Frequently Asked Questions

Your 3D Design Questions, Answered

Everything you need to know about Kova Signs

Pricing + Deposits

Is the estimator price the final quote?

No. The estimator is a starting baseline based on the info you enter. The final quote is created after the design proof is approved, and it can land a bit higher or lower than the baseline depending on the final size, details, mounting, and finish level.

What is the $250 design deposit?

The $250 design deposit kicks off the custom design process (concepts + proofing). It’s what gets your project moving and reserves design time.

Is the design deposit credited toward the final total?

Yes. The $250 design deposit is applied to your project total if you move forward with production.

How many revisions are included?

Two revision rounds are included with the design deposit. If a third round involves major changes, any added design time is quoted before continuing.

What are the biggest drivers of cost?

Labor is the biggest factor, then material. Complexity, finish level, layering, and installation requirements are what typically move labor the most.

Can you work within my budget?

Yes. We can often adjust size, complexity, and finish level to hit a budget. If a carved sign isn’t realistic for a tight budget, we can also offer printed/vinyl signage options as a fallback.

Timeline + Scheduling

How long does a custom sign take?

It depends on complexity and permitting. Once the permit is approved (if required), most projects are typically completed within about a month, but we’ll be transparent based on the specific scope and current production queue.

What can slow down the timeline?

Permitting, design complexity, and production demand. These are one-of-a-kind, hand-finished signs, and production capacity is intentionally limited to protect quality.

Do you offer rush options?

No. We don’t run a rush-fee system. We’d rather be honest about timing and deliver it right.

When does production actually start?

After the final quote is approved, the production deposit is paid, and any required permit is approved. At that point, your job goes into the production queue. That queue may be full or empty depending on timing, and we’ll communicate it clearly.

Materials + Durability

What is HDU?

HDU stands for High-Density Urethane. It’s a professional sign material used for premium carved signs.

Why do you use HDU instead of wood?

HDU holds crisp carved detail and handles outdoor conditions better than wood because it doesn’t absorb moisture the same way wood does (which helps reduce issues like warping or cracking).

Will it hold up outdoors?

Yes. HDU is widely used for exterior signage. Proper finishing and installation matter, and we design/build with that in mind.

Will the paint fade, peel, or crack?

Paint can fade over time, especially on south-facing signs. Reds and oranges tend to fade faster than many other colors. The paint should not peel or crack when finished correctly. Gold leaf does not fade the way paint does.

Design + Proofing

Do you provide more than one concept option?

Often, yes. Many projects start with multiple design directions to choose from. Some projects are straightforward and only need one clear concept to begin.

Can you match my brand colors?

Yes. If you have brand standards, we’ll follow them. We can also provide paint swatches if needed, but in most cases we prefer to handle color selection and matching ourselves so it looks right in the real world.

What files do you need for my logo?

If you have a logo, we’ll need the original artwork or vector files (AI, EPS, PDF, or SVG are ideal). If you don’t have those, we’ll tell you what we can work with.

Can you help if my logo is low quality?

Usually, yes. It depends on the complexity and what’s available. AI-generated logos are often the toughest because they can be overly complex and low resolution, but we can usually simplify or rebuild as needed.

Permits

Do I need a permit?

Maybe. It depends on the city and the sign type (especially blade signs, projection limits, size rules, and number of signs allowed). We’ll help you determine what applies.

Do you handle permits?

We don’t force ourselves into being “the permit office,” but we do make it easier. We’ll help you understand what’s required and provide the documentation you need. If you want us to coordinate the permit paperwork, it’s $100 + city fees.

What if the permit is denied?

We find out why and adjust accordingly. If it’s a fixable issue (size, projection, placement), we revise the design to comply. If the denial is because signage simply isn’t allowed (or additional signage isn’t allowed), we’ll talk through options and the client decides how to proceed.

Installation + Mounting

Do you install signs?

Sometimes. It depends on location, timeline, and budget. Many clients hire and pay a local installer directly, and we provide clear mounting guidance/templates when needed.Sometimes. It depends on location, timeline, and budget. Many clients hire and pay a local installer directly, and we provide clear mounting guidance/templates when needed.

How much does installation cost?

It varies by location and scope. As ballparks:

- Wall signs: $250–$900
- Blade signs: $500–$1,800
- Post/directory installs: $600–$2,500

We’ll help you plan for install even if you pay your installer directly.

What mounting methods do you offer?

French cleats, hanging hardware (eye hooks), and brackets. If a standard bracket fits, we’ll use that. If the project calls for a custom bracket, it’s quoted separately.

What if my wall/surface is tricky (brick, stucco, stone)?

Not a problem. Hardware and installation methods exist for all common surfaces, and we’ll make sure the mounting plan matches your site conditions.

Need more help or details?

Contact our support team