What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Sign Edition

September 29, 2020

You are super excited about opening a new store and know that the sign out front is literally your identity. Therefore, you cannot mess this up, but you don’t know where to begin. After investing your money and soul into a business, having it fail because of bad signage is not an option.

That is why we are here. As sign professionals, guiding you through this process is what we live for, and we are here to educate you on what to expect. Keep reading to see what is in store for you.

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE WE REALLY GET STARTED

Brand Logo

You already have a logo. Great! That’s a major first step. In an ideal world, you can use the same logo on everything. In reality, using a logo in print or digitally is a different beast than placing it on a sign. There are visual and manufacturing limitations to consider. But don’t worry, this is why we have technical designers.

Make sure to have vector files of your logo and any other art files you’d like us to have ready. Knowing your fonts and colors (preferably Pantone) is vital.

Meet Your Project Manager

People often want to skip this step and do everything on their own to save some money. If you have experience in sign project management, have at it, but, for everyone else, this step will save you time, money and an unbelievable amount of frustration.

The Project Manager (PM) is your liaison to the sign world. Instead of getting endless calls and emails from townships, landlords, vendors, etc., you only interact with your PM who will have everything organized and keep you up-to-date.

LET’S GET ROLLING

1) Sign Requests

Let us know what you want for your property or business. It can be anything from building signage to vehicle wraps. Your project manager will be happy to help you decide what best suits your needs.

2) Get Connected

Egan Sign will contact the actual site to coordinate the project and also reach out to the township. The township will provide the sign code, application and list of documents needed to get your sign approved. This information will dictate the size, lighting and placement of your signage. This includes wall signs, freestanding signs, directionals and any vinyl placed on the door and windows.

Working with both, the location and township, will ensure that everyone is on the same page to keep the project moving forward successfully.

3) Survey

One of the most important tasks you need to complete is a survey. Getting a survey is not just about making sure the sign will fit. It is also needed to ensure that there is access to electricity, to see if there are any obstructions or concerns, and obtaining measurements to determine the size restrictions of the sign based on your township ordinance.

Layout of Value City Furniture

4) Layouts

You want to know what your sign will look like on your building before investing all that money into producing it. Layouts are the key to this. They are a visual representation of what you will get. Moreover, it is essential to almost all aspects of the sign process. Layouts are used by the township for permitting, by manufacturers to build the signage, and by the installers to place the signs correctly. Clearly, this is a step that cannot be missed.

5-7) Estimate Package & Approvals

Your PM will send you an estimate and layout package for approval. After you find everything to your liking, it will be submitted to your landlord to be approved. From there, the layout, landlord agreement, application and any other required documents will be sent to the township for review. Once approved, you will receive your permit and manufacturing can begin.

8) Production

The manufacturer now has the go-ahead to begin building your sign. Thanks to early communication with your PM, the material is on-hand and your project is already on the schedule. After your sign is completed and inspected, it is carefully packaged and crated for shipment to your location.

9) Installation

You’ve made it to the home stretch! Your certified and insured installers are ready to complete the project. The installers will use the layout from earlier as a guide to safely and expertly install all your signage where it needs to go. They will be ready with the equipment needed to finish the project which can involve bucket trucks and cranes. They will also connect the electric, do touch-ups and whatever needs to be done to make you look good.

10) Completion

Now stand back and enjoy your new signage.

Previous Post Next Post