Outdoor Signage: How Much Does A Wall Sign Cost?

Maybe it’s the fact that we’ve been having great weather lately, but over the past week or two, the phones and contact forms around here have been lighting up with inquiries about outdoor wall signs. We’ve been answering a lot of questions about outdoor signs, but the number one thing that people want to know is “how much will my wall sign cost?” Well in answer to that, I have bad news and good news. The bad news is that until I know the specifics of your project, I have no idea how much your sign will cost. The good news is that reading this blog post will help you get a good idea of what goes into determining the cost of your building sign.

Your lease agreement: No, your lease agreement won’t specify how much your wall sign should cost, but it can provide some helpful guidelines regarding materials or size. Many lease agreements, particularly those in shopping centers or strip malls have very strict signage requirements built into the terms of the lease. Are you only allowed a simple light box sign with a single pre-approved color? Does your sign have to be made of white channel letters in a particular font? Or are you allowed to crazy with color and style? Maybe your landlord is required to provide you with signage – you never know until you check!

Materials: Once you’ve reviewed your lease agreement and read what you can and cannot do, it’s time to start thinking about materials. Flat faced acrylic, formed plastic, custom formed channel letters, cast metal, metal laminate letters… the material options for outdoor wall signs are endless, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Keep in mind that signs made out of cast metal or aluminum channel letters tend to be more expensive, while flat faced acrylic or formed plastic letters are often less.  

Installation: After you’ve had a wall sign fabricated, you’re going to need to the outdoor sign to be installed. Installation is typically billed at an hourly rate. If your sign is especially large or is located more than 40 or 50 feet off the ground, you may want to factor in the extra time and equipment (like a lift truck) that will be necessary to complete your installation.

Permits: Another cost to incorporate into your outdoor sign budget will be permitting fees. Every town or municipality may have their own unique signage laws, but just about every town or municipality will definitely charge you a permitting fee for your sign. The fees vary depending on where you live, and they’re most often calculated by the square footage of your sign. In addition to the actual permit fee charged by the town, you may need to budget for a site plan (if you don’t already have one) or getting sealed engineering or electrical drawings. It's always a good idea to give your local zoning office a call to find out!

While I haven’t given you an exact number, hopefully I have taken a few of the surprises out of the cost of an outdoor wall sign. Still curious about that number? Contact us for a free quote today!