Answers · Web Design
Do I own my website after it's built?
Updated April 30, 2026 · Honest answer from a Colorado agency that does this work daily.
Short answer
You should own everything: your domain name, hosting account, source code, content, and brand assets. Reputable Colorado web design agencies set up accounts in your name and hand over login credentials at launch. If your agency holds the domain in their account, refuses to share code, or charges a "buyout" fee to leave — those are major red flags. Get this in writing before signing any contract.
- Domain registered in your name with you as admin contact
- Hosting account in your name with full admin access
- Source code, content, and design assets handed over at launch
- No "buyout fee" or hostage tactics for leaving
- Get ownership terms in writing in the contract
Why this matters
Web design agencies that hold client domains and hosting are using leverage instead of trust. Every year we hear from Colorado businesses that can't move agencies without losing their domain or having to pay a $5,000+ "buyout." Don't put yourself in that position.
Set up accounts correctly from day one: register the domain in your name (your email, your billing), set up hosting in your name, and have the agency listed as a user with admin access — not as the account owner.
What "ownership" includes
Domain name registration. Hosting account. Source code (downloadable copy of all site files). Content (text, photos, videos). Brand assets (logo files in vector format). Email accounts. Analytics access. Search Console access. Any third-party services connected to the site (CRM, payment processors, booking tools).
If you're paying a recurring license for proprietary software the agency built (some do this for booking systems or specialty tools), make sure the contract clearly states what happens if you stop paying — typically you lose access but not your data.
Follow-up questions
What if my old agency won't release my domain?
Contact the registrar directly with proof of identity (driver's license, business license). Most will transfer it to you with proof of ownership. If the agency registered it in their own name, you may need legal action.
Should I get the source code?
Yes, always. Even if you'll never look at it, having a downloadable copy means you're never trapped with an agency.
What about ongoing maintenance — am I locked in?
Maintenance contracts should be month-to-month with 30 days notice. Anything longer is unreasonable.
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