Initial code and operational audit
We review code, architecture, dependencies, database and infrastructure and assess condition, risks and technical debt.
Let the app take over
Existing app have it taken over
Your app was developed externally and you need a team to safely take over, stabilize and further develop it? We take over existing code bases, even without proper documentation or if the previous agency no longer delivers.
- Audit in a few days
- Stabilization in 30 days
- Development in-house in Germany
Wildau University of Technology
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 in third-party code bases can take over an existing app, even without complete documentation. It makes sense to have a process consisting of an initial code audit, transfer of access (repository, infrastructure, app store accounts), knowledge backup and a stabilization phase in the first 30 days. This is followed by the planned further development. CodeGuides takes over apps in-house in Germany, even if another agency was previously responsible.
When a App takeover is worth it
Many companies are at a point where the previous development partner is no longer a good fit. A clean takeover is almost always cheaper and faster than a completely new development.
Agency no longer delivers
Response times increase, releases are delayed or communication is lost. You need a reliable new partner.
App is unstable
Crashes, bugs and performance problems are increasing. The app must first be stabilized before new features are useful.
Dokumentation fehlt
There is hardly any documentation, no tests and no one who knows the code anymore. We develop the codebase systematically.
No access to knowledge
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 pending. We take over the roadmap and deliver in a planned manner again.
Unsafe operation
No monitoring, unclear backups, security questions open. We bring the company to a resilient level.
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 secure existing knowledge before it is lost.
Stabilization
We fix critical errors and security gaps, set up monitoring and backups and create a resilient basis for operations.
Further development according to roadmap
With a stable basis, we take over the planned further development: new features, refactorings and releases in predictable cycles.
Takeover despite missing documentation or ongoing agency
The most common concerns about a takeover can be clearly resolved. We have a tried and tested process for exactly this.
What we can do without documentation
- Systematically develop and document the codebase
- Reconstruct architecture and data model
- Secure critical processes and follow up with tests
- Make infrastructure and deployments traceable
Change while agency is running
- Ordered transfer of access and knowledge
- Clarification of rights to source code and accounts
- Transition phase without failure for your users
- Discreet processing, with NDA upon request
Starter package: App takeover audit
The best first step is a compact audit. You will receive clarity about the condition, risks and effort before you decide to take full ownership.
What's included
- Audit of code, architecture and operations
- Risk and effort assessment
- Prioritized acquisition and stabilization plan
Was Sie danach haben
- 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
We usually carry out an initial app takeover audit between 1.000 € and 2.500 €, depending on the size and complexity of the app. We will clarify the exact framework in a free preliminary consultation.
FAQ: Let the app take over
Can you take over my app even though another agency built it?
Yes. We regularly adopt apps that were developed by other agencies or freelancers. What is important is an orderly handover of source code, access and knowledge. We also support you in clarifying rights to the code and app store accounts and ensure a change without any downtime for your users.
What happens if no documentation exists?
This is the norm, not the exception. We systematically develop the codebase, reconstruct the architecture and data model and document the most important processes. On this basis, we can reliably take over, stabilize and further develop the app.
What access do you need for the transfer?
Typically access to the repository, server and cloud infrastructure, domains, database as well as App Store and Play Store accounts. We create a checklist and take care of the access in an orderly and documented manner.
How quickly does an unstable app become stable again?
We address critical errors and security gaps immediately. We usually plan the first 30 days for basic stabilization: troubleshooting, monitoring, backups and resilient operations. The exact scope depends on the status of the app.
How much does an app takeover cost?
The starting point is an app takeover audit, which is usually between €1,000 and €2,500. We plan the subsequent stabilization and further development based on effort. We clarify the framework transparently in the preliminary discussion.
Is a takeover worth it or is a new development better?
In most cases, a takeover is cheaper and faster than a new development because parts that already work are retained. During the audit, we honestly assess what can be taken over and what should be rebuilt, and only recommend what makes economic sense.
Are you just taking over the operation without any further 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 from Germany: You work with a permanent German team: no freelancers, no outsourcing risk.
- ⌨️ Experts for complex projects: You benefit from specialists in architecture, app development, backend & QA, all from a single source.
- 💲 Cost transparency & clear planning: Full transparency through minute-by-minute time recording, realistic roadmaps & reliable effort estimates.
Alexander Hähnel
Managing Director, App and Software Development
Franz Opitz
Managing Director, Automation and Cloud Deployment
Let the app take over: Book a preliminary consultation
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About CodeGuides
CodeGuides is an app and AI agency from Germany for Flutter apps, custom software, AI automation and local AI infrastructure. Consulting and implementation come from a single source: We evaluate use cases technically, build the first pilot and scale it up to company-wide operation, GDPR-compliant and with hosting in Germany.
