The High Cost of Skipping a Site Survey

Why Proper Project Management Matters in Sign Installation

Imagine this: you’ve approved the design, paid your deposit, and waited weeks for the sign fabrication. Then, installation day arrives—only to find out the wall can’t support the sign as planned. Cue the change order, increased cost, and delayed opening.

It happens more often than you’d think.

In the fast-paced world of commercial signage, some companies jump from design to fabrication without ever setting foot on your site. The result? Missed installation requirements, rushed last-minute fixes, and budgets that spiral out of control. That’s why site surveys and proper project management aren’t optional—they’re essential.

At National Sign Team, we believe the best sign projects begin on location.

Why Site Surveys Are Critical for Sign Projects

As Mike from National Sign Team explains in the video, site surveys are the backbone of a smooth installation. Here’s what we’re looking for during a survey:

• Wall construction details (Is it brick, EIFS, concrete, metal studs?)
  
• Accessibility for equipment like bucket trucks or cranes
  
• Power availability and wiring paths behind or inside the wall
  
• Building codes, landlord restrictions, and permitting nuances
  
• Obstructions or visual limitations for traffic-facing signage
  
  

A well-executed survey prevents surprises—because in signage, surprises equal delays and extra costs.

When a Site Survey Saves the Day

We’ve seen it time and time again across the signage industry: a franchise prepares to open a new location, the specs are sent straight from corporate, and everything seems ready to go. But when the install crew arrives on site, things aren’t quite what they seemed on paper.

One story that sticks with us involves a building that had recently been resurfaced with synthetic stucco—EIFS, a tricky material that requires extra care during installation. Without knowing that detail, a standard mounting plan could have led to serious damage and costly repairs. On top of that, a newly added architectural overhang partially obstructed the visibility of the planned sign location from the main road.

In this case, the sign company had done a thorough site survey before fabrication began. That small step made all the difference. They updated the design, rerouted the wiring, and submitted a revised permit that took the new conditions into account. The install went off without a hitch, the business opened on schedule, and the client saved thousands by avoiding unnecessary delays and revisions.

When Skipping a Survey Causes Trouble

There’s also the flip side—the cautionary tale that every sign company should take to heart.

In one instance, a business owner ordered a large illuminated wall sign from a company that never conducted a site visit. On install day, the problems began. The wall wasn’t concrete as assumed—it was lightweight metal framing. Worse, there was no access point for electrical wiring behind the wall. The install team had no clear way to mount the sign or get it powered up.

Without a survey, those issues weren’t caught until it was too late.

The result? The entire sign had to be redesigned and fabricated from scratch. Permits had to be resubmitted, timelines stretched by weeks, and the client was left paying for fixes on top of the original project cost. The frustration? Understandable. The delay? Avoidable.

These are the kinds of pitfalls that proper project management and a detailed site survey can prevent—and why we believe that boots-on-the-ground inspections are non-negotiable.

Project Management: Beyond the Site Visit

At National Sign Team, we treat project management as a hands-on, proactive process. A site survey is just the start. Here’s what else we provide to keep your signage project on time and on budget:

• Dedicated project managers for clear communication
  
• Pre-installation meetings with GC and property managers
  
• Timeline tracking across design, permitting, fabrication, and install
  
• National code research to stay compliant from coast to coast
  
• Photos, measurements, and engineering reviews documented and verified
  

We believe proper project management eliminates guesswork and sets expectations from day one.

How We Help You Avoid Change Orders

Change orders are sometimes necessary—but they should never be a surprise. Our process minimizes them by:

• Catching conflicts early
  
• Confirming access and materials
  
• Communicating clearly and regularly
  
• Using surveys to verify specs before production begins
  

It’s all about getting it right the first time—so your project doesn’t just look good, it performs exactly as planned.

Let's Get That Survey Done

Whether you’re managing a multi-site rollout or a single location install, don’t skip the site survey. It’s the most important step in ensuring your signage investment delivers the visibility, durability, and impact you’re expecting.

Let’s talk about your next project. Contact National Sign Team today and we’ll schedule a site survey to get the process started—the right way.

📞 Call Now - 727-859-1044.