Now that your annual budget is in, the fun part can begin – spending it wisely and making it stretch for your property.
Some new apartment signage might be the ticket to attracting attention, helping prospects, and showcasing a fresh, modern look for your property.
Check out these industry secrets to learn how to use your sign budget effectively, no matter its size.
What You Need to Know about Signage Budgeting
First, let’s go over how our sign packages shake out at Oakhurst Signs. The following tips will help you identify where on the signage budget spectrum your property sits.
To give you a good starting point for budgeting, here are some common packages for multi-family signage.
Remember, these numbers are just estimates – we can mix up variations of these signs to customize your price point.
1. Single Layer Standard Signs — $10K per 100 Units, $40K per 400 Units
This package includes a combination of routed PVC signs around the clubhouse, Plex door signs and interior signs, and aluminum signs around the property, plus one 60-square-foot monument sign.
2. Single Layer Standard Signs with Braille — $15K per 100 Units, $60K per 400 Units
This package includes the same options as #1, but with Braille included on signs. This option is normally used for new construction or mid/high-rise rehabs.
3. Double Layer Signs with Braille — $20K per 100 Units, $80K per 400 Units
This package includes a combination of double layer routed PVC signs around the clubhouse, double layer plex door signs and interior signs, double layer aluminum signs around your property, and one 60-square-foot monument sign. This is a common pick for new construction or mid/high-rise rehab deals.
6 Ways to Make Your Sign Package Budget Work for You
If your budget is tight and you need more wiggle-room, use one of these tricks to get it down to where you need it to be.
1. Try Refurbishing vs. Replacing Entry Signage
Monument replacements can get expensive – they run anywhere from $6-25k on average.
As such, think long and hard about how many entrances actually need signage. Try using a smaller monument sign at the secondary entrances or a post sign designed in the style of the monument to save money.
2. Choose Less Expensive Materials
You can choose less expensive materials that are still high-quality for areas where residents won’t be eye-level with your signage (building numbers, for instance). No one will ever know the difference!
For aluminum signs, we recommend .080 thickness. For extra savings, .63 thickness is an option, too, as it’s still sturdy enough for a wall sign. We don’t recommend .040, as it will be very flimsy and bend easily on your post or wall.
You can also choose less expensive materials for signposts, like PVC or aluminum (we never recommend using wood, as it will weather faster).
3. Know Your Sign Codes
To save money and avoid mistakes, know the sign codes for all your property signs, including entry signs, building numbers, and unit numbers.
This will determine the sizes and quantities you need and whether you’ll get a face replacement (keeping the size of the original sign) or a total replacement.
4. Install It Yourself vs. Paying For Installation
Sometimes you can enjoy significant savings just by installing your signs yourself. Weigh the cost of having maintenance do it versus having a professional take care of the install.
You can save as much as 25% on a full sign package if you install your signs yourself. Make sure you consider this option if your purse strings are very tight.
5. Understand Permitting Costs
Here’s an insider tip from Josh Buttitta, our CEO: Make sure the cost of “Procurement” and all approximate city fees are included in the bid for your signage. If this line item is missing you could unhappily end up with an extra fee you didn’t anticipate, which can throw your budgeting out of whack.
6. Don’t Over-Sign Your Property
Over the years your amenity areas may have accumulated several signs to meet updates in code compliance, for security purposes, or to prevent property damage.
Whatever the reason, lots of signs cluttering up your common areas is an eyesore.
Luckily, in most cases, these can all be merged into one or two signs. This reduces the replacement cost, but can also enhance the appearance of your common areas.
Tailor and Tweak Your Sign Package and Save Dollars and Cents
No matter your budget size, there’s a sign solution for you. Even if your annual budget is tight and you need to scrimp and save, you can still replace or refurbish your signage.
Follow these tips and make your signs shine with smarter budgeting.
For a sign package proposal that’s sure to fit your budget needs, call Oakhurst Signs today! 727-532-8255