We've been making signs for businesses across Lake County, Illinois since 2008. Over the years, we've heard the same questions from new customers, returning clients, and people who've never worked with a professional sign company before. Here's everything you need to know — from how the process works to what things cost to whether we handle permits. If you don't see your question here, just call us at (847) 543-4870. We're happy to talk it through.

About Signarama Grayslake

Q: Who is Signarama Grayslake?

Signarama Grayslake is a locally owned and operated sign company based in Grayslake, Illinois. We've been part of the Signarama franchise system since 2008, which means we bring the resources and capabilities of a global sign network with the service and accountability of a local business. Our owner, Nonna Kofman, has been personally involved in every aspect of the business since day one. We're at 888 E. Belvidere Rd., Suite 408, Grayslake, IL 60030.

Q: What makes you different from other sign companies in the area?

A few things. First, we're a true one-stop shop — design, fabrication, permitting, and installation all happen through us, so you don't manage multiple vendors or chase down timelines. Second, we start every project with a conversation about your goals, not a quote sheet — because the right sign depends on understanding what you're trying to accomplish. Third, we've been doing this for 17+ years in Lake County. We know the permitting requirements, we know the suppliers, and we know how to build signs that hold up in Illinois weather.

Q: What areas do you serve?

Our home base is Grayslake, and we serve the full Chicagoland area with a focus on Lake County and the surrounding communities. This includes Mundelein, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Lake Villa, Gurnee, Lindenhurst, Libertyville, Antioch, Fox Lake, Wauconda, McHenry, Waukegan, Lake Forest, North Chicago, Ingleside, and more. We go where the job is — distance is not a barrier for our installation crews.

Services & Capabilities

Q: What types of signs do you make?

Just about everything. Our capabilities include exterior signs (channel letters, monument signs, lightbox signs, post and panel signs, aluminum and vinyl building signs), interior signs (ADA signage, lobby signs, wall graphics, wayfinding, floor decals, acrylic signs), vehicle graphics (commercial vehicle wraps, truck graphics, car graphics, vehicle magnets, boat lettering), banners and temporary signs (vinyl and fabric banners, yard signs, event signs, coroplast), and specialty items (trade show displays, digital displays, real estate signs, logo mats, manufacturing and lean signs, reclaimed wood décor signs, and more). If it's a sign, we can probably make it.

Q: Do you do vehicle wraps?

Yes — vehicle wraps are one of our most popular services. We do full wraps, partial wraps, and vinyl lettering for all types of commercial vehicles: vans, trucks, SUVs, trailers, and even boats. We also handle fleet programs for businesses with multiple vehicles. Vehicle graphics are one of the highest-ROI marketing investments a service business can make — your vehicle is seen by hundreds of people every day.

Q: Do you handle ADA signage?

Yes. ADA-compliant signage is a core part of our offering. We produce tactile (raised) lettering, Braille, room identification signs, restroom signs, directional signs, and wayfinding systems that meet ADA standards. We work with businesses, medical facilities, schools, property managers, and government organizations on ADA compliance — and we make sure the signage looks professional, not like an afterthought.

Q: Can you make signs for trade shows and events?

Absolutely. We produce retractable banner stands, pop-up displays, fabric backdrops, table covers, hanging signs, and full trade show booth packages. We also do event signage — registration tables, directional signs, sponsor recognition, and stage backdrops. If you have an upcoming show or event, let us know the timeline early — complex displays benefit from a few weeks of lead time.

Q: Do you make signs for construction sites and real estate?

Yes. We regularly work with contractors, developers, and real estate professionals on site signs, project boards, branded fencing panels, temporary directional signs, A-frames, and yard signs. We understand that construction signage often has short timelines and needs to be durable in outdoor conditions — we plan for both.

Process & Timeline

Q: How does the process work?

We like to start with a conversation — either by phone, in person at our Grayslake shop, or at your location. We gather information about your goals, your space, your brand, and your timeline. From there, we develop a design, share a proof for your approval, fabricate the sign in our production facility, handle any required permits, and then install. We keep you informed at each step and don't move forward without your sign-off. Most projects follow this path: consultation → design proof → approval → production → installation.

Q: How long does it take to get a sign made?

It depends on the type and complexity of the project. Simple vinyl banners or window graphics can often be turned around in just a few days. Standard illuminated signs typically take two to four weeks. Complex projects — large monument signs, full building rebrands, trade show systems — may take four to eight weeks or more. Projects that require permits add time for the approval process, which varies by municipality. We always give you a realistic timeline upfront, and we communicate proactively if anything changes.

Q: What do you need from me to get started?

Usually just a conversation. If you have logos, brand guidelines, or photos of the space, those help us move faster — but they're not required to start talking. We can work with you at any stage: from scratch with nothing but an idea, or from an established brand with exact specs. The more context you give us upfront, the more accurate the initial proposal will be.

Permits & Regulations

Q: Do I need a permit for my sign?

Most exterior signs require a permit from your municipality — including building-mounted signs, monument signs, freestanding signs, and illuminated signs. Interior signs and temporary signage like banners generally do not require permits, though there are exceptions. Sign codes vary significantly between cities and villages in Lake County, and they govern things like size, height, illumination, and setbacks. We are familiar with the requirements across our service area and will let you know what's needed for your specific project.

Q: Do you handle permit applications?

Yes — permit procurement is part of our service. We prepare the required documentation, submit applications to the appropriate municipality, and manage the approval process. We've done this across Lake County and the surrounding area, so we know what each municipality expects and how to avoid common delays. We'll keep you informed of the permit status throughout the process.

Pricing & Estimates

Q: How much does a sign cost?

Sign pricing varies significantly depending on the type, size, materials, complexity, and whether installation is included. A simple vinyl banner might start around $100-200. A standard illuminated channel letter sign for a storefront can range from $4,000 to $10,000 or more depending on size and configuration. Vehicle wraps typically start at $4,000+ for a full wrap on a standard van. Monument signs vary even more widely based on materials and size. We give you an itemized quote based on your actual project — we don't believe in ballpark numbers that set wrong expectations.

Q: Is there a minimum order?

We have a shop minimum, and we do take on projects of all sizes. A single yard sign is just as welcome as a full facility rebrand. That said, some of our production processes have practical minimums — for example, vehicle wraps require a full-vehicle design whether you order one wrap or ten. We'll be upfront about any cost considerations for smaller orders.

Q: Do you offer any warranties or guarantees?

Yes. Our products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty terms vary by product type — outdoor illuminated signs, for example, carry different warranty terms than vinyl banners. We use high-quality materials from established manufacturers, and our installation team stands behind its work. If something is not right, we make it right.

Other Common Questions

Q: Can you match my existing brand colors and fonts?

Yes — brand consistency is something we take seriously. If you have brand guidelines, logos, or existing signage you want to match, share them with us and we'll work to them precisely. We can match Pantone colors, CMYK values, and specific hex codes. If your existing signs are faded or inconsistent, we can also help you re-establish a consistent standard going forward.

Q: Do you work with landlords or property managers on sign approval?

Yes, this is very common. Many commercial leases require landlord or property management approval before exterior signs are installed. We can provide design renderings and specifications in whatever format your landlord requires, and we communicate directly with property managers when that's helpful. Getting sign approval early in the process avoids delays — mention it to us on the first call.

Q: Can you replace or update an existing sign without replacing the whole thing?

Often, yes. We can replace sign faces, update vinyl on existing cabinets, retrofit LED lighting into older illuminated signs, and refresh the graphics on existing structures. Updating an existing sign is often more cost-effective than full replacement. We'll assess what you have and give you honest options.

Q: How do I get started?

Call us at (847) 543-4870, email us, or stop by our Grayslake location at 888 E. Belvidere Rd., Suite 408. You can also reach us through the contact form on our website. We typically respond to all inquiries within one business day. We'll start with a quick conversation about your project and go from there. No obligation, no pressure — just a real conversation with people who know signs.