First, I'll want to find out a little about the goals for your project:
what do you want done?
what is the value proposition?
who is your intended audience?
what do you want your visitors to accomplish?
what do you want from your visitors?
Next, you'll receive a quote or estimate or a rate, depending on your needs and the complexity of the job, which will be only as detailed and formal as it needs to be.
Then, you'll be kept up-to-date on the status of the project, including how much it is costing you.
Finally, your site will be delivered on-time and within budget.