Getting a sign for a company is more than just designing it and placing an order. In order to have a sign ready when it is needed, it may be necessary to do a number of things, such as: determining the right size of the sign, choosing suitable materials, checking the regulations regarding permits, and organizing installation.
If you’re looking for a commercial sign company Richmond VA that businesses can rely on, you’ll want someone who can help manage the entire project, not just make the sign.
Once you have knowledge of how to choose a commercial sign company in Richmond VA, you will be able to pick the best company for your needs. There are several points that should be considered.
Define Your Project Scope and Goals
You must first determine the dimensions of the particular sign that you want to have, and then you have to decide on the place at which it will be placed. You have to give due consideration to the all-important aspects of size and location.
Equinox Custom Signs can assist you in choosing the right size of your sign by analyzing the total area available, thus ensuring that the sign is conveniently located and suits its function.
Beware of the time as well. You will have to have those signs in place by the time you open your business. Some municipalities might have signage regulations that need to be adhered to so that a business might be able to start its operations.
There are instances when fewer details are better since they lower the possibility for a client to misunderstand the hints if there are too many of them. Define who your audience is.
Exterior signs are intended for marketing purposes and to call attention to the business. Indoor signs give information about the brand. Directional signs facilitate navigation in the building or campus.
Evaluate Design, Fabrication, Installation, and Permitting Capabilities
You should make sure that the commercial signage company you wish to hire will take care of everything from the original design to the installation stage, as well as arranging for all required permits.
Sometimes, you have your own design and just need a company to make it. However, if you need signs designed, it is necessary to remember that this requires time and money.
If you want to hire a commercial sign design fabrication and installation company, it’s best if you make inquiries about permits. While not every company does city or county permitting, Equinox Custom Signs can assist you in the process.
Ask About Site Surveys, Project Coordination, and Communication
In many cases, a site survey is required to provide proper measurements and conditions of the installation area, which gives the company an opportunity to plan out what needs to be done in advance of sign fabrication and installing the ultimate piece.
Larger projects, such as multi-site rebranding campaigns, require good coordination and communication with the project team. Regular updates delivered on time will allow the project manager to relax and have peace of mind.
For instance, Equinox Custom Signs completed a signage project with a national sign organization providing signage at a data center. Signage was needed to be placed in multiple data halls within the data center. Since the project was large, the crew provided daily information, including photos of completed tasks, as the customer was located thousands of miles away.
When comparing commercial signage project management services Richmond that businesses can use, ask how the company communicates and keeps clients updated throughout the project.
Review Relevant Commercial Project Experience and Workmanship
Before selecting a business sign contractor, it helps to verify whether that company has encountered similar signs before.
For instance, you may find it useful to check its project gallery on the website, but the best would be to ask that contractor about its past projects since it may have done much more projects than it is able to present online.
They may provide you with information about other similar projects and the techniques utilized for creation and installation of signs.
Understand Warranties, Maintenance, and Post-Installation Support
While selecting a commercial sign company, it is also important to find out about the post-project support of your sign.
Make sure to ask about any warranties, as well as maintenance and repair services provided by the signage company, as this information is of great importance for illuminated signs, which need regular monitoring of electrical systems and elements.
Knowing which warranty is included in the cost of channel letters is essential for preventing a loss of funds and waste of time, as well as for knowing that the warranty is good enough.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Proposal
At times, merely asking general questions regarding proposals suffices to get important information about the proposal, including the hidden costs, if any.
Here are some key questions to ask a commercial sign company before hiring:
- Sign details: Is all the required information concerning the design and size of the sign and the quantity provided in the quotation?
- Design: Are design fees and changes in designs included?
- Permits: Who will handle the permit processing and its payments?
- Installation: Is installation also included in the charge?
- Timeline: When will the work be completed?
- Warranty: What are the warranties offered with the signage product?
A written version of the features will help to fairly assess the different quotes received from different sign company.
Red Flags to Watch for in a Quote or Project Plan
When a quotation leaves out certain important details, it can be a red flag. For instance, a quotation that is simple and incomplete can allow a specific company to use inferior materials.
It is always a good idea to have all the details in the quote. Look for all the elements of the quote that you are paying for. Check which elements of the quotation had a cost included and which didn’t, e.g., installation.
If you are unsure of what to look for in a business signage contractor, ask the contractor to explain the pricing, materials, and the estimated timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. A sign company such as Equinox Custom Signs can carry out the complete process, starting from the idea and design to permitting, production, and installing the sign. This will let you manage your other aspects of your business while your signage project gets completed.
In the process of drafting a good proposal, it is necessary to include the information on the prices for each sign as well as their sizes, materials, and quantities. Furthermore, it is essential to include the information on the costs of installation, design services, any charges for permits, and warranty terms in order to estimate the total costs of the project.
Discuss Your Commercial Signage Project With Equinox Custom Signs
The choice of a sign company should be made based on whether the firm has a team of well-trained professionals who understand your requirements and oversee each step of the implementation of your project.
Equinox Custom Signs can help you with your signage projects, whether it is the opening of a new business, replacement of an already existing sign, or planning for several locations at once.
Ready to get started? Contact Equinox Custom Signs today to discuss your project and request a quote!