Legacy PHP · Audits, Upgrades & Maintenance

Hire a PHP developer for legacy code that nobody wants to touch.

Old PHP 5 codebase, no tests, no documentation, the original developer long gone? I read, stabilize, and modernize legacy PHP applications — without a risky full rewrite — so your business can keep running on it safely.

Sound familiar?

Common signs it's time to bring in help

Legacy PHP problems tend to look the same across companies, whatever the industry.

The developer who built it is unreachable or no longer around
The app runs on an old PHP version and can't be upgraded without things breaking
There are no automated tests, so every change feels risky
Business logic is mixed with HTML in one giant file per page
No one is confident adding new features without side effects
Hosting or PHP version end-of-life is forcing an update you can't avoid
How I work

Three phases, no big-bang rewrite

Rewriting a working legacy system from scratch is usually the riskiest option. I prefer to stabilize first, then improve incrementally.

Phase 01

Codebase audit

I go through the code, PHP version, dependencies, and server setup to map out how the application actually works and where the risk is.

Phase 02

Stabilize & upgrade

I fix urgent issues, add tests around critical paths, and bring PHP, dependencies, and security up to date in safe, incremental steps.

Phase 03

Refactor & extend

Once it's safe to change, I refactor the messiest parts and build new features on top — modernizing gradually instead of stopping the business to rewrite.

What's included

Audit

  • Full codebase & architecture review
  • PHP version & dependency risk report
  • Security vulnerability check
  • Prioritized action plan

Modernization

  • PHP version upgrades (5.x/7.x → 8.x)
  • Framework migrations (e.g. to Laravel)
  • Introducing tests around critical logic
  • Separating business logic from templates

Ongoing support

  • Bug fixes & new features
  • Database cleanup & optimization
  • Server & deployment maintenance
  • Monthly retainer or hourly availability
Real interventions

I've done this before

Solved

10-year-old PHP 5.6 app with no tests

The hosting provider was forcing a PHP upgrade that broke the site. I identified every incompatibility, added tests around checkout and billing, and moved it to a supported PHP version with zero downtime.

Solved

Undocumented internal tool, original developer gone

A company depended on an internal PHP tool nobody understood anymore. I reverse-engineered the logic, documented it, and safely extended it with the new features the business actually needed.

Transparent pricing

Clear quote before I start anything

Every legacy codebase is different — these are starting reference prices. I confirm the exact scope and cost after reviewing your code.

Codebase Audit

free initial review

  • Full architecture & risk review
  • Security & upgrade path report
  • Prioritized recommendations
  • Delivered within days
Request an audit

Modernization & Support

custom quote

  • PHP upgrades & refactoring
  • New feature development
  • Hourly, fixed-price, or retainer
  • Direct communication, no middlemen
Ask for a quote

Don't let old code hold your business back.

Tell me about your legacy PHP application — I'll reply with an initial assessment and a quote, no obligation.

Email me now
Stuck with legacy PHP? Email me now