Think about it this way. If you decided that you were going to build a bookshelf from scratch, would you just pick up your tools and start building? Of course not...you would at least have a sketch (a plan) of what you wanted before you began.

In the same way, a good web design firm should be experienced enough to help you refine and target a set audience through a consistant web design plan. If you choose a web design firm that never shows you a site layout, you are taking a very dangerous risk.

How often have you gone to a specific site to download a driver, get some software, or just obtain some information and was forced to search all over the site to find what you needed?

A thorough and consistant site layout will alleviate most if not all of these headaches. In addition, if the layout is designed well, it will leave room for future growth and additions to the site.