Signage (Building and Site)
Room, directional and site signs, counted by each and checked against ADA rules.
Quick Answer
Signage covers the interior and exterior signs on a project: room identification, directional, regulatory and site signs such as monuments and parking signs. Estimators count each type in EA from the sign schedule, and check ADA tactile, mounting and location rules for permanent room signs.
The Full Picture
Building signage is a family of items. Permanent room and space signs identify rooms, restrooms and exits. Directional and informational signs guide visitors. Site signage, which this page also covers, includes monument and pylon signs, parking and regulatory signs, and entrance markers. Each has its own material, mounting and electrical needs, and illuminated or large signs may sit in another scope.
ADA rules shape the permanent signs. The Access Board's guide says permanent room and space signs need both visual and tactile characters, and that informational and directional signs must meet visual requirements but not tactile ones. Exempt items include building addresses, directories, and temporary signs posted for 7 days or less. For mounting, the baseline of the lowest tactile character must be at least 48 inches and the highest no more than 60 inches above the floor, and signs go on the latch side of single doors, with an 18 by 18 inch clear floor space.
The unit is EA, taken from the sign schedule, sign types legend and floor plans. Quantities are counted by sign type, because each type has a different size, material and price. Monument and pylon signs are often LS or EA with foundations and power carried by other trades. The sign schedule and details, the specification in Division 10 (signage), and the architectural plans define the scope, and fabricated sign packages often come through an allowance.
Pricing mistakes include counting rooms instead of signs, missing that a double-door or a suite may carry more than one sign, forgetting that exit and stair door signs are in the tactile list, and leaving out site signs and bollard or footing work. Late changes to room numbers, tenant names or phasing change the count and trigger reorders, so estimators often carry an allowance and a clear statement of what is excluded.
Real Examples
Common Misconceptions
People assume: Every sign on a building has to be tactile.
Actually: Per the Access Board guide, permanent room and space signs need tactile characters, while informational and directional signs need visual compliance only, and some items such as addresses and directories are exempt.
People assume: Signage is a single line item.
Actually: It is a set of types with different materials, sizes, ADA rules and trades, so a single allowance hides risk.
Does MeltPlan Solve This?
Partially — adjacentSign counts by type come off the sign schedule, floor plans and site plans, and MeltPlan's takeoff service pulls them with AI and has US-based experienced estimators review and adjust them. ADA compliance decisions, fabrication scope and allowances stay with your estimating and design team.
Get sign counts from your plans →Frequently Asked Questions
What does ADA require of room signs?
Permanent room and space signs need visual and tactile characters, including braille, with the baseline of tactile characters between 48 and 60 inches above the floor, per the Access Board's guide to signs.
How is signage measured in a takeoff?
By EA for each sign, counted by type from the sign schedule and plans. Large monument signs may be carried as EA or LS with foundations and power separate.
What is site signage?
Signs outside the building such as monuments, pylons, entrance markers, and parking and regulatory signs, usually shown on civil and site plans.
Where is signage specified?
In Division 10, on the sign schedule and details, and in architectural plans and site plans.