Initial code and operational audit
We review the code, architecture, dependencies, database, and infrastructure, then assess the system’s condition, risks, and technical debt.
Take over an app
Existing app taken over
Was your app developed by an external team, and do you need a new team to take it over, stabilize it, and continue development? We take over existing codebases, even without proper documentation or when the previous agency is no longer delivering.
- Audit in a few days
- Stabilization in 30 days
- Development in-house in Germany
Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau
Secanda AG
SENSYS GmbH
Knorr-Bremse AG
Zaibr Innovations GmbH
DTAD AG
Who can use an existing app take over and develop further?
A software agency with its own development team and experience working with third-party codebases can take over an existing app, even without complete documentation. A good process includes an initial code audit, transfer of access (repository, infrastructure, and app store accounts), knowledge capture, and a stabilization phase during the first 30 days. Planned development follows. CodeGuides takes over apps with its in-house team in Germany, even when another agency was previously responsible.
When an App takeover is worth it
Many companies reach a point where their current development partner is no longer the right fit. A well-managed takeover is almost always cheaper and faster than starting over from scratch.
Agency no longer delivers
Response times are getting longer, releases are delayed, or communication has broken down. You need a reliable new partner.
App is unstable
Crashes, bugs, and performance issues are becoming more frequent. The app needs to be stabilized before adding new features makes sense.
Documentation is missing
There’s little documentation, no tests, and no one left who knows the code. We systematically assess and document the codebase.
No access to knowledge
The developers have left the project. We secure knowledge, access, and infrastructure before anything is lost.
Further development stalls
The app is running, but new requests are still waiting. We take over the roadmap and get delivery back on track.
Unsafe operation
No monitoring, unclear backup procedures, and unanswered security questions. We make operations more resilient.
This is how it works App takeover
The takeover follows a clear process. You stay in control every step of the way and know what we are doing and why.
Access and knowledge transfer
We take over the repository, servers, domains, app store accounts, and secrets, and preserve existing knowledge before it’s lost.
Stabilization
We fix critical bugs and security gaps, set up monitoring and backups, and create a resilient foundation for operations.
Further development according to roadmap
Once the foundation is stable, we continue planned development, including new features, refactoring, and releases on a predictable schedule.
Takeover despite missing documentation or an ongoing agency relationship
We can address the most common concerns about a takeover clearly. We have a proven process designed for exactly this situation.
What we can do without documentation
- Systematically assess and document the codebase
- Reconstruct architecture and data model
- Secure critical processes and add tests
- Make infrastructure and deployments traceable
Change while agency is running
- Organized transfer of access and knowledge
- Clarification of rights to source code and accounts
- A transition with no disruption for your users
- Discreet processing, with NDA upon request
Starter package: App takeover audit
A focused audit is the best first step. You’ll get a clear picture of the system’s condition, risks, and required effort before deciding whether to proceed with a full takeover.
What's included
- Audit of code, architecture and operations
- Risk and effort assessment
- Prioritized takeover and stabilization plan
What you'll have afterward
- Clear basis for decision-making
- Concrete next steps with effort
- Optional direct start of the transfer
Suitable for
- Existing apps with unclear status
- Projects before changing agencies
- Apps to save or scale
Our initial app takeover audit typically costs between 1.000 € and 2.500 €, depending on the app’s size and complexity. We’ll clarify the exact scope in a free initial consultation.
FAQ: App Takeover
Can you take over my app even though another agency built it?
Yes. We regularly take over apps developed by other agencies or freelancers. An orderly handoff of source code, access, and knowledge is essential. We can also help clarify rights to the code and app store accounts, and ensure the transition doesn’t disrupt service for your users.
What happens if no documentation exists?
That’s the norm, not the exception. We systematically assess the codebase, reconstruct the architecture and data model, and document the most important processes. This gives us a solid foundation to take over, stabilize, and continue developing the app.
What access do you need to take over the app?
We typically need access to the repository, servers and cloud infrastructure, domains, database, and App Store and Google Play accounts. We’ll create a checklist and manage the access transfer in an organized, documented way.
How quickly can you stabilize an unstable app?
We address critical bugs and security gaps right away. We typically plan to spend the first 30 days on basic stabilization: troubleshooting, monitoring, backups, and reliable operations. The exact scope depends on the app’s condition.
How much does an app takeover cost?
The first step is an app takeover audit, which typically costs between €1,000 and €2,500. We scope the subsequent stabilization and development based on the work required. We’ll discuss the details transparently during the initial consultation.
Is it better to take over an app or build a new one?
In most cases, taking over an app is cheaper and faster than building a new one because the parts that already work can be retained. During the audit, we assess what can be kept and what should be rebuilt, and recommend only what makes economic sense.
Can you take over operations without continuing development?
Yes. If you are primarily looking for a reliable partner for maintenance and operation, we can take care of that. You can find details about this under Get app support. Further development can be added at any time.
Another question that isn't answered here?
Clarify in the appointment →
Why CodeGuides for the takeover?
- In-house team based in Germany: You work with a dedicated team in Germany—no freelancers or outsourcing.
- ⌨️ Experts for complex projects: You benefit from specialists in architecture, app development, backend and QA, all working together.
- 💲 Cost transparency & clear planning: Full transparency with minute-by-minute time tracking, realistic roadmaps and reliable estimates.
Alexander Hähnel
Managing Director, App and Software Development
Franz Opitz
Managing Director, Automation and Cloud Deployment
Have your app taken over: Book a preliminary consultation
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About CodeGuides
CodeGuides develops apps for consumers and businesses, with a primary focus on B2C apps. Our in-house team in Germany provides product planning, Flutter development and long-term operations, alongside custom software, AI automation and local AI infrastructure.
Project questions and practical answers
What happens during a software project takeover?
First secure access to repositories, hosting, deployment pipelines and documentation. Reproduce the build, identify critical incidents and review the backlog with business owners. Stabilize the current release before promising new features. A takeover plan should separate urgent fixes, technical debt and roadmap work, and record which responsibilities move from the previous provider.
What should an app redesign development agency preserve?
A redesign should improve tested user journeys without losing working business rules or data. Review analytics and user feedback, prototype the changed flows and check accessibility before implementation. Separate visual changes from backend replacement. Stage the release, keep regression tests and plan how existing users and integrations will move to the new experience.
