The verdict in three sentences
The choice between a partial redesign and a full rebuild is decided on objective criteria: age, technical debt, CMS obsolescence and performance. A partial redesign costs 3,000 to 8,000 EUR and takes 4 weeks; a rebuild 12,000 to 30,000 EUR and 10 weeks. If your site accumulates three or more warning signals, a rebuild is almost always the better investment.
The quantified decision grid
Each criterion pushes toward a refresh or a rebuild. Add up the signals before deciding.
| Criterion | Partial redesign | Full rebuild |
|---|---|---|
| Site age | < 4 years | > 5 years |
| Technical debt | Low | High |
| CMS | Current, supported | Obsolete, unmaintained |
| Performance | LCP < 2.5 s | LCP > 4 s |
| Mobile | Decent responsive | Not responsive |
| Security | Up to date | Known vulnerabilities |
| Evolving needs | Marginal | Structural |
If most rows fall in the right column, a rebuild is warranted: patching an obsolete base costs more in the medium term than a clean start.
Comparative cost and expected ROI
Upfront cost is not the only criterion: a rebuild lowers future maintenance and improves conversion.
| Line item | Partial redesign | Full rebuild |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 3,000 - 8,000 EUR | 12,000 - 30,000 EUR |
| Timeline | 4 weeks | 10 weeks |
| Lifespan | 2 - 3 years | 5 - 7 years |
| Maintenance/month | 90 - 150 EUR | 120 - 250 EUR |
| Conversion gain | +5 to 15 % | +20 to 50 % |
Simple decision tree: if the CMS is obsolete OR the site is over 5 years old with high technical debt, rebuild. Otherwise, if dissatisfaction is about design or a few pages, a partial redesign suffices.
Mini case study
Sophie, director of a 15-person consulting firm in Manchester, is torn over her 2018 site on an unmaintained CMS, non-responsive and slow (LCP 4.8 s). Five signals fall in the rebuild column. She chooses a rebuild at 15,500 EUR rather than a 6,000 EUR redesign that would not fix the debt. Amortised over 6 years, the rebuild works out to about 215 EUR/month. With conversion up from 1.1 % to 1.9 % on 2,500 monthly visits, she gains 20 extra monthly leads, paying back the project in under six months.
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FAQ
How do I know my site is obsolete?
Check age (> 5 years), CMS support, performance (LCP > 4 s) and responsiveness. Three or more signals in the rebuild column justify starting over.
Is a partial redesign a bad call?
No, if the technical base is healthy. It costs 3,000-8,000 EUR and suffices when the problem is cosmetic or limited to a few pages. It becomes waste on an obsolete base.
Is a rebuild always more expensive long term?
Not necessarily: it costs more upfront (12,000-30,000 EUR) but lasts 5-7 years and cuts maintenance and fixes, often cheaper than two successive redesigns.
How long does each option take?
Count about 4 weeks for a partial redesign and 10 weeks for a full rebuild, content included.
What conversion gain should I expect?
A partial redesign typically brings +5 to 15 %, a well-run rebuild +20 to 50 %, depending on the starting state and user-journey quality.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your site's age, CMS and pain points, and we will tell you whether to redesign (3,000-8,000 EUR) or rebuild (12,000-30,000 EUR). 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.
