I feel like I can get pretty good estimates on the following conditions:
- the application is thoroughly specced. You might need WEEKS for this.
- all variables are taken care of. Stack is known, and you’ve experience with all parts involved. If you don’t, get familiar with the parts first. Again, might take weeks.
- there is no implicit functionality. It is either explicit or not included.
- there are clear boundaries and rules to prevent feature creep.
- you cannot estimate an estimate
- all designs and UX are final
Now the problem is, this estimate is really expensive, because it’s actual work. It takes about 10-25% of the total project time to estimate the project.
- the application is thoroughly specced. You might need WEEKS for this. - all variables are taken care of. Stack is known, and you’ve experience with all parts involved. If you don’t, get familiar with the parts first. Again, might take weeks. - there is no implicit functionality. It is either explicit or not included. - there are clear boundaries and rules to prevent feature creep. - you cannot estimate an estimate - all designs and UX are final
Now the problem is, this estimate is really expensive, because it’s actual work. It takes about 10-25% of the total project time to estimate the project.