DEVELOPMENT
Taking over a website from another agency: a checklist
How to switch agencies safely — access, code, hosting, domains and documentation — with an interactive checklist to make sure nothing is missed.
By VISIBI Engineering team·Reviewed by Saeed Ak, Co-founder & CTO·Updated 29 September 2026·7 min read
QUICK ANSWER
How to switch agencies safely — access, code, hosting, domains and documentation — with an interactive checklist to make sure nothing is missed.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✓Secure ownership of domains, hosting and code before anything else.
✓Get admin access to every third-party service.
✓Start with an independent code and security audit.
INTERACTIVE CHECKLIST
Agency handover checklist
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Protect ownership first
Make sure the domain, DNS, hosting and code repository are in your company’s name — not the outgoing agency’s.
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- Domain registrar and DNS
- Hosting / cloud accounts
- Code repository
- CMS / ecommerce admin
- Payment gateway and apps
- Analytics, tag manager, ad accounts
- Email and SMTP services
Audit before changing
Run a code, performance and security audit, document the setup and agree a stabilisation plan before new features.
Common mistakes to avoid
✕Starting to build before requirements and success metrics are clear
✕Not owning your code, repositories and accounts
✕Skipping automated tests to save time
✕Choosing technology the market can’t hire for
HOW VISIBI CAN HELP
How we help with development
01DiscoveryClear scope, architecture and estimates before code is written.
02Build in sprintsWeekly demos so you see progress and can change direction.
03Test & releaseAutomated tests and CI/CD for safe, frequent releases.
04SupportNew builds, enhancements, takeovers and ongoing maintenance.
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Frequently asked questions
What if the old agency won’t hand over code?
Check your contract for IP ownership; we can help recover access.
Will my site go down during the switch?
Not if planned properly — we move hosting and DNS carefully.
Do you document everything?
Yes — runbooks and access registers are part of onboarding.
SA
Reviewed by Saeed Ak · Co-founder & CTO25 years engineering high-traffic ecommerce, cloud and security platforms. Written by the VISIBI Engineering team.Meet the team →