If you’re working on a new property development, whether that’s commercial or houses or an apartment block, a strong, well thought-out property and construction signage strategy invariably makes the difference between a smart-looking, well-organised site and one which is frankly an embarrassing eyesore, both for those who live nearby and anyone visiting.
In 2018-19, the volume of new homes built in England reached its highest in nearly three decades, according to official statistics. That year, more than 240,000 housing units were added to the nation’s stock.
So construction site signage has certainly grown in importance. And it’s a key factor not only in making a building development and construction site look better but in helping to sell the new homes (or offices) within it. There is also a role for construction signage to play in safety at the site where work is taking place.
What’s more, property signage strategies are evolving all the time, with an increasing number of creative ideas around for taking construction site signage beyond the merely functional covering up works, or plain directional signage.
Hoarding signage, for example, can even incorporate plants for new garden-focused property developments, be multi-dimensional or add impact with clever use of lighting – increasingly, such installations are becoming the norm.
Considerations To Make When Planning Construction Signage
Property development signage strategies involve thinking about a number of different aspects, not least with larger sites taking up several blocks or roads. That’s why, as specialists in the field, we at Rocket Graphics decided to produce this handy guide on what to consider when planning your property development signage.
#1 Wayfinding and directional signage
Wayfinding signage is one of the most important types of property development signage. Clearly, most sites have numerous comings and goings, from potential buyers to contractors and others. Especially on larger construction jobs, where past buildings may have been demolished, it can be easy to get lost, even if you are familiar with the area or the site as it was previously.
Property development signage strategies should include a full inspection and analysis so that every new building and other location including offices, sales and marketing suites, car parks and so on are clearly marked and signposted with directional signage.
This type of construction signage can take various forms. Examples include totem poles outside new buildings or the whole development, or separate blocks in other areas if they have different names or on larger developments. For your exterior directional signage, you could also go for traditional signposts or simple signage plaques with arrows indicating buildings or areas. Floor markers are another option
#2 Sales and marketing suite signage
This type of graphic can be vital in helping to sell properties. Go for something with a high-quality design and a strong impact with top-notch graphics to entice potential buyers and other visitors so that they are encouraged to want to learn more about the development. Make sure branding here is consistent with the rest of the site. Types of signage and graphics that work well for sale and marketing suits include vinyl window decals and acrylic signs.
#3 Health and safety signage
Health and safety signage is again a vital element of construction site signage. From letting people know where the nearest fire exit is, to reminding visitors of the required health and safety equipment such as hard hats and highlighting potential hazards, health and safety signage helps to keep people safe. It also ensures legal compliance with health and safety legislation. Clearly presented, well-written and unambiguous messaging are obviously key here.
#4 Let there be lighting
Some property development signage needs to be clearly visible 24 hours, particularly if work is taking place during the winter months, so consider incorporating backlit or illuminated signs into your property development signage strategy. Do this with the most prominent signs or those that let visitors know when they have arrived on site. Backlit signage will also help your development get noticed after dark, for example as people are driving past.
#5 Construction site hoarding to hide ongoing work
Hoarding signage has the dual function of helping to conceal work on a project, which may be rather unsightly in its earlier stages. But it can also tease and promote a future development like a cinema or shopping centre. This is a chance for developers to get creative with their hoarding design ideas. Hoarding signs often feature a shot of a show home or similar, but you’re certainly not confined to that. Nothing is off-limits!
#6 Take the weather into account
Depending on your signage requirements, the time of year and your location, you’ll need to ensure your building site graphics are right for everything the weather is likely to throw at them, including strong winds. Have firm structures in place. Equally, if it’s the height of summer or you’re lucky enough to be building in a sunny spot, use non-fade materials. Or if you’re based on the coast, go for products that won’t be corroded by the salty air.
#7 Building maximum exposure
Don’t forget that property development signage isn’t just important within your site. It also needs to be seen from outside the perimeters of the development site, by anyone walking, cycling or driving past. Use the chance to let people know your development is being completed. Permanent signage tells anyone looking for the site where it is and lets them know they’re in the right place, while temporary signs tell passers-by about the new development during the construction phase, and stimulates interest.
#8 Flags
Flags have become a very popular branding and signage tool for new developments. And, at their best, they add colour, interest and panache to a construction site. Using them will also free up more surface area for other promotional messages and means you get to use a new kind of space (the air) creatively.
#9 Incorporating your brand’s personality and colour palette
Property development signage offers the perfect opportunity to showcase your property development company and convey a highly professional image. Use colours, textures and materials which match your brand’s personality and ethos. Equally, of course, this a great chance to show brand consistency by using the colours and similar aspects of your personality which you already use.
Looking for a property development signage company?
At Rocket Graphics, we’re highly experienced in the field of construction site signage and have worked on numerous exciting new projects, including well-known developers such as Countryside Properties and Berkeley Homes. So we’re able to offer the complete package covering your entire site, including property hoarding boards, building wraps, flags, totem signs and retail signage for your sales and marketing suite.
Give us a call today for an informal chat