Every failed inspection costs you $5,000-$25,000 in re-orders, delays, and reputation damage. The worst part? Most failures are completely preventable. Here are the 10 mistakes that cause 90% of ADA sign inspection failures — and exactly how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Grade 1 Braille Instead of Grade 2
The braille spells out every letter individually instead of using contracted (Grade 2) abbreviations. ADA Standards §703.3 explicitly requires Grade 2. If you ordered 200 signs with wrong braille, you’re remaking 200 signs.
Mistake #2: Glossy or Polished Finish
Architects specify a beautiful polished acrylic. It looks stunning. It fails. ADA requires non-glare surfaces. Always specify matte or satin finish. Real cost: a $50,000 sign package rejected because the architect wanted shiny.
Mistake #3: Wrong Mounting Height
Signs mounted above 60″ or below 48″ from finished floor. Measure from the finished floor — not the subfloor. Account for carpet height. Mount at 54″-56″ center height as your target. Real cost: 150 hotel signs installed at 64″ — all re-drilled and patched.
Mistake #4: Sign Mounted on the Wrong Wall
Sign mounted on the push side of the door instead of the latch side. Stand in the hallway facing the door — the handle side IS the latch side. Real cost: signs mounted on wrong walls throughout an entire floor — holes patched, repainted, remounted.
Mistake #5: Flat Braille Dots
Laser-engraved braille produces flat-topped dots. ADA requires domed dots — rounded on top for tactile readability. Real cost: university project with 500 signs — all had flat dots. Every one rejected.
Mistake #6: Insufficient Contrast
Using two similar-toned colors because they “match the décor.” Medium gray on light gray. Minimum 70% contrast ratio. When in doubt, go higher. Real cost: healthcare facility — 40% of signs unreadable in hallway lighting. All remade.
Mistake #7: Non-Compliant Font
Using a script font or decorative typeface because it “matches the brand.” ADA requires simple, readable fonts — sans-serif or simple serif. No exceptions for brand identity. Real cost: law firm insisted on decorative font. Failed inspection. Remade in Arial.
Mistake #8: Missing Braille on Required Signs
Contractor thought only some signs need braille. Every permanent room identification sign needs braille — not just restrooms, ALL of them. Real cost: 80-room office building — only 12 had braille. The other 68 remade.
Mistake #9: Text Characters Wrong Size
Characters outside the 5/8″ to 2″ height range. Most signs use 1″ characters — it’s the sweet spot for readability.
Mistake #10: Installing Before Flooring is Complete
Signs installed while the floor is still subfloor. When carpet goes in, signs are suddenly below 48″. Always install AFTER flooring is complete. No exceptions.
The Bottom Line
Every one of these mistakes costs real money — not just the sign replacement, but the labor, schedule delay, inspection re-fee, and contractor reputation.
At Graphics 22, we guarantee every sign passes inspection. If it doesn’t, we remake it free. That’s not a marketing promise — it’s a business model we’ve maintained for 30+ years.
Get a Free Quote → Or call (412) 422-1125.
Related Articles
- ADA Room Signs: Everything You Need to Know
- ADA Braille Signs: Grade 2 Specs
- ADA Sign Mounting Height
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