How much does a website redesign cost and when should you keep the backend?

Redesign is not the same as starting over

If the backend, catalog, orders and integrations already work, replacing them just to achieve a modern interface can be wasteful. A safer option is often to preserve the source of truth and rebuild the storefront.

Audit before estimate

The CMS, PHP version, modules, templates, performance, SEO URLs, checkout and imports should be reviewed first. A stable backend can make a frontend rebuild much faster and safer than full migration.

A serious redesign includes

• New responsive design system.
• Rebuilt navigation, catalog, forms and checkout.
• Better mobile flows.
• CSS/JS and image optimization.
• Preservation of valuable URLs and SEO signals.

A full rewrite is justified when the existing platform is unsupported, structurally damaged or blocks required functionality.