Pricing
A diagnostic is typically free to $500, and you get a written scorecard in about 48 hours. A deeper audit runs $299–$2,500. Focused rescue is $500–$12,500+. A rebuild costs more, and we only quote it after we have seen the code. When we cut code, the scope is fixed. The repo stays yours.
Diagnostic
Written severity-ranked scorecard within ~48 hours. Keep / harden / rebuild recommendation.
- Repo or export review
- Security & money path scan
- Often credited toward rescue
Paid audit
Deeper written audit when the codebase is larger, regulated, or you need diligence-ready notes.
- Expanded findings & priorities
- Architecture notes
- Remediation roadmap
Focused rescue
Fixed-scope salvage: secrets, auth, RLS/tenancy, payments, deploy blockers, and agreed hardening.
- Quote after diagnostic
- Boundaries in writing
- You own the repo
Rebuild / production sprint
When salvage is uneconomical or diligence demands a clean foundation. Quoted only after honest diagnostic.
- Strangler or clean rebuild options
- Still fixed-scope where possible
- See rescue vs rewrite
Virtual bookkeeping
Separate from software rescue. A flat monthly fee, not an hourly tab. Tax stays with your CPA. Standard is the main offer.
- Starter: from $299/month. Async monthly close only. No admin.
- Standard: from $449/month. Starter plus light admin, capped at 3 hours a month. Published price is $449. Launch promo $399 on request.
- Catch-up: from $200 per month behind, quoted after the fit check. Simple books can be lower; complex books higher.
Work we turn down
- Unlimited tinkering with no scope
- Inventing the product. We salvage and harden. The vision is yours.
- Engagements where you will not rotate an exposed secret, or will not give reasonable access
- A same-day rescue of an unscoped enterprise estate
- Someone to prompt harder, with no engineer owning the result
If that is the ask, we will say so. Sometimes after the diagnostic, sometimes sooner, by email at hello@meridian.dev.
FAQ
How much does vibe code rescue cost?
Typical 2026 bands: diagnostic free to $500; paid audit $299–$2,500; focused rescue $500–$12,500+; full rebuild paths are higher and scoped separately. Exact quotes follow the diagnostic.
Is the diagnostic free?
Often free or credited toward rescue for a clear, bounded ask. Larger or rush reviews may be $299–$500. We say which before you send access.
More answers on the full FAQ and service page.
Start with the diagnostic
The diagnostic fee is agreed up front, and often it is nothing. Rescue work does not start until there is a fixed quote.