Build vs Buy SaaS in 2026: The Hidden Costs of AI-Generated Code Nobody Talks About

Build vs buy SaaS AI cost comparison showing hidden costs of AI-generated code including 1.7x more defects, 45% security failure rate, and 90-day custom build abandonment rate for 2026

A medium business saved $20k in SaaS fees and spent $60k on developer maintenance. 45% of AI-generated code fails security tests. Most custom builds are scrapped within 90 days. This guide reveals the hidden costs of building vs buying with AI and a 7-question decision framework.