Why Your Signage Partner Should Be Involved Before Construction Begins
Your brand new facility is 90% complete – and you’re ready to start thinking about signage.
You’ve called the sign company, but instead of getting a straightforward installation process, you hear about electrical conflicts, structural modifications needed, and permitting issues that could delay your opening by weeks.
If you’ve ever managed a build or expansion, you’ve probably experienced (or at least witnessed) the headaches that come from treating signage as an afterthought.
Your signage isn’t just something you slap on a finished building. It’s a complete system that affects electrical loads, structural requirements, zoning compliance, and even your building’s architectural integrity.
And if you wait until construction is nearly complete to involve your signage partner, you’re setting yourself up for costly surprises and timeline delays.
So, what’s the solution? It’s simpler than you might think, but it requires a shift in how you approach facility development.
The Hidden Costs of the “Signage Last” Approach
Structural Modifications After the Fact
When your signage requirements aren’t considered during initial construction, you often end up with necessary – and expensive – retrofits.
That monument sign you envisioned might require additional concrete footings that weren’t planned for.
The channel letters for your building facade? They need structural support that wasn’t included in the original specifications.
These modifications go beyond costs. They also require permits and inspections, as well as coordination with multiple contractors. All while your opening date approaches.
Electrical System Conflicts
Modern signage requires much more significant electrical infrastructure – and retrofitting power systems can potentially be expensive and disruptive.
LED digital displays and illuminated monuments all need dedicated elements. These include circuits, proper grounding, and sometimes specialized transformers that may have not been included in the original build.
When electrical requirements aren’t planned from the start, you’re looking at:
- Trenching for new power lines to monument signs
- Additional electrical panels and circuit breakers
- Conduit routing that conflicts with finished surfaces
- Code compliance issues that require system redesigns
… all of which you don’t want to deal with when you’re close to finalization.
Permitting Surprises and Delays
Many business owners discover too late that their planned signage violates local codes or requires variances that take weeks to secure.
Different jurisdictions have different requirements. What worked at your last location might be completely prohibited at your new one.
Without early planning, you might face sign variance applications that take 6-12 weeks to process. And every week of delay can cost thousands in lost revenue, extended construction loans, and operational disruptions.
It’s crucial to consider the impact of signage on your business early in the planning process. Failure to do so can lead to costly delays and unexpected issues that could have easily been avoided.
Why Early Planning in Signage is A Roadmap To Success
As you can imagine, if you take the time to plan for signage early on, you can avoid many potential issues and setbacks.
And with the right partner by your side, you can ensure that you don’t end up with cookie-cutter sign solutions or shortcuts that don’t truly represent your brand or business.
Parallel Processing
When signage permits are submitted alongside building permits, you can resolve any issues while construction proceeds.
This parallel processing prevents signage delays from affecting your opening timeline. For instance, if your signage is not approved until late in the construction process, it may delay your grand opening or cause you to miss important marketing opportunities.
Code Compliance from Day One
Early involvement allows signage design to comply with local codes from the beginning rather than requiring modifications after the fact.
There’s nothing worse than spending time and money on a sign strategy, only to have it rejected by the local building department.
By involving a signage expert from the start, you can ensure that your signs will meet all code requirements and avoid any potential setbacks.
Variance Management
If variances are needed, early identification allows sufficient time to navigate the approval process without delaying project completion.
Some variance processes take 3-6 months, making early identification critical for timeline management. You may be shocked to find out how many different signage codes and regulations exist at the local, state, and federal levels.
Each municipality and building department may also have its own specific requirements that must be met. This can include size restrictions, color options, font styles, and placement guidelines.
Atlas Brings Construction-Integrated Signage Solutions
At Atlas Sign Industries, we’ve learned that the best signage projects start long before ground is broken. Rather than return to the drawing board after construction is complete, successful projects start with early involvement.
With over 30 years of experience in signage integration across various industries, we know how important it is to have a plan from day one. We work alongside architects, general contractors, and development teams to make sure your signage works – on a timeline that fits your goals.
Ready to Build Smarter? Let’s Discuss Signage Implementation
Don’t let signage become the surprise that delays your opening or blows open your budget.
Early integration of signage planning into your construction process saves time and money – and keeps your projects on track.
Atlas Sign Industries can help you navigate the complexities of construction-integrated signage. Schedule a call today, and let’s discuss your next project’s success.
Start Your Next Project Right – Contact Atlas Today