Trying to get an idea of what I should expect to pay to have a project made “pretty”. I have a database structure that I think will work (may need some tweaking down the road). I am thinking that I would probably be better off paying an expert to make everything look great and use all the capabilities that Knack has. I’m a less than 48 hour newbie and while I think I could put together something that is okay and does the job. It wouldn’t really be something I was proud of. So how much should I expect to pay to have a final product that is more than okay? And any suggestions for choosing an expert, if that is the direction I decide to go in. Thanks!
Hi @terri.sween - Happy new year and welcome to the Knack forum and family 
It is a bit of a “how long is a piece of string” question, but wanting a professional finish you can be proud of is a very common (and wise) turning point for many Knack users.
What to Expect on Cost
Pricing generally falls into two buckets depending on the expert’s location and experience:
• Hourly Rates: Expect to see anywhere from £40 to £120+ per hour (roughly $50–$150) for Western-based experts.
• Project-Based: For “polishing” an existing app (UI/UX design, custom CSS, and ensuring your database is scalable), small-to-medium projects often range between £800 and £3,000. Complex enterprise builds can, of course, go much higher.
Tips for Choosing an Expert
1. Check the Directory: Start with the official Knack Expert Directory. These partners are vetted and usually have a deep portfolio of “pretty” apps.
2. Request a “Mini-Audit”: Ask if they can spend 30 minutes reviewing your draft. A good expert will immediately spot if your “tweaking down the road” might actually require a structural rebuild now to save you money later.
3. UI vs. UX: Make sure they understand both. “Pretty” is great, but a professional should also ensure the User Experience (how many clicks it takes to get things done) is seamless.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for design inspiration or technical pointers on what Knack can do “out of the box” versus with custom code, you might find some helpful ideas in the videos produced by myself and my colleague, @DaveParrish
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thank you!