In order to ensure you get the site you want, when you want, and within budget, I follow an established Design Lifecycle:
Here we will identify your site requirements. We will discuss structure and content of the site, graphics and hosting requirements. A quote will be offered at this stage.
Based on our initial consultation, I will create a template (or templates) of your new site for review. No commitment is made until the design is approved by yourself and a definate price agreed. Any significant change in scope at this stage may alter your original quote. Once the design is approved a deposit will be payable before design commences.
Your site will be designed based on agreed requirements in initial consultation and design review.
Your site will be uploaded to a test server for you to review. Minor amendments and content changes can be made at this stage. When you are happy with the site, it will be uploaded to your www domain. (Full payment is required before site is uploaded)
Your 'under construction' page will be removed from your live website and your completed site will be uploaded.
A maintenence agreement can be arranged based around the amount and regularity of updates required, or can be performed ad-hoc at an hourly rate.