Is Your Construction Website Content and Code Really Yours? 

In the fast-moving construction world, your website should work as hard as you do—bringing in leads, showcasing projects, and setting your business apart. But here’s a question many contractors don’t think to ask until it’s too late: Do I actually own my website? 

If your site was built on a closed platform like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify, the answer may be: not really. You might own the photos and words, but the design, code, and hosting access could all be controlled by someone else. That means if you ever want to switch vendors or update functionality, you could be forced to start over. 

Here’s what that can look like for construction companies: 

• Losing project galleries or contact forms when you switch providers 
• Limited customization for SEO, lead tracking, or bid request features 
• Costly redesigns to make simple changes 
• Wasted time paying for tools you don’t actually use 

At Stamp, we believe your website should be a true asset—not a liability. That’s why we build on open-source platforms like WordPress and ExpressionEngine, giving you: 

• Full ownership of and access to your code, content, and design 
• The ability to host your site wherever you want 
• Full ADA Compliance  
• Freedom to evolve your site without vendor lock-in 

 Open Source vs. Proprietary: What’s the Difference?  

Open-source platforms (like WordPress and ExpressionEngine):  

• Use code that’s freely available and community-supported  
• Can be hosted on virtually any server, so you’re free to move your site as needed  
• Give you access to the full code and database with full design & functionality control  
• Subscription costs are generally low, but scalable depending on features  
• You own the site and data  
• There can be a slight learning curve, and it’ll require a trusted developer partner  

Proprietary platforms (like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify):  

• Tied to the platform, locking you into their hosting and software ecosystem  
• Often restrict access to backend code or database exports  
• Make migration difficult or impossible without rebuilding  
• Limited customization, but ease of use with drag-and-drop content in most cases  
• Bundle features—but at the cost of flexibility  
• Subscriptions can be costly and include features you don’t need  

So… Do You Own Your Website?  

If you’re unsure, that’s a red flag. Ownership means control, flexibility, and the ability to grow on your own terms. Whether you run a construction company, architecture firm, roofing company, general contracting business, construction-related association, or other specialty trade contractor company, your website should be a tool you truly own—not one you rent. If your website isn’t built to grow with your business, it’s time to build a better foundation. 

At Stamp, we help organizations build flexible, secure, and future-ready websites that put them in control. Let’s talk about building something you really own. Let’s connect.