Development Applications and Permits are usually required for mostly larger signage projects. For example the installation of freestanding signs (wayfinders, directional signs, estate signs, identification signage, building and sky signs). These permits are required by law when there is a disruption to motor vehicle or pedestrian traffic in the surrounding area.

Before applying for development applications and permits it is crucial to have the correct accompanying documentation to avoid a lengthy process causing a huge time delay on the signage project. The documentation should include engineer drawings, construction certificates, traffic management plans, pedestrian management plans, road closure permits, RTA and police permits, environmental impact reports, SEPP64, waste management plans and occasionally even heritage council reports as well as the building owners consent, shop drawings, architectural plans and elevations.

Our team are experts in compiling and lodging all types of development applications and permits. We have experience working with all government bodies and can assist and advise you on the best course of action for the best chance of approval.

Please contact our friendly sales consultants on 1300 784 540 or sales@bpconcepts.com.au for a briefing session today.

Site audits are necessary before any signage project commences. There are a number of procedures carried out at the beginning of a project to ensure that the project is completed effectively. The purpose of a site audit is to ensure the signage design will fit in with the style of the building and to limit the number of problems that could possibly occur during installation.

One of our staff members will assess the site of which the installation will take place. Information gathered will include identifying the basic elements of a site, the specific equipment needed for installation (including ladders, boom lifts, cranes, ropes etc), nearest electrical outlets, entry and exit routes, dimension measurements, legal requirements for the building and existing conditions.

Melbourne Signage have developed a methodology for carrying out site audits which ensure that all signage is manufactured and installed correctly the first time. Should you require an audit or survey for your next site, store or complete re-branding program please contact one of our consultants today on 1300 784 540 or at sales@bpconcepts.com.au.

The above picture represents the locations of our installers throughout Victoria.

Installations are always handled by our experienced project managers to ensure the signage is installed with precision and in accordance with local council rules. Our staff will organize the necessary permits if needed and are very familiar with the occupational health and safety standards. We are aware that each installation has different requirements due to site specific conditions and budgets. Our team are experts in all aspects of installation management from design to production and logistics (e.g. packing and transport).

Following the design of the signage, a site inspection is mandatory to determine the most effective installation method.

Methods of installation:

-          Crane

-          Boom lift/Cherry picker

-          Ropes

The method of installation is dependent on the complexity of the signage such as weight and height above the ground.

We design, manufacture and install all forms of signage and would be happy to discuss your next signage installation. Please do not hesitate to contact one of our consultants today on 1300 784 540.

Project management involves a series of steps from initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and completion of the project and in addition, after-sales service support. The step: planning and design includes developing a budget, schedule, determining resource requirements, risk planning, inspection of site (measurements) and estimating time and costs among many other planning necessities.

Executing calls for highly qualified project managers to coordinate all aspects of a project, our project managers are all qualified and have had experience in the execution of either straightforward or complex projects, with a sound knowledge of the architectural, building and construction and interior fit-out industries as well as attention to detail. We believe it is necessary to supply clients with the best quality materials and therefore products. There are a large variety of materials to choose from and our staff will assist you in finding the most suitable material for your required signage.

We are constantly managing numerous projects at a time, Australia-wide and are always interested and capable of taking on more projects. Our project manager’s will ensure that each customer is involved in the process and kept up to date on a regular basis, this includes meetings, emails and phone calls whenever there is progress or change to the project or timeline. The project managers will be able to cater to individual needs and are always accessible to deal with any concerns. Successful project management requires a clear understanding of a client’s needs and requirements (such as deadlines). Effective communication between the project manager and client is key; avoiding confusion or solving problems at the time of occurrence saves time and money.

Please do not hesitate to give our consultants a call today on 1300 784 540, project management starts when we receive your call.

lightboxes

Popular types of lightboxes are:

The most popular types of lightboxes are:

-Traditional lightboxes: they are the standard lightboxes seen under-awnings or mounted on walls.They are generally 100m-200mm deep and have to be at least 2.7 m off the ground and can be single or double sided and usually constructed out of aluminium. Options for lighting include fluorescent tubes or L.E.Ds and usually have an opal acrylic face with translucent vinyl graphics on the inside or outside.
- L.E.D Slim Lightboxes: These lightboxes are the perfect sign for any retail store front. Cost-effective and eco-friendly (they are rated as having a 60,000 hour lifespan), thus using less power than traditional lightboxes.
- Ultra-slim/edge-lit lightboxes: These lightboxes are the thinnest type and come in the form of weatherproofing boxes, double-sided boxes, non-illuminated boxes, hinged and lockable boxes. An ultra-slim lightbox is the best option if the graphic needs to be changed on a regular basis. Edge-lit lightboxes range from thickness 20mm-40mm (thickness depends on type of illumination used). These lightboxes are often used for menuboards.
- Flex face lightboxes: If you are looking for a large lightbox or a lightbox for a pylon sign then flexface lightboxes are the best option. They are an efficient, external illuminated signage solution for corporate clients looking to promote their brand image. The vinyl print is stretched to reach both ends of the lightbox and is then tightened using a tensioning mechanism.

Characteristics of Lightboxes

The advantages of edge-lit lightboxes are:

- Energy efficiency via LEDs T5 lamps;
- Easy sign face retention system for quick change outs;
- Evenly illuminated surface via an internal acrylic core.

Traditional lightboxes have the following characteristics:

- Accurate placement of the struts to enhance the structural integrity of the box (eliminates the tendency of sagging between dropper tubes);
- The bracing of the struts top & bottom (eliminating twist);
- Staggered struts to minimise shadows when illuminated (either side of fluorescent tubes & therefore less noticeable);
- Finish of the end product (powder coating is durable, economical & of a high standard compared with 2pac-high cost & acrylic-lifespan);
- High adaptability to accept numerous graphic mediums ( prints, vinyl, cut out letters, neon, moulded faces, fabricated faces).
- Extrusions are generally 150mm deep.

Melbourne signage has many different options available to suit your requirements. Our team will design, manufacture and install all types of lightboxes ranging from small under-awning lightboxes to large flexface ligthboxes. Please contact one our friendly staff on 1300 784 540 for a briefing session today.

Statutory signs

What are statutory signs?

Statutory signs refer to signs required by law. This signage is placed inside commercial buildings. Examples of statutory signs include signage for fire safety, Braille signage and signage for electrical information (for example: main switchroom). Fire signs are usually located alongside stairways. We understand the importance of having correctly manufactured and installed statutory signs, to provide a safe environment.

If you are unaware of the appropriate signage needed, we can provide advice on the signs required by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) or any other relevant Australian standard. Additionally, we have developed a statutory guide for the signage required for different types of buildings.

Materials for statutory signs

The material used for statutory signs are often satin natural anodised aluminium, which is engraved and then filled with paint. On some occasions, vinyl is used on the panel instead of engraving. However engraving is the preferred option.  Stainless steel is also another option, most commonly used in corporate buildings located in the CBD of capital cities. This is because stainless steel has a sleek look that appears to be more professional.

Following the installation of the statutory signs, the local fire department is required to carry out a mandatory compliance inspection ensuring the building has successfully fulfilled the statutory requirements according to BCA regulations.

Our staff are all experts in the manufacturing and installation of statutory signs and are always updating their knowledge of the current regulations. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 1300 784 540 or sales@bpconcepts.com.au.

Building signs refers to all types of interior or exterior signage attached to a building. The most common types of building signs are: directory boards, lightboxes, fabricated letters, panels and statutory signage. Building signs can be big or small and can be illuminated, via LEDs or neon.

Building signs

- Directory boards and wayfinding

Directory boards are designed to assist guests or clients when navigating around a building.  They can take the form small wall mounted boards to large freestanding directory boards. Internal and external directory boards are available, and they can be shared my multiple tenants.

- Light boxes
Most Commonly used under awnings or in retail shops, lightboxes are a very popular type of illuminated signage. Their main advantage is that the face graphics can be modified very easily.

- Fabricated letters or 3D building signs:

Fabricated letters and logos stand out individually off the surface they are applied to.

They can add a lot of dimension to any logo, especially if they are illuminated.

- Flat Panels/Non-illuminated lettering:

Non illuminated signs are a cost effective way of branding a business and they do not require any maintenance, unlike illuminated signs.

- Statutory signage

It refers to signage required by the Building Code of Australia (BCA). These types of signage include exit signs and signs relating to emergency services.

When installing large external building signs, it is important to apply for council permits or any other necessary local and state government permits. Our staff are experienced in the preparation and lodging of the required forms for any type of permit. Please contact us today on to discuss any of your requirements.

The installation of large signs such as freestanding pylons and sky or building signage usually require large equipment such as cranes,scissor lifts or sometimes cherry pickers. The challenge of using such large equipment is that more often than not a lane needs to be closed and road conditions are altered to ensure the safety of all those around.

In order to overcome this problem it is advised to implement a traffic management plan. This traffic management plan should detail which lane/lanes need to be closed and the most effective way to direct the traffic to an alternate route ensuring minimal interruptions, in addition to creating a safe working environment during installation.

When the installation of a sign involves changes to road conditions, permits are required. These permits are acquired from the local RTA or council. Traffic Managements plans are essential when applying for these permits. To avoid lengthy delays and additional charges, it is best to arrange your traffic management plan prior to your application.

The traffic management plan needs to contain either a graphic or map of the surrounding area indicating all major roads, laneways and required signage. This signage must include the new speed limit, notice of a road closure or alternative route). It is important to ensure minimal interruption to motorists. If an alternate route is needed, it must be clearly shown in relation to the work site. Additionally, the traffic management plan should detail the number of traffic controllers that will be required, where they will be standing to safely direct traffic and where the safety cones will be located. All these details are essential in minimizing the chance of collisions.

Please contact our staff on 1300 784 540 to discuss your signage requirements today.