Your AI-Built App Broke. That's Fixable.
You used Bolt.new, Cursor, or Replit to build your SaaS. It looked amazing in the demo. Then real users showed up and things started falling apart — auth doesn't work right, the database can't handle real data, errors crash the whole app. You're not the first founder this has happened to, and the code is almost certainly salvageable.
$40/hr · Toptal Top 3% · 5 free diagnostic hours · 13+ years shipping production software
What Typically Breaks in AI-Generated Code
I've rescued enough AI-built codebases to recognize the pattern. The tools are impressive at generating UI and basic functionality. But they consistently skip the architectural decisions that make software survive contact with real users.
No real authentication or authorization
AI tools bolt on a login screen but skip role-based access, session management, and API route protection. Anyone who inspects network requests can access data they shouldn't see.
Database without relationships or migrations
Flat data structures with no foreign keys, no indexing, and no migration system. The app works with 10 test records but chokes at 1,000 real ones. Changing a schema means breaking everything.
Zero error handling or edge cases
The happy path works beautifully. But an empty form field, a slow network, a duplicate email, a failed payment — any real-world scenario crashes the app or shows a white screen.
Hardcoded values everywhere
API keys in the frontend code, URLs hardcoded to localhost, config values scattered across 40 files. You can't deploy to production without a manual find-and-replace across the entire codebase.
No state management pattern
Props drilled five levels deep, duplicate API calls on every page, stale data everywhere. The app feels sluggish and inconsistent because there's no single source of truth for anything.
Security vulnerabilities baked in
SQL injection via unparameterized queries, XSS through unsanitized user input, API keys exposed in client-side code, no rate limiting. Your app isn't just broken — it's a liability.
The good news? These are all known, fixable problems. I've seen this pattern dozens of times and I know exactly where to look and what to rebuild. The AI got you further than you think — it just needs an experienced developer to finish the job.
What Rescue Looks Like
No mysteries, no black boxes. Here's exactly what happens after you share your codebase with me.
Codebase Audit
Step 1I clone your repo and spend 2–3 hours reading every file. Not skimming — reading. I map what works, what's broken, what's dangerous, and what's missing entirely. You get a written audit document you can keep regardless of whether we continue.
Architecture Assessment
Step 2I separate the code into three buckets: keep as-is, refactor, and rebuild. Most AI-generated code has a solid UI layer and reasonable component structure. The problems are almost always in the backend logic, data layer, and security — and those are fixable without starting over.
Triage & Prioritize
Step 3Not everything needs to be fixed at once. I prioritize by risk: security vulnerabilities first, then data integrity issues, then functionality bugs, then performance. You get a ranked list with time estimates so you can make informed decisions about scope and budget.
Systematic Repair
Step 4I fix the codebase methodically — proper auth architecture, database relationships, error handling, environment configuration, and input validation. Each fix is committed separately so you can see exactly what changed and why. No black boxes.
Production-Readiness Pass
Step 5The final pass covers everything AI tools skip: environment-based configuration, proper error logging, performance optimization, security headers, and deployment configuration. Your app goes from “works on my machine” to “works in production with real users.”
Most AI-Generated Code Is More Salvageable Than You Think
AI tools are genuinely good at generating component structures, page layouts, and basic CRUD operations. That's typically 60–70% of a codebase. The problems are almost always in the same places: authentication architecture, database relationships, error handling, and security.
That means the fix is usually structural, not a full rewrite. I keep your UI, your user flows, and your business logic. I rebuild the plumbing underneath — the parts that make software work in production with real users, real payments, and real data.
The founders I've helped are always surprised by how much of their code survives the rescue. Your instinct to build was right. The AI tool got you further than you think.
What I typically keep
- Component structure & page layouts
- UI styling & visual design
- Routing & navigation
- Basic business logic & CRUD operations
What I typically rebuild
- Auth & session management
- Database schema & relationships
- Error handling & input validation
- API security & rate limiting
- Environment config & deployment
No surprises. No hidden fees.
My rate is $40/hr. A typical codebase rescue runs 40–120 hours depending on severity, putting most projects between $1,200–$3,600 for a fully stabilized, production-ready codebase.
Compare that to the cost of continuing to patch AI-generated code that breaks in new ways every week — or the cost of a full rewrite from scratch, which is almost never necessary.
Every rescue starts with 5 free diagnostic hours. I audit your codebase, produce a written assessment, and give you a clear repair plan with time estimates. No credit card, no commitment.
Typical rescue timelines
- Minor rescue (auth fixes, error handling, config cleanup) — 1 week, 40–60 hours
- Standard rescue (database restructuring, security hardening, API rebuild) — 2 weeks, 80–120 hours
- Major rescue (significant architectural changes, near-rebuild of backend) — 3+ weeks, 120–200 hours
Starting rate · Toptal Top 3%
Typical rescue: $1.2K–$3.6K · 40–120 hours · 1–3 weeks
Questions founders ask before they commit
Straight answers — no pitch, no fine print.
Let's Rescue Your Codebase
Book a free call. Share your repo. I'll spend 5 hours reading your code and tell you honestly what's salvageable, what needs rebuilding, and exactly what it would cost. No judgment, no commitment — just a straight assessment from someone who's done this before.
Risk-Free Start
In 30 minutes, I'll review your SaaS idea, suggest the right architecture, and give you a realistic timeline.
Free Strategy Call
First SaaS strategy call completely free. Discuss your idea, get architecture advice, no commitment.
Free Work Sample
Up to 5 hours of actual work at no cost. See my process and quality firsthand.
Why I offer this: Building a SaaS is a big decision. This lets you experience my problem-solving approach, communication style, and technical expertise before you commit.