Signage: what bids leave out
Sign bids often cover the sign itself and not much else. One bidder carries design approval, permits, installation, the electrical hookup for illuminated signs, and every room sign on the interior schedule. Another quotes fabrication only, leaves the permit and landlord approval to you, and assumes power and blocking are already in the wall. Read the fine print before you compare.
Level your signage bids with this checklist →
Standard scope checklist
Send this to every bidder and ask them to mark each line Included, Excluded or give an Add $. Silence is not inclusion.
Sending it out? Use the free scope letter template to ask every bidder for line-item scope, inclusions, exclusions and alternates. Terms to know: exclusion, allowance, alternate.
| # | Scope item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sign schedule: every exterior and interior sign counted |
| 2 | Fabricate only, or fabricate and install |
| 3 | Shop drawings, samples and design approval |
| 4 | Landlord or property manager approval of exterior signs |
| 5 | Sign permits and permit drawings (check local code/AHJ) |
| 6 | Exterior building signs: channel letters, cabinets, blade signs |
| 7 | Monument or pylon sign (if in scope) |
| 8 | Foundations for monument and pylon signs |
| 9 | Structural support, raceways and wall backing |
| 10 | Illumination: LED, power supplies and timers or photocells |
| 11 | Electrical circuit to sign location (electrical sub) |
| 12 | Final connection of illuminated signs |
| 13 | Interior room ID and wayfinding signs |
| 14 | Accessible signage: tactile and braille where required (check local code/AHJ) |
| 15 | Code-required signs: exit routes, occupancy and restroom signs (check local code/AHJ) |
| 16 | Vinyl graphics and window lettering |
| 17 | Removal of existing signs and patching of the wall |
| 18 | Wall penetrations sealed and weatherproofed |
| 19 | Lifts, cranes and traffic control for installation |
| 20 | Survey of site for sign locations |
| 21 | Warranty on illumination and finishes |
| 22 | Sales tax, freight and bond |
Common exclusions and how they are worded
| Exclusion | Typical wording | Why it matters | Typical cost to cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permits & approvals |
| Exterior signs usually need a permit and often a landlord's sign-off. Fees and drawings take time, so decide who handles them up front. | TBD |
| Electrical |
| An illuminated sign needs a circuit, often a timer or photocell, and a final hookup. Those pieces fall between the sign and electrical bids easily. | TBD |
| Installation |
| Fabrication-only quotes look cheap. Installing exterior signs can need lifts, a crane and a licensed installer. | TBD |
| Structural support |
| Large wall signs, blade signs and monuments may need engineering, backing or a foundation. Ask who designs and builds the support. | TBD |
| Interior & accessible signs |
| Room signs, restroom signs and other required interior signs are often left out of an exterior sign quote. Check the interior sign schedule. | TBD |
| Existing sign removal |
| Taking down an old sign leaves holes and a shadow on the wall. Decide who removes it, patches it and paints it. | TBD |
| Monument foundations |
| Monument and pylon signs need excavation and concrete. Check whether the sign, concrete or site bid carries the footing. | TBD |
| Traffic control & access |
| Signs over sidewalks or drive lanes may need traffic control or night work. Those add cost if no one priced them. | TBD |
| Design changes |
| Landlord and permit comments can force redesigns. Ask how many revision rounds are included. | TBD |
“Typical cost to cover” is TBD. We will publish ranges only once we have real, sourced data. Until then, use your own estimate or a confirmed add price from a bidder.
Questions to ask bidders
- Does your price cover every sign on the schedule, interior and exterior?
- Are permits, permit drawings and landlord approval included?
- Who runs power to the sign, and who makes the final connection?
- Is installation included, including any lift or crane?
- Who designs and furnishes structural support, backing or footings?
- Are accessible room and restroom signs included where required?
- Is removal of existing signs and repair of the wall included?
- How many rounds of design revisions are included?
Bid-ready signage contractors
Contractors who agree to price against the standard checklist above, with exclusions spelled out line by line. Listings are not live yet.
Featured listing
Your company · City, ST
Bids on the BidGaps checklist
Featured listing
Your company · City, ST
Bids on the BidGaps checklist