Build vs Buy a SharePoint Intranet

A Neutral Buyer’s Guide for Microsoft 365 Teams

Introduction

Organizations modernizing their SharePoint intranet often face a fundamental decision:

• Build a custom intranet using SharePoint Framework (SPFx), or

• Buy a pre-built SharePoint intranet solution.

Both approaches are valid. The right choice depends on factors such as timeline, internal expertise, governance requirements, budget predictability, and long-term ownership.

This guide outlines the trade-offs to help teams make an informed, unbiased decision.

What “Build” means in a SharePoint context

Building a SharePoint intranet typically involves:

• Custom SPFx web part development

• UX and information architecture design

• Testing across devices and tenants

• Ongoing updates as Microsoft 365 evolves
  

When building makes sense

• You need highly specialized functionality

• You have experienced SharePoint developers

• Your intranet requirements are unique or non-standard

• You’re comfortable owning long-term maintenance

Trade-offs

• Longer time to launch

• Ongoing maintenance responsibility

• Higher dependency on specific developers or vendors

What “Buy” means in a SharePoint context

Buying a SharePoint intranet solution usually means:

• Installing a solution built with SPFx

• Using pre-built templates and web parts

• Configuring, not coding

When buying makes sense

• You want a fast, predictable rollout

• Requirements align with common intranet patterns

• You prefer lower long-term maintenance

• Governance and consistency matter

Trade-offs

• Less flexibility than fully custom builds

• Functionality constrained to product scope

• Dependency on vendor update cycles

Key decision factors (side-by-side)

1) Time to value

• Build: Weeks or months, depending on scope

• Buy: Days or even hours

2) Cost predictability

• Build: Variable (development, testing, maintenance)

• Buy: Known upfront licensing, predictable renewals

3) Maintenance & ownership

• Build: Ongoing responsibility for code, dependencies, and compatibility

• Buy: Vendor-maintained updates, customer-managed configuration

4) Governance & security

• Build: Depends on internal development and review practices

• Buy: Often aligned with native SharePoint security models

5) Scalability

• Build: Scales with development capacity

• Buy: Scales via configuration and reuse

Common hybrid approach (very common)

Many organizations choose a hybrid model:

• Buy a solution for core intranet structure (homepage, onboarding, departments)

• Build custom SPFx components for specialized business needs

This approach balances speed, governance, and flexibility.

Typical organizational fit

Build is often chosen by organizations that:

• Have dedicated SharePoint development teams

• Require highly specialized functionality

• Accept long-term ownership and maintenance

Buy is often chosen by organizations that:

• Want a modern intranet quickly

• Prefer predictable costs

• Operate in regulated or government environments

• Prioritize consistency across departments

Frequently asked questions

Is building always more expensive?

Not always. Costs depend on scope and internal resources. However, long-term maintenance is often underestimated.

Can a bought solution limit future customization?

Bought solutions typically cover common intranet needs. Custom development can still be added where needed.

Can we switch approaches later?

Yes. Organizations often start by buying to launch quickly, then add custom development over time.

Final thoughts

The build vs buy decision is less about “right vs wrong” and more about organizational readiness and priorities.

Teams that align their intranet approach with internal capabilities tend to achieve better long-term outcomes.