The essential stages of your project
Installing a sign is a key step for any business looking to attract attention and strengthen its brand image. While structured, this process involves several essential steps to ensure a final result that is both visually appealing and compliant with current regulations. Explore each phase of the process, from the initial quote to final installation, to better understand how your sign comes to life.
The Quote: A Detailed Assessment of Your Needs
Everything starts with a quote — the foundation of your project and a proposal tailored to your needs.
During this first step, we take the time to assess your expectations regarding design, materials, and the type of sign you’re looking for (illuminated, cut-out letters, hanging panels, etc.). This conversation is key to understanding the specific constraints of your location and recommending the best possible solution.
The quote also includes a cost estimate based on the chosen materials, sign dimensions, and any special requirements. Once approved, we move on to a site analysis to bring the project into sharper focus.
The importance of a well-prepared quote
A clear and detailed quote helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures everyone’s expectations are aligned from the beginning. If your needs are difficult to define or still uncertain, we can proceed directly to the graphic design phase. This approach involves some initial costs, but it allows for a precise and surprise-free budget.
Site Survey: Measurements and Technical Assessment
Precise Measurements: We visit the site to measure the available space and ensure the sign will fit seamlessly into its surroundings.
Site Photography: Photos provide a clear view of the installation area and help anticipate any necessary adjustments.
Electrical Connection Assessment: For illuminated signs, we verify the availability and accessibility of electrical connections to ensure a safe and code-compliant installation.
Anticipating Technical Constraints
Every location has its own specific challenges. A thorough site survey helps identify potential technical issues early on, such as wind exposure, installation height, or site accessibility. This detailed analysis minimizes surprises during installation.
Graphic Creation: Where Your Sign Comes to Life
Once the measurements and technical constraints are defined, we move on to the graphic design phase. This step is essential, as it provides the first concrete visual of the final result. Our specialized designers create a visual mock-up that respects your brand identity while maximizing readability—for signage that truly stands out.
Several elements are considered during the design process:
Colors and typography: To ensure clarity and visibility, both day and night.
Materials: Aluminum, PVC, acrylic, wood, each offering its own characteristics and visual appeal.
Lighting: LED, backlighting, or indirect lighting, with LED being the most commonly used lighting solution today.
Tailoring the Design to Your Brand
Your visual identity should reflect your business and catch the attention of passersby. A strong design not only draws the eye but also helps increase brand recall among potential customers.
Permit Application: An Essential Administrative Step
All exterior sign installations are subject to local regulations. Before fabrication and installation can begin, we must obtain approval from the urban planning department of the relevant municipality. This permit ensures the sign complies with rules regarding dimensions, lighting, and placement.
We take care of preparing and submitting the application, which includes:
A technical description of the sign
Visual mock-ups of the project
The planned location and its dimensions
TIMELINES AND MUNICIPAL REQUIREMENTS
Approval times vary from one city to another and can impact the overall project schedule. A solid understanding of local requirements helps speed up the permitting process and avoids last-minute changes.
Deposit request: a confirmation before production
Before starting sign production, a 50% deposit may be required. This amount may vary slightly depending on the project. The deposit secures the start of production and commits the necessary resources to complete your project. It covers, in particular, the purchase of materials and the graphic design time. Once the payment is made, we can begin fabrication.
A mutual commitment
This deposit ensures that your project is prioritized and allows the company to cover initial costs required to produce a custom sign.
Production: From Raw Materials to Your Sign
The production phase is when your sign truly takes shape. This step involves several key stages:
Material Ordering: Selection and purchase of materials approved during the design phase.
Manufacturing: Cutting, assembling, painting, printing, and finishing to ensure the highest quality.
Packaging: Protecting and preparing the sign to guarantee safe transport to the installation site.
Quality Control: Each sign undergoes rigorous quality checks before shipment. Tests are performed to ensure proper lighting operation and that materials meet durability standards.
Installation: The Moment Your Project Comes to Life
Installation is the final phase of the process. Once production is complete, an appointment is scheduled with the client to proceed with the sign installation at the site. The installation may vary depending on the type of sign and chosen location:
Wall mounting: For flat or dimensional signs.
Mounting on metal structures: For freestanding signs.
Electrical connection: For illuminated signs requiring wiring, note that this must be performed by a certified electrician.
Our teams ensure that the installation is carried out under optimal conditions, with final tests to guarantee the sign’s safety and proper operation.
Maintenance and Follow-up
After installation, regular maintenance of your sign is recommended to extend its lifespan and ensure consistently perfect display.
Conclusion
A Turnkey Process for an Optimal Result
Thanks to this well-defined process, we deliver signage that is both visually appealing, highly visible, and fully compliant with regulations, enabling businesses to stand out effectively. If you’re planning to install a sign for your company, we are here to guide you and bring your project to life with professionalism and creativity.