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How to Make a New Bern Building Sign for Your Business or Organization

5/6/2021 | admin

Whether you’re looking to start a new business or generate more attention for your current one, there’s no better way to do so than with a building sign.

When prominently displayed outside of your brick-and-mortar business, they have a profound effect on how people perceive both your brand and company. Read on to learn more about the steps required to design, create, and install an outdoor sign for your New Bern business or organization.

What is an Outdoor Sign?

Outdoor Signs New Bern NCBefore we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand the definition of a building sign. It’s most commonly used as a catch-all term to describe a sign mounted outside of your business.  There are many different outdoor signs, ranging from a smaller one attached to the side of your building via a secure metal mounting bracket to three-dimensional lettering and everything in between.

What are New Bern Building Sign Regulations?

Before you can install an outdoor sign in New Bern, North Carolina, you will need to ensure that it is in compliance with local regulations. There are two main ways to go about this—you can either head on down to city hall or reach out to an experienced local sign company such as AlphaGraphics of New Bern. In addition to making sure the design, dimensions, and mounting of your new building sign adhere to the local laws, you will also need to apply for a permit. The initial upfront fee is $33. However, additional fees might apply depending on the size and type of sign you wish to install. Working with a local sign shop such as AlphaGraphics of New Bern offers many advantages, and they can help you navigate through the process and answer any questions that you might have.

How to Make a Building Sign

There are nine basic steps when it comes to designing, building, and installing a building sign in New Bern:  

  • Determine the Type of Sign

  When it comes to determining the type of sign that you want, you’ll need to take into account a few things:
  • Budget
  • Available space
  • Local regulations
  • Lighted or non-lighted
  • Mounting options
For example, perhaps you own a bicycle shop that’s in between two other businesses, and your lease will only allow you to put a building sign on the available storefront wall. Many New Bern businesses in this position will opt for a wall-mounted sign that shows their logo and brand name. To learn more about the various types of custom building signs, get in touch with AlphaGraphics of New Bern, and we’ll be more than happy to go over your options.  

  • Research Sign Regulations

  You can either head on down to City Hall or perform your research online. This will give you a good idea of the limitations and any other special considerations for your new building sign.  

  • Determine Placement

  If you have the luxury of space and placement options, carefully consider the viewing angles. Can people quickly see it from far away? From each intersection? What height will you mount it? All of these questions and more can help you determine the optimal placement. If you opt for an LED or lighted sign, keep in mind that you will need to mount it in an area with access to electricity. If not, you might need to hire an electrical contractor to perform additional work.   

  • Design Your Sign

  This step is often best left up to a professional sign shop. While nothing is stopping you from designing your own sign, keep in mind that there are many design principles out there that can profoundly affect the effectiveness and ability to persuade people to step inside your business. At AlphaGraphics of New Bern, many of our building sign customers will scribble some ideas on a piece of paper, and our expert graphic designers will take those and provide them with a few concepts.  

  • Submit the Permit

  You can either submit the permit yourself or let the sign shop handle it for you. It’s often easier to go the sign shop route as they have done this many times before and know the process inside and out.  

  • Building the Sign

  Depending on the type of sign you select, the design, size, and material availability, it can anywhere from a week to a few months to complete the construction. Your sign shop will give you an estimated lead time.  

  • Installation

  The installation of your new building sign is the most exciting and fun part of the process! You can either hire a third-party contractor or let your sign shop install it for you. Total installation time can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the complexity of the sign and machinery/tools required.

Building Signs in New Bern

A building sign is a great way to set your business apart from your competitors while attracting attention from pedestrians and drivers alike. At AlphaGraphics of New Bern, we can provide you with ideas and services to assist with your building sign project. To learn more about how AlphaGraphics of New Bern can produce and design your next project, you may email us, request a quote, or call us at (252) 633-3199.

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