Relocating an electrical business sign may seem like a straightforward task — just take it down and move it, right? Well, not exactly. While the concept of moving a sign is simple, the actual process is far more complex. It involves careful planning, adherence to regulations, electrical wiring challenges, and much more.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through everything you should consider when relocating your electrical business sign, emphasizing that it's not as easy as 1-2-3.
What to Consider When Relocating an Electrical Business Sign
Structural Integrity
Before any commercial sign relocation can begin, you must assess the sign's structural integrity. This involves determining whether the sign can withstand the physical stress of moving without sustaining damage. If the structural integrity of the electrical sign is compromised, it could lead to unexpected costs or even pose life-threatening safety risks. Additionally, you'll need to assess the sign's design, wiring, and fabrication and determine whether the sign can be moved as a whole or if it needs to be disassembled before transporting.
Legal Requirements and Permits
Most states require permits for installing, removing, or transporting commercial signs. Complying with these laws is essential when moving an electrical business sign. The permitting process can often take time, and the specific requirements and permit procedures can differ between states and even city to city. It’s best to stay organized during this process; gather all the information you need, ensure you fully understand the sign permit requirements set forth by your local government and submit your proposal as soon as possible.
If you are relocating your commercial sign out of necessity due to road expansions or other external factors, your municipality may reimburse the relocation and construction costs associated with the project. However, to get reimbursed, you must submit all required documentation to ensure a smooth process.
Transportation Logistics
Moving an electrical business sign from one location to another is more than just loading it onto a truck and driving it to its destination. The size and weight of the sign, as well as the distance to be traveled, all have to be taken into account when planning the move. For example, you may need to plan a specific route to avoid low bridges or narrow roads. Special equipment or vehicles may be needed to transport the sign safely. Even if the commercial sign needs to be moved a mere 20 feet from its original location, you may need to use heavy machinery, such as a crane, to transport it.
Lemberg is a sign installation company built on safety, trust, and quality. We have been proud to service Milwaukee-area businesses for over 95 years and counting. Contact us today!
Environment
It’s important to understand and account for any environmental factors that may hinder your electrical business sign relocation, including:
- Location and surroundings — The environments surrounding your sign's current and future locations can significantly impact the logistics and safety of the relocation process. Planning for traffic management and pedestrian safety is essential if your sign is in a densely populated area with high traffic flow. In high-density areas, you'll likely need permits for sidewalk and road closures or lane restrictions.
- Nearby construction — Any nearby construction can impact access to your sign, potentially requiring adjustments to your relocation timeline and strategy. Maintaining strong communication and coordinating schedules with external construction teams is the best way to ensure a smooth project timeline.
- Infrastructure and wiring — Evaluate the condition of the wiring and electrical components connected to your sign. You should also assess the infrastructure and wiring of the sign’s current and new location. Outdated or damaged wiring may need replacement or upgrades during the relocation to ensure optimal functionality and safety.
Whether navigating busy city streets, addressing wiring issues, or dealing with nearby construction, careful planning and adherence to safety protocols are key to achieving your electrical business sign relocation goals.
To plan a successful electrical sign relocation, you must first understand the type of business sign you’re working with. Learn about the different types of commercial signs here!
Unique Project Challenges
Even with careful planning, moving a sign is a complex process with many moving parts. Hidden problems may arise at any point, including permit delays, unexpected wiring issues, logistical issues during the physical move of the sign, and foundation issues. Working with experienced professionals and having a comprehensive plan in place if any problems arise will help you address any unforeseen issues.
At Lemberg, we believe in strong, collaborative partnerships with our customers. We are your reliable and experienced sign company, here to help you move your electrical business sign. Learn more about our commercial sign services now!
A Successful Electrical Business Sign Relocation Project
Lemberg had the opportunity to be part of the commercial sign relocation project for Holz Motor Inc. in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. The need for this relocation arose when the city approved a road expansion, requiring the dealership to move its 36-foot-high pylon sign approximately 20 feet backward to accommodate a new turn lane.
This relocation project may seem simple at first. However, moving the electrical business sign presented a series of challenges.
Key project details include:
- Detailed project planning — Lemberg did not create and install the original sign. As a result, the team had to get the original design from the sign’s manufacturer to fully understand the scope of the project. The Lemberg team also had to ensure every detail was covered in the extensive permitting process to ensure financial reimbursement for the relocation project.
- Construction challenges — The road expansion coincided with the sign relocation, so Lemberg's team had to work closely with the city and the general contractor responsible for the expansion project to synchronize project timelines.
- Coordination with multiple contractors — Due to the size and complexity of the commercial pylon size, Lemberg worked with several subcontractors to ensure a safe relocation, which required close and detailed project timeline planning.
- Extensive electrical wiring — The pylon sign was first mounted in the 1970s. Therefore, all the electrical wiring needed to be updated. The wiring also needed to be extended from the original sign location to its new location.
- Working around existing conditions — The Lemberg team did a 360-degree evaluation above and below the surface level of the project site to locate all underground obstructions, utility lines, and overhead electrical wires. This helped the team assess where additional services and caution would be required, which was important to the project's success and the crew's safety.
- Unexpected issues — In the process of placing the new footer foundation, the Lemberg team uncovered a basement, which was not factored into the original relocation project’s approved drawings. Consequently, the team had to adapt the original project plan and modify the footer to accommodate and work around the basement.
Through careful planning, effective collaboration, and adaptability, Lemberg successfully relocated the Holz Motor Inc. electrical business sign.
Check out our complete commercial signage project gallery!
Why Choose Lemberg?
Lemberg is proud to be an industry-leading, full-service commercial sign company, providing Milwaukee-area businesses with comprehensive assistance with the customized design, creation, installation, maintenance, and relocation of signs.
Our team of experts will take the time to fully understand your sign relocation needs and concerns and work with you every step of the way to ensure your commercial sign is relocated in the fastest and safest way possible.
If you’d like to learn more about our customized commercial sign services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
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