A Buying Guide for Building Signs to Jump Start Your Business
Whether you’re relocating your business or starting a new one, your building sign is likely to do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to selling your products and services. Your next customer is likely to make a split-second decision on whether to step through your door based on the sign on your building sign. So, make it great! Here are some steps on how to make the most out of your sign:
Refer to the sign restrictions in your lease.
If you’re leasing your space, it is very common for your lease to include language concerning what types of signs are allowed and what types are restricted. It is critical that you review this carefully before making your leasing decision as you may find that the signage restrictions are not a good fit for your type of business.
Also, it’s important that you share this information with your sign company as it will often dictate, or at the very least limit your signage options.
Select a sign type that’s appropriate for your type of business.
Depending on what type of business you have, there are generally accepted sign types that consumers recognize and make an immediate connection with. Some business types, like restaurants and bars for instance, enjoy a wide range of flexibility when it comes to signage. But when was the last time you saw a neon arrow pointing you towards and insurance agency?
So, do your homework, look at competing businesses and make a good decision on what type of sign is appropriate for your business.
Choose a great sign company and get an estimate.
It’s now time to select your sign company. If you’re making your selection strictly based on price, be sure that your candidates include everything in their estimate so that you’re choosing apples-to-apples and not getting any surprises later down the road.
By “everything”, we mean:
- Upfront design costs
- Permitting costs (if any)
- Sign cost – be sure the sign type, dimensions, lighting type are spelled out on your quote.
- Installation cost
- Electrical connection (to provided access panel or WIP – “Wires in Place”)
Choose wisely. Price is important but it should not be your only decision driver. Not all sign companies offer the same level of professionalism and follow-up.
Sign permits, building permits, engineer stamps and other fun stuff.
Permitting laws for signage vary widely depending on your city or county. Oftentimes, a building sign will require both a sign permit as well as a building permit. The sign permitting official will review your drawing to be sure that your sign complies with the sign ordinances for his or her municipality. If a building permit is required, the focus would be on the sign structure and how it attaches to the building. Depending on the size of the sign, your drawings may need to be reviewed and stamped by an engineer to ensure that the sign is safe to the public.
You can expect to spend anywhere between $0 – $500 on various permitting depending on your location. Your sign company should offer to handle all the permitting needs for you.
Installation and electrical connection.
Your sign company should have provided you a 1 to 2 day installation window. Weather permitting of course. Depending on the location of your sign, a bucket truck or crane may be needed to lift and place the sign onto your building. Several parking spaces may need to 
be cleared in advance to accommodate these vehicles. All attempts should be made to clear pedestrian traffic below the work area
Responsibility for electrical connection from the building to the sign is usually the sign owner’s or the landlord’s (as stated in the lease
agreement) and is to be performed by a licensed electrician. If it has been agreed in advance that the sign company is responsible for the connection, then he will provide an electrician to make the connection. It is important that electrical connection responsibility be clarified up front.
Building sign installations typically take 4 -8 hours.