Exterior signs, wayfinding and ADA signs are often the last items installed and the first ones the public sees. Coordinate them early.
In this article
Types of signs
Exterior building signs, monument signs, wayfinding, room signs and ADA signs.
Permits
Exterior signs usually need their own permit. Lead times can be long.
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Blocking
Heavy signs need blocking inside walls before they close.
Power
Illuminated signs need power and controls at the right place.
ADA signs
Required signs with tactile text and braille, at the right height and location.
Owner vendors
Brand signs are often bought by the owner. Define who installs and when.
Lead times
Custom signs can take weeks. Order early.
Installation timing
After facade finishes and before opening, without damaging new surfaces.
Getting started
List every sign in the drawings at the start of the project, mark who supplies it and add blocking and power to the rough-in checklist.
Common mistakes
No blocking, missing power for lit signs and forgetting the sign permit.
Example
A retail project almost opened without its main sign because the sign permit was filed late. On the next job, the contractor listed every sign at the start, filed the permit early and added blocking and power to the rough-in checklist.
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Frequently asked questions
Are ADA signs required on commercial projects?
Yes. Commercial buildings must have accessible signs where required, such as room identification and restrooms, with tactile characters and braille at the correct height and location.