6 Paramount Considerations When Planning New Exterior Signage

There are many reasons why a business may need a sign on the exterior of its location.

It can be a start-up needing to identify the business in its location for the first time. Or an organization or business renames or adopts a new logo and needs to replace existing signage. Another reason can be that a sign simply comes to the end of its lifetime – it’s old and worn and needs to be replaced. These are all reasons why a business will need to start the process of new exterior signage.

Planning for new exterior signage takes careful consideration. As experts in the sign planning and fabrication process, we identified six questions to ask as you think about a new sign.

What is the purpose of the sign? Is it to promote your brand, improve wayfinding at your facility, or stand out amongst the competition?

When you work with our team, we will help you match the best type of sign based on the sign’s viewing requirements, and whether illumination is recommended.

Will you require local authority permits? Does the design meet local zoning requirements in terms of size and location?

These are the kinds of specifics that need to be determined when planning for a sign. By working with IDS, you don’t have to do the fact-finding – we are experts in working with local cities and townships to be sure your sign meets the local zoning requirements.

Will additional services be required, such as electrical supply for the sign?

Based on the specifics and build of the sign we will help you understand any special services that will be required to support your signage for its intended use and display and organize contractors necessary for additional support.

What are the structural requirements of the sign? Will it need stamped engineered drawing approval?

External signage is usually large and complex. There are often structural conditions that must be met to support the size and scale of signs of this nature. IDS is your partner through the process to ensure all statutory elements of the sign are met with full accuracy and produced to meet local and state code requirements.

Is a landlord’s permission required to install the sign?

If you are not the building owner, your landlord or property management company likely has signage specifications and requirements that must be adhered to. This is crucial in the discovery process when working with a sign builder. IDS helps to uncover these property owner and landlord specifications to be sure your signage follows the rules.

Are you aware of the timeline that your sign company needs to produce your signs does that work with your requirements?

Signs don’t come together in a day. Or even a week or two. Most sign projects require numerous weeks or months to fully design, engineer, fabricate and install. Be verbal about your expectations for sign completion as well as understanding the timeframe it takes for construction. Sign building is a partnership with IDS and our clients. Planning well ahead is the key to a great outcome for sign production.

Your Go-To Partner For Exterior Signage

Our planning and design team are experts in design and project build, from concept to completion, in signs of all shapes and sizes. We utilize our in-house engineers to develop outstanding and innovative exterior signs that get our clients noticed.

We offer a complimentary consultation to learn more about our services and capabilities and to help you get started on an external sign beyond your expectations. Start Your Architectural Design Project!