A sign sits on your building for years. The company you hire decides how it looks, how safely it goes up, and whether anyone has to chase paperwork afterward. That's a bigger decision than the price on the quote.
This guide covers the seven questions buyers ask us most when hiring a sign company in Michigan, especially office, facilities,s and property managers. Each section gives a straight answer you can use with any vendor, then explains how Michigan Custom Signs handles the same point. Use the checklist at the end when you start comparing bids.
Where are the signs fabricated?
Fabrication is where the sign is actually built, and it affects quality, schedule, and accountability. A shop that builds in-house has more control over all three. Many shops outsource specialty items such as large illuminated cabinets. Ask what is built where, and ask to visit the shop or see work in progress.
How Michigan Custom Signs handles fabrication
Michigan Custom Signs designs, fabricates, and installs signs. Our team works from 26600 Heyn Dr in Novi, MI, and we are part of 1Source and Vision Graphics. We build most signs in-house. For specialty items, such as neon or very large illuminated cabinets, we may use partner fabricators. If your project does, we tell you before you approve the quote. You're welcome to ask for a shop visit by appointment.
Do employees install them, or subcontractors?
Ask who will be on your site. An in-house crew reports directly to the sign company. A subcontractor can be just as skilled, but you should see their license and insurance first. In Michigan, wiring a lit sign is licensed work, so ask who holds the license.
How Michigan Custom Signs handles installation
Michigan Custom Signs installs the signs we make, using our own installation team. The crew brings the lifts and equipment the job needs. For lit signs, a licensed electrician makes the final connection, as Michigan requires. We tell you who will be on site before installation day, and we can share license details on request. One point of contact stays with your project from design through installation.
Can you show similar projects and provide references?
Ask for two or three projects like yours in size and sign type, ideally in your area. Call the references and ask how the schedule, communication, and cleanup went. If you can, visit an installed sign. A good sign company will point you to real work and real customers without hesitation.
How Michigan Custom Signs handles projects and references
You can see our work in the Michigan Custom Signs gallery, and our Google reviews are public. For lobby projects, our lobby signs page shows the options. We provide references for similar projects on request so that you can hear from a client with a project like yours. Some projects are under client confidentiality, and we share those only with the client's permission.
Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
A certificate of insurance proves coverage, usually general liability and workers' compensation. Property managers often require one before any contractor starts work. Ask whether your building must be listed as an additional insured, which is different from being the certificate holder. Limits vary by property, so confirm them with your property manager first.
How Michigan Custom Signs handles insurance
Michigan Custom Signs provides a certificate of insurance before work begins, showing general liability and workers' compensation coverage. When your lease or building rules require it, we can name your building owner or property manager as an additional insured. Send us your building's insurance requirements with your quote request, and we'll check them against our coverage before scheduling the work.
Can installation happen after hours?
Many lobbies and offices can't take noise, dust, or blocked entrances during business hours. Ask whether the company offers evening or weekend installation, what it costs, and how they handle building access, elevators, and loading docks. Confirm the schedule with building management before the crew arrives.
How Michigan Custom Signs handles after-hours installation
Michigan Custom Signs schedules installation around your building's rules, including evenings and weekends for lobby and interior projects. After-hours work may incur additional labor charges, and we quote them up front. We coordinate access, elevator, and loading dock times with your building management before installation day. Tell us your building's work rules when you request a quote. Our interior signs page covers the options for offices.
Who handles permits and building management approval?
Many signs need two approvals. The city issues permits for exterior and lit signs, and the building owner approves design, placement, and wiring. Novi charges $40 for plan review and $50 for a sign permit. Detroit accepts applications only from licensed sign professionals. Permanent room signs must also meet ADA standards.
How Michigan Custom Signs handles permits and approvals
Michigan Custom Signs handles the permit process as part of the project. We prepare and file sign permit applications for exterior and lit signs, and we prepare drawings for landlord or property manager approval. In Detroit, we line up the licensed filer for you. Our ADA signs meet tactile and Braille standards for permanent room signs. For exterior work, see our custom building signs page.
How is pricing structured, and is financing available?
Ask for an itemized written quote that separates design, materials, fabrication, installation, permits, electrical work, and removal. Confirm the deposit, payment schedule, and what a change order costs. Some sign companies also offer financing, so read the terms, including fees after any interest-free period, before you sign.
How Michigan Custom Signs handles pricing and financing
Quotes from Michigan Custom Signs are free and itemized. Design, materials, fabrication, installation, permits, and removal each get their own line, and deposit and payment terms are written on the quote. Financing is available through Credit Key, a business line of credit. You get an instant decision with a soft credit check that doesn't affect your score. Terms run from Net 30 to 12 months. The first 30 days are interest-free, and fees start around 1% a month after that, subject to approval. For typical price ranges, see our guide to what business signs cost in Michigan.
Michigan Custom Signs at a Glance
- Location: 26600 Heyn Dr, Novi, MI 48374
- Service area: Metro Detroit and Michigan
- Services: interior, exterior, custom and lobby signs, building signs and vehicle wraps
- How projects run: design, fabrication, and installation by one team
- Quotes: free, with a site visit for exterior and lit signs
- Financing: available through Credit Key, subject to approval
Checklist: What to Ask Before You Hire a Sign Company
- Where is my sign fabricated, and what is outsourced?
- Who installs it, and who does the electrical work? Can I see their license?
- Can I see similar projects and call two references?
- Can you send a certificate of insurance and name my building as an additional insured?
- Can installation happen after hours, and is there a surcharge?
- Who files the city permit and gets building management approval?
- Is the quote itemized, and what are the deposit, payment,t and financing terms?
Get the answers in writing, and compare quotes line by line.