How to estimate the cost of developing Rails applications?

Question

I have an application that I would like to create. For the most part, I know what I want. And I have good sketches of how this should work and look.

I would like to understand how to estimate the cost of implementing an application. I would like to do this before you start the developers, so that I can make sure that I can afford to finance the development myself, and not waste time at any time.

I can imagine that answering this question is not easy, and perhaps one that cannot be answered here at all. However, I hope that there are approximate figures and methods for an approximate cost.

In addition, if someone has any suggested steps to move from an idea to an implementation, I would like to hear them. Thanks!

Clarification: I am not looking for an answer with a dollar amount. I am looking for guidance on how to come up with a (very rough) figure. Ultimately, I will use this figure to determine if I can comfortably finance development personally. Again, this question may be wrong, but I cannot help but think that someone might have a sound answer. Perhaps a cost / time indicator based on a design of their own or good advice otherwise. Just don’t tell me that it will cost a million, because Robert already has it. :)

Answer 1

To be honest, if the project is in the middle point where you can or cannot finance it personally, I would say that I am mistaken on the side of caution. Too often, a project drags on to be completed within a certain amount of time. This may be the result of an erroneous assessment or because of the opportunities that open up in the project that expand the scope. The worst thing I've seen is a promising project: it’s running out of funding as it starts to create steam.

Answer 2

You say that you have good sketches of how it should work and look. Get it along with text describing ALL about the application. Now you can publish it for betting on Elance and ODesk or everywhere (these are just two that come to mind). The more details you have, the better.

Answer 3

Getting some quotes is the only way to find out really.

It also depends on what you get as a product ... source? was it located?

Some web firms that will also host your application have their own CMS and work systems to make things cheaper / faster. This does not mean that they will transfer the cost back.

The cheapest, also not the best. You need to set a budget and make the most of it .