Custom AI App Development
Handbuilt builds custom AI-powered applications from scratch, starting at $7,500 CAD. That includes MVPs you want to validate, internal tools your team will actually use, and customer-facing portals. You own the source code and can take it anywhere. Built by one developer who stays accountable through launch and beyond.
The problem
You have an idea for an AI-powered tool — or a real internal problem that off-the-shelf software doesn't solve. But every agency quote comes back at $50K+ for a discovery phase alone, and no-code platforms hit a ceiling the moment you need something non-standard.
What this looks like in practice
Consider a property management company needing a tenant intake portal that answers lease questions, collects maintenance requests, and routes urgent issues to the right staff automatically. Off-the-shelf help desk tools don't fit — they're built for SaaS support teams, not property managers with a mix of routine requests and genuine emergencies. A custom AI portal scoped to that exact workflow could bring average response time from a few hours down to minutes per ticket, while keeping the human in the loop only for situations that actually need judgment.
How it works
- 1
Requirements mapping — We define the core user flows, the AI's role in each one, and what integrations the app needs — before any code is written.
- 2
Scoped MVP build — We build the smallest version that proves the idea works — fast feedback, real data, no wasted scope.
- 3
Iteration & integration — Based on real use, we extend the app: more AI features, deeper integrations, UI refinements.
- 4
Deployment & handoff — You get the full source code, deployment instructions, and documentation. Ongoing updates available on the AI Care Plan at $250/mo.
What's included in a custom AI app build
A custom app engagement at Handbuilt covers product scoping, UI/UX design (functional, not just pretty), front-end and back-end development, AI model integration (LLM APIs, vector search, retrieval-augmented generation, or fine-tuned models depending on the use case), third-party API connections, and deployment to a production environment. You do not pay per seat, per API call beyond your own API keys, or per feature. The deliverable is software you own.
What we build
Internal tools (staff dashboards, document processors, AI-assisted workflows), customer-facing portals (intake forms, AI chat with account context, booking systems with AI triage), MVPs for B2B SaaS ideas you want to validate before raising money or hiring a team, and specialized automation apps that don't fit any existing category. If it involves AI and it's a real app — not a chatbot widget — this is the right service.
Who this is for
Business owners with a specific problem that existing software doesn't solve well, and founders with an AI product idea they want to validate without committing to a $100K+ build. Budget-wise, this is the right fit if you have $7,500–25,000 CAD to invest and want to own the outcome. If your need is simpler — a chatbot, an intake form, or a reception bot — the Starter or Business packages are a better starting point.
What you get
- Full source code ownership — no SaaS lock-in, ever
- AI built into the actual user flows, not bolted on as a widget
- A developer who understands both the business problem and the AI layer
- Flat project pricing starting at $7,500 CAD
- MVP-first approach so you validate before over-building
- Clean handoff with docs so your team can maintain it
Recommended package
Custom AI App
Typically 4–8 weeks, scoped on a call
A full app, built around your idea — and you own it.
Discuss Your App IdeaCommon questions
Custom AI app builds start at $7,500 CAD. Projects with more integrations, larger user bases, or more complex AI requirements typically run $12,000–25,000 CAD. We scope a flat price before work begins.
Want this built for your business?
Tell us about your setup and we'll send a plan and a fixed quote within one business day.