Technical Side: if you want to retain ownership of the code you create, it's crucial to spell that out clearly in a contract before any work begins. You can license the use of the system to the client instead of transferring full ownership.
business standpoint: In the U.S. work-for-hire rules, typically favor the client if you're an employee, However, if you're an independent contractor (freelancer), you usually own the IP until you sign it over, so having a solid contract is everything. you could approach it two ways:
- Hourly rate: $50â$150/hr
- Flat project fee: $2Kâ$5K range
maybe think about offering ongoing maintenance for a monthly fee, it keeps you tied into the project and builds long-term income.