It starts with a phone call. You tell me about your business and what you need, and I'll ask a few questions. Within a couple of days I send you a quote in writing, and that's the price. It won't go up later unless you ask me to add something.
Half of it gets the work started. I build the site over the next one to three weeks, and you get to see the design and ask for changes before you pay the rest. Once you're happy with it, I put it live and keep it running for you.
Most sites take two to four weeks from the first call.