How Much Monument Signs Actually Cost—And Why You Can’t Ballpark It
Published on: October 24, 2019
A monument sign is an excellent choice when you want to denote your business’s physical location but it is also an essential part of your visual brand strategy. But you need to be careful when getting estimates for the project. Many developers have been lured in by estimates or averages that are unrealistically low. And when the final bill arrives, there may not be any funds left to pay for it.
So how much do monument signs actually cost? To get an accurate estimate, there are a number of variables that the signage design firm you select should consider. The best firms will understand your property’s needs and provide a range of options within a budget that makes sense for you.
What Determines Monument Signs’ Cost?
When your business starts seeing more brand recognition, traffic, and your property’s visitors no longer complain of getting lost, you’ll know your monument sign was worth the price. But how do you balance the benefits with your budget? You need to start by understanding the variety of factors that can influence monument sign pricing.
- Size. It is common to underestimate the size of the monument sign you need for the property to be visible. If you just put in a call to a fabricator and tell them what you think you want, you’re likely to end up with something that doesn’t do the job of drawing attention. That’s why you need to start with a consultation with an experienced monument sign design firm who can audit the property and make the best recommendation.
- Materials. Foamcore, aluminum, metal, wood, and stone—how can you tell what will provide the best value over time? Remember, each of these materials will be subject to weathering and will require ongoing maintenance. You need to understand these peripheral costs in addition to the price of design, fabrication, and installation of your monument sign. Just going with the cheapest option is likely to cost you more in the long run. A good signage design firm will help you find the right materials for your particular property.
- Lighting. Most monument signs will need some sort of lighting but the price difference really comes in when choosing which type of lighting to use. Ground-mounted sign lights are the most budget-friendly at the outset as they require less wiring during installation. But you may save money over the long-term by selecting a greener option like LED lights. You’ll need guidance to make this cost-benefit analysis.
- Placement. Some municipalities have strict requirements about the size and location of monuments signs. And getting their approval for your project will add extra costs. That’s why you need a signage consultant that knows the ins and outs of getting permits efficiently.
The best way to account for all of these variables and get a monument sign’s actual cost is to consult with an expert signage design firm. When you have all of the possibilities laid out, with both a high and a low estimate, you can make choices that are within budget and represent your company well. Here’s just a couple of examples:
Fallon Gateway
When Fallon Gateway, a mall with both big box and in-line retailers in Dublin, CA needed a monument sign, visibility was a major consideration for landing tenants. To understand how to best approach the project of designing and installing a 99-foot monument sign featuring Target’s logo as well as all the other tenants, they started with a professional consultation. The expertise of the design consultant as well as the documentation helped them easily secure municipal and FAA variance approvals. Now, the mall is filled with tenants and readily draws traffic from nearby highways.
Lucid
Lucid, a luxury electric car company, needed a monument sign and was initially drawn to a lower-cost temporary option. But after consulting with GNU Group, they understood that a more stylish powder-coated aluminum sign that could be moved was well within their budget. Their company brand is now proudly displayed with unique architectural signage that is both low-maintenance and eye-catching.
Get Better Results With Accurate Cost Estimates
Your building needs a monument sign. And, you’re going to need accurate sign pricing. But only one signage design firm offers the information that you need before the project begins.
Our monument sign pricing quotes take all the factors into account to give you two estimates: one high and one low. This allows you to select a solution that makes sense for your budget and tells you what your total costs will be upfront so you don’t run into surprises later. And, we’ll deliver a branded monument sign that meets all your requirements perfectly.
Make more informed design decisions and control project costs. Design, permit management, overseeing fabrication and installation. No matter what you need, GNU Group does it all. That’s total end-to-end project management—all for one clear price.
When it comes to Environmental Graphic Design, Kyle Reath is a recognized industry authority. He previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Society for Environmental Graphic Design, as well as on the California Best Practice Advisory Committee on Signage for the Division of the State Architect and the Editorial Advisory Board of segdDESIGN Magazine, and spoken at SF Design Week. Projects he’s directed include Los Angeles Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall, Mineta San Jose International Airport, Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, Macy’s.com HQ, and the Dublin Corporate Center. He holds a degree in Architectural Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology and studied Civil Engineering at Temple University.
