Using Boostrap on a Potential Client Project

I think it ultimately depends on what the client wants. If you pitch them on that idea, and they're for it, and they're for the savings in time, I don't think it's cheating at all. If you're using it more as a framework that you're customizing and it fits the client's needs, I'd also say it's not cheating. If you give them a lame looking stock Twitter bootstrap site and it's not at all what they want, then I'd say it's cheating.

I definetly do not consider it cheating at all. Thats what the guys at Twitter created it for. It is to be used as a tool to build sites. Just use bootstrap and then customize it from there. I use bootstrap all the time for the responsive side of it and build the rest myself. Good Luck

I guess my opinion has basically already been said.

If you're providing them what they want, using bootstrap isn't cheating at all. I use bootstrap on almost every one of my projects, which includes 4 fairly simple websites at work. Just don't let the styling of bootstrap define the style of the site. Create the branding, the style, colors, font choice, etc, and than deliver that final product. You may have a lot of bootstrap, a little, or non at all, depends on the project and the design layout before the coding begins. Just don't let bootstrap allow you to be lazy by not modifying or customizing it from it's default state.

But as a framework it's a fantastic starting point.

I've used it on client projects, I look at it as a tool no different than using SASS to write CSS faster/cleaner. If you're really conflicted, just let the client know the pros and cons, and let them decide.

Just a heads up, I would use the Bootstrap 3 WIP Branch if I were starting a project right now. Will save you tons of time when you have to migrate over to Bootstrap 3.

I appreciate the responses gents.

I'll definitely be taking all of this into consideration, especially using BS3, the mobile first approach seems really exciting.

In addition to this, and I may be proposing this in the wrong thread, are the any places you guys recommend to study LESS.js as it seems to play a big part in bootstrap's performance?

Check out Zurb Foundation 4 to make sure that it doesn't better fit your needs before you make a commitment to Bootstrap.