When you invest in a business sign, you’re not just buying a product - you’re building your brand presence. Whether you're opening a new storefront, rebranding an existing space, or enhancing visibility from the street, understanding the full scope of custom sign installation costs is key to budgeting smartly.
This detailed guide will walk you through where the costs come from, how they add up, and what you can expect to pay depending on the type of sign you choose.
At AGC Signs, we've been in the custom signage industry for over 10 years, and we specialize in everything from sign design to manufacturing, installation, and maintenance for all types of signage.
If you have questions about the pricing and installation of custom signs, we'd love to put our expertise to work for you.
1. The Full Scope of Sign Costs
Depending on the size and type of sign, the total project can range anywhere from $2,000 for a simple storefront sign to more than $50,000 for a large, illuminated pylon sign.
The cost of a custom business sign goes far beyond what you see mounted on the wall or standing by the roadside. What might look like a simple structure to passersby actually represents the result of a multi-phase process - each stage requiring its own expertise, materials, and investment.
Every custom sign project begins with concept development, where your brand, message, and visibility needs are translated into a workable design. This is followed by engineering, where structural integrity, safety requirements, and municipal codes are considered. Then comes fabrication, where materials are selected and shaped using specialized equipment. Finally, the sign must be transported and installed, which can involve anything from ladders and mounting brackets to cranes and concrete foundations.
Each of these steps contributes to the final cost. Smaller signs - such as a simple storefront panel with printed vinyl - may only require modest design time and basic installation, bringing the total project cost to around $2,000.
On the other end of the spectrum, a large-scale pylon sign with internal LED lighting, digital displays, and structural steel can cost upwards of $50,000 once permitting, fabrication, electrical work, and installation are factored in.
The variation in pricing is vast because each sign is uniquely tailored to your brand, your building, and your business goals. That’s why it’s so important to understand where the money goes - so you can allocate your budget effectively and avoid unexpected surprises during the process.
2. Design, Permits, and Planning
Every great sign starts with a plan. The design phase includes concept sketches, material selection, and layout coordination to ensure your branding is on point.
Design fees typically range from $200 to $1,500, depending on complexity.
If your logo needs to be reworked or your design includes 3D elements, the cost will trend toward the higher end.
Municipal permits are also part of the process. Costs vary by city but can be anywhere from $100 to $1,200. Most professional sign companies will assist in filing permits and ensure compliance with local bylaws.
3. Materials and Fabrication
Material choice has one of the largest impacts on your final cost.
Basic materials like aluminum or acrylic are generally more affordable, while high-end finishes like stainless steel, high-density urethane, or glass will significantly increase the price.
Fabrication costs can range as follows:
A flat aluminum panel sign with vinyl lettering might cost $500 to $2,500.
Illuminated channel letters typically cost between $2,000 and $8,000.
Monument signs made from masonry or HDU begin around $5,000 and can easily surpass $15,000.
Pylon signs, especially those over 15 feet tall, often start at $10,000 and can exceed $50,000.
These ranges include materials, custom cutting, finishes, and internal structures, but not lighting or installation.
4. Lighting and Electrical Work
Lighting brings your sign to life and increases visibility after dark, but it also adds cost and complexity.
Signs can be internally illuminated with LED modules or externally lit with spotlights.
Depending on the setup, lighting components can add between $500 and $10,000 to the total cost. In some cases, custom lightbox fabrication or animated displays may require even more.
Installation of electrical components often requires a licensed electrician.
For more complex setups, expect to pay an additional $500 to $2,000 for wiring, hookups, and compliance with electrical codes.
5. Installation and Equipment Requirements
The cost of installing your custom sign will depend largely on size, height, location, and the equipment required.
Wall-mounted signs may only require basic labour and tools, costing between $300 and $1,500 to install.
But signs that are freestanding - such as monument or pylon signs - require groundwork, concrete footings, and heavy machinery, pushing installation costs into the $2,000 to $10,000 range.
In addition to equipment rentals (like boom lifts or cranes), labour costs also rise for night work, road closures, or challenging site conditions. These additional requirements are typically quoted during the site survey phase.
6. Maintenance and Long-Term Considerations
After installation, your sign becomes a long-term asset. But like anything exposed to weather and wear, occasional upkeep is necessary.
Cleaning and maintenance visits may cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the sign’s size and accessibility.
Light replacements, digital software updates, or structural repairs can also come into play, especially for older signs or those in high-exposure areas.
Digital signs may carry software licensing fees or require periodic updates, costing another $200 to $1,000 annually.
7. Real-World Cost Scenarios
To help you visualize how these elements come together, here are three hypothetical custom sign projects and their total estimated costs:
1. Small Retail Storefront Sign
A basic aluminum panel with vinyl graphics.
Design and Permits: $500
Fabrication: $1,000
Installation: $500
Total: $2,000
2. LED Channel Letter Sign for a Restaurant
Designed to mount above the entrance with backlit letters.
Design and Permits: $1,000
Fabrication: $4,000
Electrical Work: $1,500
Installation: $2,000
Total: $8,500
3. Multi-Tenant Pylon Sign for a Shopping Plaza
Includes concrete base, lighting, and tenant panel sections.
Design and Permits: $2,000
Fabrication: $25,000
Installation: $10,000
Total: $37,000
8. Planning Ahead
Understanding custom sign installation costs gives you the power to make better budgeting decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises.
When comparing quotes, always look for a breakdown of design, materials, lighting, permits, and installation.
The right sign is more than just a decorative piece - it’s a business tool that boosts visibility, communicates professionalism, and helps drive foot traffic. And while the investment may seem high, the long-term return is often worth every dollar.
If you're ready to explore signage options for your business, reach out to a trusted local sign provider for a consultation and detailed estimate.
custom sign installation cost - Ask AGC Signs!
Whether you need a simple storefront sign or are looking for the most elaborate pylon sign available, we can help!
We’ll give you a fast, no-obligation quote, and in many instances, we’ll do your quote on-site.
AGC Signs has been reliably serving businesses in the Durham region for over 10 years. As a full-service sign company, we can manufacture, install, and service any type of signage you require.
All of our technicians are highly skilled and extremely hard-working, and we use only top-of-the-line equipment.
You can trust us to do the job right; we do all the work ourselves and never subcontract it out.
Contact us today for a quote.
“Adrian and his team were absolutely phenomenal! I provide Adrian my design and he designed a sign that matched my request for clean lines and classy elegance. He provided fantastic feedback, allowed me to see a mock up and the final product before installation. On installation day his team worked seamlessly and got the job done with precision. I truly appreciated the extra care and attention to detail that Adrian provided. He was beyond amazing!”
