Risks of Using Contractors for Software Projects | WSI Insights

Contractors Help… But Not as Much as You Think

Hiring contract developers is a common way to avoid the expense and rigidity of full-time employees. Contractors can deliver specialized skills on demand — but they come with risks that often surface later in the project lifecycle.

Benefits of Contractors:

  • Specialized talent: Quickly fill gaps in your team’s technical skill set.
  • Flexible commitment: Scale up or down based on project needs.
  • Lower post-launch obligations: No need to retain staff after completion.

Risks and Limitations of Contractors:

  • Ongoing costs during downtime: You still pay hourly rates when work stalls or priorities shift.
  • Skill mismatches: Not every contractor lives up to their resume — “learning on the job” becomes your expense.
  • Limited post-launch support: Many contractors move on after delivery, leaving no continuity.
  • Inconsistent documentation and standards: Can result in costly rework down the line.

At WSI, we bridge the gap between flexibility and accountability. Our project teams follow documented standards and provide consistent post-launch support — without the drawbacks of a contractor-only approach.

Contact Us to learn more about partnering with a full-service software development firm you can count on.

About Us

WSI is a small business and a leading provider of custom programming and database solutions for government entities, Fortune 1000 companies, and emerging businesses. We are your custom development experts.