tasks expected to take more than 2 hours, feel free to ask for an estimate. I'll provide a good-faith, non-binding estimate based on the information available. Please remember these are estimates – actual time can sometimes vary. I'll make sure to let you know promptly if it looks like a task will significantly exceed the original estimate.

Q9: What's the best way to communicate about ongoing work (questions, updates)?

Let's primarily use email or Slack. We can schedule calls for more complex discussions when needed.

Q10: How do I review and approve the work you've done?

Once I deliver or demonstrate a piece of work, please review it. You'll have 5 business days to provide feedback or request revisions based on the original requirements. If I don't hear back within that time, I'll assume the work is accepted.

Q11: What is your hourly rate?

My standard consulting rate varies depending on the client and services provided.

Q12: How do you track your time?

I track my time meticulously in increments of 15 minutes. Time spent on necessary communication directly related to your tasks (like clarification emails or status calls) is included in billable hours.

Q13: How often will I be billed, and what will the invoice look like?

I send out invoices monthly on the first of the month. Each invoice will clearly show the hours worked, the dates, and a brief description of the tasks performed during that billing period.

Q14: How can I keep track of hours spent before I get the invoice?

Transparency is important! To help you keep track throughout the month, I will provide updates on hours used for specific tasks when you request them or at agreed milestones.

Q15: When is payment due?

Payment is due within 30 calendar days after you receive the invoice or what's specified in our Consulting agreement.

Q16: What happens if a payment is late?

Payments not received by the due date may accrue interest at a rate of 1.5% per month, or the maximum allowed by law. This is my default, but I'll follow whatever was agreed to in our Consulting agreement. Timely payment is greatly appreciated!

Q17: Are there any other costs besides the hourly rate? (e.g., expenses)

My hourly rate covers my labor. If a project requires specific purchases (like a unique software license or pre-approved travel), I'll ask for your written approval (email is fine) before incurring expenses. Approved expenses will be itemized on your invoice with receipts attached.

Q18: Once I've paid for the work, who owns the intellectual property (like the code)?

Upon receiving full payment for the work performed under our agreement, you (the Client) will own the rights to the specific code, documentation, and other deliverables I created directly for you. I retain the rights to my general tools, techniques, and pre-existing code that I might use while working on your project.

Q19: Will you keep my project information confidential?

Absolutely. I agree to keep any proprietary or confidential information you share with me private and will not disclose it to third parties, both during and after our engagement.

Q20: Is this FAQ document our official contract?

No. This FAQ is intended to provide clarity on how we'll work together day-to-day. It does not replace our formal, legally binding Consulting Agreement, which contains the comprehensive terms and conditions governing our relationship. Please ensure you review and sign the separate Consulting Agreement.