AISystems,Automation&Platforms
Every engagement is custom-scoped to your requirements. Ranges shown are market-rate estimates your actual investment is determined after a discovery session, not before.
Custom-scoped pricing. No hourly billing. No surprises.
Choose your starting point.
BUILDAI Automation Systems
4–8 weeks delivery
For businesses implementing AI into workflows, operations, and internal processes.
- AI workflow automation
- Custom AI assistants
- Internal process automation
- Connected AI tool ecosystem
- System monitoring & 30-day support
AI-Enabled Platforms
8–12 weeks delivery
Custom tools, internal systems, dashboards, or products where AI is the core workflow.
- AI-native web applications
- Operational dashboards & portals
- Deep AI core implementation
- Advanced API & system logic
- Scale ready architecture
- Full technical handoff
Built-to-Spec Systems
12–20+ weeks delivery
Advanced business systems, multi-workflow environments, and complex multi-system integrations.
- Enterprise AI architecture
- Multi-agent autonomous systems
- Custom-trained business intelligence
- Complex legacy system bridging
- Priority engineering bandwidth
- Full infrastructure management
Ranges above are market-rate estimates. Every project is custom-scoped your actual investment is determined during discovery based on your specific requirements.
Projects that need a tailored approach.
Some projects don't fit neatly into a tier. Complex architectures, multi-system integrations, or highly specialized builds are scoped individually through our Built-to-Spec process.
Typical investment
Scoped individually to your requirements
- Complex multi-system architecture
- Specialized domain requirements
- Custom infrastructure and deployment
- Long term platform thinking built in
Most clients continue after launch.
Software isn't finished at launch. Ongoing retainers ensure your system stays reliable, secure, and continuously improving as your business grows.
AI Optimization
For clients needing continuous refinement of existing AI and automation logic.
- AI model monitoring & tuning
- Automation logic updates
- Monthly efficiency & performance audit
- Email & Slack technical support
Continuous Automation
For businesses expanding automation across new departments and operational workflows.
- Everything in Optimization
- New AI agent development
- Workflow expansion & scaling
- Priority engineer availability
AI Scaling Partner
Dedicated engineering for companies fully automating their entire business operations.
- Everything in Continuous
- Dedicated monthly sprint capacity
- On-call infrastructure support
- Technical strategy & architecture
Retainer plans are available to clients whose systems are hosted on Northspec infrastructure.
The environment your system lives in.
Dedicated deployment, AI workload scaling, performance optimization, monitoring, security, and automated backups.
Monthly range
Per month + usage
Most projects follow a simple structure.
Custom-scoped project definition. You receive a clear proposal tailored to your exact needs before any work begins.
Production-ready development with regular milestone reviews.
Deployment, stabilization, and initial AI refinement loops.
Continuous automation expansion and operational system support.
Standalone automation work available as project add-ons or independent engagements.
n8n Workflow Setup
$3,000 $8,000
Core Automation Systems
$1,000 $2,500
Advanced Workflow Systems
$3,000 $10,000
AI-Driven Automation
$5,000 $15,000+
For teams with critical deadlines. Guaranteed earlier delivery windows, dedicated capacity, and accelerated execution at a premium.
Fixed-Price, Not Hourly
You know the full cost before work begins. No surprises, no runaway bills.
Scoped to Your Stage
A startup needs momentum. An enterprise needs governance. We price accordingly.
Built for the Long Run
Every project is designed with post-launch continuity in mind, not just delivery.
Common questions, straight answers.
Why is this more expensive than a normal website?
Because we don’t build “just websites.” We build systems - frontends, backends, integrations, and automation that actually run your business. Cheap builds cost more in the long run through breakdowns, rebuilds, and technical debt. We price for reliability, scalability, and long term stability, not shortcuts.
Do you charge hourly or fixed price?
We price by scope and outcomes, not hours. Hourly encourages slow work, while scope pricing encourages efficient, high quality delivery. You’ll always know your cost up front.
Can you do it cheaper?
If we reduced the price, we’d also have to reduce reliability, testing, support, and quality. We don’t compete on being the cheapest; we compete on being the team you don’t need to replace later.
Can’t we figure features out later?
No. “Figure it out later” turns into scope creep and blown timelines. We always define scope clearly first so your project stays predictable, stable, and successful.
What if I don’t need automation yet?
Perfect. Automation (n8n) is completely optional. We build a strong frontend and reliable backend first, making automation compatible for when you’re ready. No forced upsells.
Why is automation priced separately?
Because automation isn’t a feature - it’s infrastructure. It requires deployment, security, monitoring, and reliability engineering. Separating it keeps pricing fair and expectations clear.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes - for larger projects. Typically 50% upfront and 50% before deployment. For bigger builds, milestone options (40/30/30) may be available. We do not do “pay after delivery.”
Do I own the code when it’s done?
Yes. Once the project is paid in full, you own your code, your system, and your data. We earn relationships by trust, not dependency.
What kind of businesses is this NOT for?
We’re not the right fit if you’re looking for the cheapest option, a quick no-thinking website, unlimited revisions, or projects under $2,500. We work best with serious founders building real systems.
Let's Scope Your Project.
Tell us what you're building and we'll scope it properly custom architecture, timeline, and a clear proposal before any commitment.