Large and in Charge

Large sign projects can be complicated and can veer off track quickly without proper planning. Just like construction planning, sign projects follow a very similar path. From the initial meeting with the client to the last sign being installed, each step is critical to a successful and profitable project.

should happen to solve their sign needs (that can get everyone in trouble) but rather to what the client is really trying to achieve.

city planner to determine what is permissible in the code.

While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some things to consider during this meeting: project fol criti -

I would like to say that every sign project I have sold went off without a hitch, but I would be lying. Over the years, though, it did become a little easier when I followed some pretty simple steps, which I will now spell out for you in the following “five stages of sign project management.”

#1.

Can Change Everything.

Start every sign project by listening— not necessarily to what the client thinks ques proj impor disap

Do they want the biggest sign on the city skyline? Or do they want to create a sense of serenity in their retirement community development?

• Is what your client trying to achieve permittable?

• Will the permit require a variance?

Once you have asked the right questions, you and your team will have an understanding of the client’s goals. Then you can start to work on solutions.

The initial discovery phase of the project can be long and complex so be sure to communicate to your client the importance of not rushing this process. If you are thorough in this first phase, you will avoid costly mistakes—as well as disappointed clients—down the line.

Start with a call or meeting with the

• Are you going to need the building’s architectural drawings in order to determine the best mounting methods for your permit drawings?

• Does the sign project require sealed engineering drawings?

• Will there be street access for large cranes and lifts?

• Are there any weight restrictions when parking a crane in a street or alley way (think old city grease traps— you don’t want your crane to collapse into a sinkhole)?

• Will powerlines need to be removed?

• Are you going to need street and sidewalk closure permits?

• Will you need to hire police to direct traffic?

• Does your install team require onsite safety training?

• Will the project require an additional insurance rider?

While this might seem like a daunting list—and I am sure I probably missed an item or two—these are the types of issues that need to be determined before you can start any large sign project.

#2. Planning: Details Will Make or Break Your Job’s Profit.

Once you are past the initial discovery phase, you are ready to start to develop a plan on how the project will actually get completed.

If you have not done so already, perform a final technical survey of the site. This should be conducted by an expe- rienced installer to ensure that the correct details can be communicated to both your design and fabrication team.

This will also result in the signs leaving the shop with correct install patterns, mounting clips, and equipment needed to install the signs. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard installers complain about incorrect mounting patterns being sent to jobsites, leaving them unable to install the signs.

Once you have these details worked out, you can gather your pricing to produce accurate quotes. Materials will need to be researched for availability and cost. Plus the labor needed to design, permit, fabricate, and install will need to be calculated, along with any other incidentals that you have discovered in the initial phase of the project.

Final designs, quotes, and timelines can now be presented to the client for approval. Please make sure you have already received a deposit for your initial discovery work and designs (approximately 10 percent of the value of the project).