The verdict in three sentences
For an engineering firm, the website is not a showcase: it is a technical proof tool that converts commissioning clients. In 2026, a 20-40 page site with a filterable portfolio runs between 12,000 and 28,000 EUR, dynamic reference base and multilingual optional. Webflow at 300 EUR/year works to start, but caps out as references multiply.
The budget of an engineering firm website in 2026
The specific challenge: showcasing projects by sector, discipline or technology, with filters. Here are the 2026 orders of magnitude.
| Item | 2026 range (EUR) | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 20-40 page site + filterable portfolio | 12,000 - 28,000 | 10-16 weeks |
| Dynamic reference base (CMS) | 3,000 - 7,000 | +3-4 weeks |
| Multilingual NL/EN | 2,000 - 4,500 | +2-3 weeks |
| Expertise pages + diagrams | 2,000 - 5,000 | included |
| Document library (PDF sheets) | 1,500 - 4,000 | +2 weeks |
The filterable portfolio is the item with the highest commercial impact: it lets a prospect find a project similar to theirs in 2 clicks.
Webflow self-service vs custom agency
The classic dilemma: go solo on Webflow or delegate to an agency. The table decides by maturity.
| Criterion | Webflow self-service | Custom agency |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | 300 - 2,000 EUR | 12,000 - 28,000 EUR |
| Annual subscription | 250 - 500 EUR/yr | Hosting 40-90 EUR/mo |
| Dynamic portfolio | Limited (Webflow CMS) | Unlimited, custom |
| Internal time required | High (self-build) | Low |
| Multilingual | Complex | Native |
| Technical scalability | Medium | Full |
Webflow is relevant under 15 references and with no multilingual need. Beyond that, manual maintenance costs more internal time than the savings.
The recurring costs over 12 months
As with any project, TCO matters as much as the initial investment.
| Recurring item | Monthly cost 2026 (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Maintenance (reference updates) | 200 - 450 |
| Hosting (Hetzner / OVH) | 40 - 90 |
| Webflow subscription (if chosen) | 25 - 45 |
| SEO retainer (optional) | 300 - 700 |
| Backups + monitoring | included in maintenance |
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Thomas, director of an 18-engineer technical firm in Amsterdam, must choose. Option A: Webflow built in-house, 1,800 EUR + 400 EUR/year. Option B: a custom site with filterable portfolio and reference base, 19,000 EUR + 300 EUR/month maintenance.
His firm answers 6 tenders/month. A credible filterable portfolio raises its shortlist rate from 25 % to 35 %, i.e. 0.6 more won bid per month. With a 45,000 EUR average engagement, that represents roughly 320,000 EUR of potential extra annual revenue. The 17,000 EUR gap with Webflow is paid back the moment the first additional engagement is won.
FAQ
Is a filterable portfolio worth the investment?
Yes: it is the highest-ROI item for an engineering firm. It costs 3,000 to 7,000 EUR but transforms prospect navigation and raises the tender shortlist rate.
Is Webflow enough for an engineering firm?
Under 15 references and with no multilingual need, yes, for 300-500 EUR/year. Beyond that, manual management becomes time-consuming and custom pays off.
How much is NL/EN multilingual?
Budget 2,000 to 4,500 EUR depending on page volume. Essential if you target European clients or international groups.
What timeline for a 30-page site?
Around 10 to 16 weeks custom, including portfolio structuring and two validation phases. A self-built Webflow can take 4 to 8 weeks of your own time.
What maintenance for adding references?
Maintenance of 200 to 450 EUR/month covers regular project additions, evolutions and monitoring. It avoids tying up an engineer on site updates.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your reference volume and target sectors: we scope a site between 12,000 and 28,000 EUR with a filterable portfolio. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
