Hiring a sign company is a bit different from most home or business services — a bad sign isn’t just disappointing, it’s a visible, expensive mistake that customers see every day for years. A few good questions upfront can save you from a costly redo. Here’s what’s actually worth asking before you sign a contract.

1. Do you fabricate signs in-house, or do you subcontract?

Some sign companies design and sell but send the actual fabrication work to a third party. That’s not automatically bad, but it usually means longer turnaround times and less control if something needs adjusting mid-project. Companies that fabricate in-house can typically move faster and make changes without waiting on an outside shop.

2. Do you handle permitting, or is that on me?

Most cities and towns require a permit before a new sign goes up, and the rules vary by location — size limits, height restrictions, illumination rules, and sometimes design review if you’re near a historic district. Some sign companies handle the entire permitting process as part of the job; others expect you to sort it out yourself. Get this in writing before you agree to a price, since permit delays are one of the most common reasons projects run late.

3. Can I see examples of this specific type of sign you’ve built?

A company with a beautiful portfolio of vinyl banners doesn’t necessarily have strong monument sign experience. Ask specifically for examples of the sign type you’re considering, not just their general portfolio.

4. Who handles installation?

Some companies fabricate the sign and hand off installation to a separate crew or subcontractor. Ask directly who will be physically installing your sign and whether that’s included in the quoted price or billed separately.

5. What’s the actual timeline, from deposit to finished install?

Get a specific range, not “a few weeks.” Ask what happens if there’s a delay in materials or permitting, and whether that risk is communicated proactively or if you’re expected to check in yourself.

6. What does the warranty actually cover?

Signs are outdoors, exposed to weather, and often lit — parts fail over time. Ask what’s covered, for how long, and whether that includes labor to fix an issue or just replacement parts.

7. What’s included in the quote, and what isn’t?

This is the one that causes the most disputes after the fact. Confirm whether the quoted price includes permitting, installation, electrical hookup (for illuminated signs), and any site work like a concrete foundation for a monument or pylon sign. A lower quote that excludes half of what a competitor’s quote includes isn’t actually the better deal.

A Few Red Flags Worth Noting

The Easier Way to Compare

Asking these questions to five different companies individually takes real time. If you’d rather get quotes side by side without the repeated phone calls, you can submit your project once and have local sign companies who cover your area reach out to you directly — making it easier to compare apples to apples on price, timeline, and what’s actually included.

Ready to start comparing quotes? Submit your project and hear back from local sign companies directly.

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