Start by defining what the site needs to do
A focused one page site and a larger website with distinct service pages are different projects. The right starting point is the information visitors need and the role the site should play in the business, not an arbitrary page count.
Write down the services, audience, contact path and questions that need to be addressed. That outline gives a provider something concrete to estimate and helps the owner compare proposals based on what is included.
Content affects the work
A project may use information the owner already has, or it may need new service descriptions, page structure and editing. The number of unique topics and the amount of review each one needs can change the amount of work involved.
Photos, diagrams and other media also affect a project. Using existing assets with permission is different from sourcing, preparing or creating new material. The owner should know which assets are included and which remain their responsibility.
Features and integrations change the scope
A brochure style site, an enquiry form, a booking flow and a custom tool have different requirements. Forms may involve validation, spam protection, delivery configuration and privacy wording. Any third party service should be identified before work begins.
More features are not automatically better. Each one should solve a real need, and the owner should understand any ongoing service or account it depends on.
Ask what happens after launch
Hosting, domain setup, maintenance and future edits may be included, separate or handled by the owner. Clarify who controls the accounts, how routine changes are requested and whether ongoing support is part of the agreement.
Portability matters too. Ask for a clear description of where the site will run, what files or content can be moved and which services would need replacement if the business changes providers.
Compare proposals by scope, not just totals
When comparing estimates, check that they describe similar work. Look for the number and purpose of pages, content responsibilities, mobile behavior, contact handling, technical setup, review rounds and ongoing support. A low number without a clear scope is hard to compare with a detailed proposal.
Do not assume every website needs the same budget or that a particular price guarantees a business result. The useful next step is to describe the project and ask what work is included, what is optional and what costs continue after launch.