At a glance
| Web designer or agency | ObraUp | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Usually a one-time fee, often $500 and up | $0 build, $0 first month |
| Ongoing cost | Hosting, domain and changes, depending on the contract | $39, $79 or $129 a month (or 10 months' price for a year), hosting included |
| Design | Custom to your brand | One of three designs made for your trade, with your details, photos and logo |
| Time to launch | Depends on the designer's schedule | Targets 7, 5 or 3 business days by plan, after you send your details |
| Custom features | Whatever you pay for | Not included; major changes are quoted separately |
| Who owns the design | Depends on the contract; ask | Your content, logo and domain are yours; the design and code stay with Obra Tech LLC |
When a web designer is the better pick
- You want a brand that looks like no one else's. A designer starts from a blank page.
- You need custom features, such as an online store, a customer portal or an integration with your scheduling or CRM software. ObraUp doesn't build those.
- You want to own the finished design outright. Many designers transfer it to you; check the contract.
- You already have a designer you trust. A good working relationship is worth a lot.
When ObraUp is the better pick
- You'd rather not pay a large fee up front. The build is free.
- You want it done quickly. Plans target delivery in 7, 5 or 3 business days once we have your details.
- You want a site built for your trade. Every design was made for one of nine trades, with the features homeowners in that trade look for.
- You don't want to manage hosting or updates. Hosting is included, every plan has self-serve edits, and Premium and Elite include monthly edits done for you.
- You want to leave easily. No contract and no cancellation fee. You keep your content and any domain in your name.
Questions to ask any web designer
- Is hosting included, and for how long?
- Whose name is the domain registered in?
- What does a change cost after launch?
- Will my license number and classification be on every page?
- Do I own the design and code when the project ends?
- Who fixes it if it breaks?
Questions people ask
Is a monthly website plan more expensive than hiring a designer?
Over several years it can be, depending on what the designer charges for hosting and changes. In return you pay nothing up front, hosting and support are included, and you can cancel any time.
Can I take my ObraUp site with me if I leave?
You keep your photos, text, logo and any domain registered in your name, and we return your content in a common format when you ask. The underlying design and code stay with Obra Tech LLC, so a new designer would rebuild the site with your content.
Does ObraUp do custom web design?
No. ObraUp builds from 27 designs, three for each of nine trades, set up with your business details. Redesigns, new pages and new features are quoted separately.
Sources
- Squarespace, How much does a website cost? (checked October 13, 2026)
- ObraUp plan details from pricing, the Cancellation and Refund Policy and the Master Services Agreement (checked October 13, 2026)