Custom vs Stock — Seven Dimensions
A side-by-side look at what you get — and give up — with each approach.
Fit to Your Space
Sized and shaped to your exact signage space — fascia width, available height, building material. No compromise.
Limited to manufacturer standard sizes. May not fit your space, or may look undersized for the application.
Brand Accuracy
Produced to your exact brand colours (Pantone, CMYK, or hex), your typeface, and your logo proportions.
You adapt your brand to the product's constraints — limited colour options, fixed layouts, generic fonts.
Material Grade
Commercial-grade aluminum, UV-stable powder coat or paint, cast vinyl, commercial LED modules rated for Ottawa's climate.
Consumer-grade materials — often thinner substrate, standard enamel paint, lower-grade LEDs or no illumination option.
Lifespan
10–15 years for commercial exterior signs properly specified and installed. Some sign types last 20–30 years.
3–5 years before visible UV degradation, fading, or material failure in Ottawa's freeze-thaw and UV conditions.
Permit Compliance
Designed to comply with City of Ottawa sign bylaws — height, setback, illumination restrictions. Permit-ready drawings included.
No permit support. Installing a non-compliant sign can result in removal orders and fines.
Installation
Professionally installed by a crew with the right equipment. Electrical connection by a licensed electrician for illuminated signs.
Self-installed or with a general handyman. Mounting methods may not be appropriate for the sign type or wall material.
Total Cost of Ownership
Higher upfront cost, lower lifetime cost. A custom sign that lasts 15 years costs significantly less per year than a stock sign replaced every 5.
Lower upfront cost, higher lifetime cost. Replacement cycles, brand inconsistency, and permit risk add up over time.