AI builders vs. done for you
AI website builder or a done-for-you site?
AI builders like Durable, 10Web, and Wix's AI tools make a draft in minutes. The rest is up to you. We build it, write it, and hand you the files for $497, one time.
Side by side
| Feature | FlatRateSite | AI website builders |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $497 one time | Free plans; paid from $10/mo billed yearly |
| Ongoing cost | Hosting included for year 1 | Monthly or yearly subscription |
| Who builds it | We do | AI drafts it; you finish it |
| Who writes the copy | We do, from your intake answers | AI, from a short prompt |
| Who checks the facts | A person edits every word | You do |
| Pages | Up to 3 | Many; unlimited on some plans |
| Time to launch | 7 business days after intake approval | Draft in minutes; live when you finish |
| SEO basics | Done for you | Built-in tools; more on higher plans |
| Domain | Registered in your name | Subdomain on free plans; domain credit on paid |
| Leaving later | Your files, no export fee | Site lives on their platform |
What AI builders do well
They're fast and cheap to start. You type a few details and get a full draft in minutes, often on a free plan.
For testing an idea, or for a site you don't mind tinkering with, that's a good deal.
Where the work comes back to you
The AI only knows what you type into a short prompt. It doesn't know your license number, the towns you cover, or the jobs you want more of.
So you check every claim, rewrite what's generic, pick photos, connect a domain, and keep the subscription going. The draft is quick. Finishing it is on you.
Platform risk is real
Hocoos, an AI website builder, stopped operating in 2026. Its sites were permanently deleted after April 23, 2026. Customers had to download their files and move their domains before then.
Most builders won't close. But on a subscription platform, your site depends on that company. Durable, for example, says moving your domain out after you cancel takes a couple of weeks and has a minimum subscription time.
With us, the domain is registered in your name and you get your site files at launch. No export fee.
How we use AI
We use AI to speed up first drafts of your copy. A person edits every word, builds your site, and checks it before you see it.
You get 2 rounds of revisions, and your site is live 7 business days after we approve your intake.
Choose AI website builders if…
- You want a site today and don't mind editing it yourself.
- Your budget is near zero, and a free plan is enough for now.
- You're testing a business idea and may change direction soon.
- You want bookings, a simple CRM, or a blog bundled into one subscription.
- You need more than 3 pages.
Choose FlatRateSite if…
- You don't have time to fix and finish an AI draft.
- You want copy that's specific to your business and checked by a person.
- You want your domain and files in your name.
- You'd rather pay once than add another subscription.
- You want a set launch date and a full refund if we can't build it.
Questions
Are AI website builders any good?
For a fast draft, yes. The draft only knows what you type into a short prompt, so expect to rewrite much of it. If you have time for that, a builder can work well.
What's the best AI website builder?
It depends on what you need. Durable bundles a CRM, bookings, and AI tools. 10Web is built on WordPress. Wix adds AI tools to its regular editor.
Is an AI builder cheaper?
At first, often yes. Durable's paid plans start at $25 a month ($22 billed yearly), and 10Web starts at $10 a month billed yearly. We charge $497 one time, with hosting included for year 1.
Do you use AI too?
Yes, to speed up first drafts of your copy. A person edits every word, builds your site, and checks it before you see it.
What happens to my site if an AI builder shuts down?
It happened with Hocoos. It stopped operating and deleted its sites after April 23, 2026, so customers had to download their files and move their domains first.
What if you can't build what I need?
You get a full refund. We review every intake within 1 business day, before we start building.
Sources
- Durable pricing (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-09-25)
- 10Web AI builder pricing (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-09-25)
- Hocoos shutdown notice (opens in new tab) (checked 2026-09-25)
Ready for a website that works as hard as you do?
$497, one time. If we can't build it, you don't pay.
Questions? hello@flatratesite.com