Start with the decision
Agree the architectural signage handover requirements before work begins, then check the delivered records against the actual scope. The checklist below is a planning aid. Acceptance criteria and required evidence must come from the project documents and responsible project team.
This guide is for business-to-business project planning in the United States and Canada. For the wider trade context, visit the architectural signage resource hub.
Match the records to the work
| Package | Record to agree | Scope reference |
|---|---|---|
| Sign schedule and artwork | approved indexed artwork and the installed sign register | indexed sign list with messages, locations and approval status |
| Fabrication and mounting | approved finish samples and the location-by-location installation record | material and finish selections with mounting locations and substrate details |
| Illuminated signs and turnover | agreed approvals, circuit references, maintenance instructions and spare parts schedule | illumination schedule, connection responsibility and project approval references |
Download the architectural signage handover worksheet (CSV)
Fill in the response, owner or source, and date checked. Keep unresolved items visible. The file contains planning prompts only; it does not calculate quantities or make an approval decision.
Put the checklist to work
- List required deliverables, their responsible party and the person who can accept them. Distinguish a submitted document from an accepted one.
- Reconcile changes involving sign permits, backing or foundations, power supply, access equipment and restoration after removal. The final record should reflect agreed work, not an obsolete bid assumption.
- Maintain an open-items list with locations, owners and planned follow-up. Do not quietly turn an unresolved item into a completed one.
- Confirm the handoff to the operator or following trade. Record which information was received and which agreed actions remain outstanding.
A scope gap worth discussing
Illustrative example — not a Build Accord client project
A bid prices every directory panel in the room schedule but excludes changing the final tenant names after artwork approval. Identify the last editable milestone and distinguish spare inserts from replacements before award.
Apply this to your decision: A package-specific handover register with accepted records and a visible list of unresolved actions.
Using this in the US and Canada
For a project in the United States
Record the state, local jurisdiction and actual service area. Confirm the project location and the scope of the business’s authority with the responsible project team. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a starting point for business licensing resources.
For a project in Canada
Record the province or territory, municipality and actual service area. Use Canada’s permits and licences resources to locate relevant checks, including the linked BizPaL service. Confirm requirements for the actual activity and location.
For either market, state the currency, units and deadline time zone. This worksheet is general planning guidance, not a determination of licensing, procurement eligibility or technical compliance.
The next useful step
Continue with architectural signage scope of work checklist. For the other side of the conversation, see the architectural signage bid proposal guide.
Build Accord coordinates introductions between construction project teams and trade contractors. An inquiry starts a discussion of fit and availability; it does not guarantee a contractor, an invitation to bid or an award. These guides are not a listing of currently available crews or projects.