It is usually a big decision to upgrade your existing monument sign. There could be multiple reasons to replace the current sign, including physical wear and tear over years of service or an update to the appearance of the property. In some cases, management may want to take the branding in a new direction or the property may have been acquired by a new owner or property management company.
Changing the style and branding of your business through your signage can feel daunting because you are essentially giving your property a new face. However, once you decide to reface your monument sign, we have some tips to get you started on your journey:
1. Obtain a thorough site survey
A properly conducted site survey is paramount to any monument refacing project. Surveying aids in the initial phases of a refacing project by accurately assessing the existing monument signage and the localized environment.
There may have been changes to sign’s the surrounding environment that affects sign placement and visibility. Additionally, a good survey thoroughly reviews the existing structure to confirm if it is structurally sound. That way, you will know the current state of your investment and how long it may be good for should you choose to reface your monument sign instead of building a new one.
2. Work within the municipal code
A code check is an absolute must to ensure the requested design is permissible. Permitting and local code checks are the least exciting and most tedious part of the signage process because of how extensive they can be. Signage is bound by both city ordinances and property regulations, so replacing structural elements of your sign to make it taller or wider may be out of the question.
City ordinances include rules regarding allowable maximum square footage of the sign, allowable lighting, how far from the property line or street a sign must be and much more. In some areas of the country, there are even rules for how much wind the sign needs to be able to withstand. Ensuring a thorough code check is completed upfront and then followed up with accurate and compliant permitting documentation will save you the headache of additional delays or potential design rejections.
3. Be flexible
There are many options of replacing, refurbishing, and refacing entry signage depending on your needs and budget. Being open to what is available to you will ensure you are not disappointed with the final product. Based on the results of your site survey, the stipulations of the municipal code, and your budget, you will have certain available options for your new custom monument sign.
You may need to substitute certain requested features or materials because they are not allowable by code, or they are not within your budget. By foregoing replacing the existing sign instead of building a new one, you also can save a significant amount of money.
4. Start the process earlier than you think
Considering the amount of time it takes for a site survey, code check, permitting, design, manufacturing, and install, your new monument sign will take a minimum of several weeks from the start of the project until completion. A best practice is to reach out to a custom signage provider as early as possible to ensure that they are able to meet your deadlines.
Signage is a key part of today’s competitive and dynamic environment, and we are proud to be our partners’ go-to sign company. Oakhurst Signs specializes in the design and fabrication of new signage, manufacturing custom wayfinding signage, rebranding sign systems, refacing existing monuments, and more. See our award-winning portfolio of work and be sure to contact us when you are ready to upgrade your signage.