Services
Software Project Takeover
Stalled project? Burned by a previous agency? We audit the existing codebase, tell you exactly what you have, and take it from there.
How does Code and Trust handle project takeovers?
A software project takeover starts with a 2-week code audit: we read every file, document every function, identify security vulnerabilities, measure test coverage, and give you a written assessment with a rescue estimate. In 6 years, roughly 30% of audited projects are rescued as-is; 70% require partial or full rebuilds. We tell you which before we start.
What the code audit covers
The 2-week code audit is systematic and documented. You receive a written report covering every dimension of the codebase — not just a verbal summary. The output is specific enough to take to another developer, share with a board, or use in a vendor dispute.
- →Architecture quality — modularity, separation of concerns, scalability ceiling
- →Security vulnerabilities — OWASP Top 10 scan, dependency CVE audit
- →Database design and query performance — schema review, index analysis, N+1 detection
- →Test coverage and CI/CD state — unit, integration, and end-to-end test inventory
- →Dependency freshness — outdated packages flagged, critical CVEs identified
- →Documentation gaps — what exists, what's missing, what's wrong
- →Estimated hours to complete the original scope
- →Honest written recommendation: rescue as-is, partial rebuild, or full rebuild
What we see most often
Most project takeover requests share a handful of root causes. The specific technology stack varies widely, but the failure modes are remarkably consistent across industries, project sizes, and client types. Recognizing the pattern early lets us move faster.
- →Projects started by freelancers without architecture planning
- →Offshore agency builds with no test coverage or documentation
- →Internal builds abandoned when the lead developer left
- →Products stuck at 80% complete for 6+ months with no clear path to launch
- →Apps with critical security vulnerabilities discovered post-launch
Technology coverage
We take over projects in any stack — whatever the existing project uses. Primary expertise is Next.js, React, Node.js, Python, and PostgreSQL, but we have successfully rescued projects built in Ruby on Rails, PHP, ASP.NET, and Java. The audit process works regardless of language.
Recent example
An e-commerce client hired us to audit a 14-month offshore agency build before accepting delivery. We found 3 critical SQL injection vulnerabilities, 0% test coverage, and 40% of promised features missing from the spec. The client used our written report to negotiate an $80K reduction with the original agency.
Anonymous — E-Commerce Platform
Audited a 14-month offshore agency build before client accepted delivery. Found 3 critical SQL injection vulnerabilities, 0% test coverage, and 40% of the promised features missing from the spec. Client negotiated $80K reduction with the original agency based on audit findings. We then completed the project in 8 weeks.
Common questions
Do you take over any project regardless of tech stack?
Yes. We've taken over projects in 12+ languages and frameworks. Our first step is always the audit — we learn the existing system before making promises.
What if the previous contractor claims we can't access the code?
You own the code you paid for. If a contractor is withholding it, that's a legal issue we can help you document. In most cases, we've gotten access within a week.
Do you guarantee you can fix it?
No — and anyone who does without seeing the code is lying. Our audit produces a realistic estimate. If the honest estimate is 'it costs more to rescue than rebuild,' we'll say so.
How quickly can you start?
Code audits typically begin within 1–2 weeks of contract signing. We know project takeovers are often urgent.
Can you work with the original developers during transition?
If they're cooperative, yes. If the relationship has broken down, we document the system ourselves. We don't require handoff calls or cooperation from the previous team.
Ready to find out what you actually have?
The audit is the first step. We'll read the codebase, give you an honest assessment, and you decide what happens next.