Code First, Design Second: How Early Signage Planning Saves Money

In multifamily housing development, signage often gets overlooked until the final stages of construction. It’s frequently perceived as a minor detail—something easily handled by the general contractor with minimal fuss. However, treating signage as an afterthought not only undermines your project’s brand identity but also risks costly delays and compliance pitfalls. At Sunrise Signs, we believe in a strategic, code-first approach to signage design. Here’s why integrating ADA and fire-code reviews into your schematic design phase is essential.

Preventing Costly Surprises

Every multifamily housing developer understands the high stakes involved in project timelines. Delays from failed inspections or late compliance adjustments can cost tens of thousands in extra expenses and lost revenue. A common culprit? Non-compliant signage.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and fire-code regulations aren’t optional—they’re mandatory. Missteps in signage compliance typically trigger re-inspections, which can quickly spiral into expensive delays and rework. But there's a smarter approach: incorporate signage planning at the schematic stage, aligning it with your broader architectural design efforts. Doing so reduces the risk of late-stage surprises and positions your project to pass inspections smoothly on the first try.

Early Integration = Better Outcomes

Here’s the Sunrise Signs method: once developers approve our initial signage designs, we proactively seek pre-approvals from local Fire Marshals and Building Inspectors. This process occurs before a single sign is fabricated, ensuring every sign meets compliance requirements from the outset. This crucial step eliminates last-minute inspection headaches and costly delays.

For example, tactile signs required by ADA guidelines have specific height and visibility standards. Fire-code signage must clearly indicate exits and paths to safety, meeting precise illumination and visibility standards. By integrating these specifics early, we safeguard your timelines and budgets.

Leveraging Expertise and Technology

Sunrise Signs employs a detailed, methodical approach through our advanced SignAgent software, allowing you to transparently view, approve, and track all aspects of signage planning. Our design package clearly defines sign types, materials, and precise locations, seamlessly aligning compliance and aesthetic vision.

Collaborating Early with Your Team

We partner closely with developers who recognize the immense value in bringing our expertise into discussions early alongside architects and interior designers. This collaborative approach maximizes your property's vision, allows for realistic budget setting from the start, and ensures that your signage strategy remains clear and consistent, never lost in translation when moving into pre-construction phases.

Your Strategic Advantage

Early signage planning is not just about compliance—it's also strategic brand positioning. High-quality, thoughtful signage enhances first impressions, contributes significantly to tenant satisfaction, and directly impacts your property's long-term value and marketability.

In an increasingly competitive multifamily housing market, the proactive developer sees signage as a strategic asset, not a box to check. By adopting a "Code First, Design Second" mindset, you ensure that your signage program strengthens your brand, streamlines your approvals, and saves money.

At Sunrise Signs, we help developers achieve more than just compliance—we provide peace of mind and a smoother path to project completion.

Is your next project approaching schematic design? Let’s talk about how Sunrise Signs can simplify your signage planning process and prevent costly delays.

About the Author Adam Sokoloff is the President and Owner of Sunrise Signs, a national signage partner specializing in multifamily and commercial branding solutions. With over 17 years in the visual communications industry, Adam helps developers, asset managers, and architects translate vision into vibrant, code-compliant signage that leases faster and builds brand equity. He's passionate about simplifying the signage process and making sure every sign tells a story worth remembering.