Every billboard project has the same bones, even when the structure, site and scale differ. The sequence below shows what happens, who is involved and where the delays usually come from. Timing is never fixed in advance, because it depends on the structure, the site and the approvals.
We would rather explain this at the start than surprise you midway. Most delays on billboard jobs come from approvals and artwork, and both can be planned for.
1. Enquiry and site review
You send your site address, photographs and the format you have in mind through the quote form. We review the information, ask what is missing and, where the job needs it, arrange a site visit or survey. We look at ground, access, power, sight lines, neighbouring structures and the direction of approaching traffic.
A site review also protects you. If the ground, the access or the approving authority makes a position unrealistic, you hear it before you pay for steel.
Good photographs from the road, from the direction of approach and of the ground itself often save a site visit, or make the visit shorter.
2. Quotation and scope
We issue a quotation that sets out the scope, inclusions and conditions. Prices, timing and warranty terms are confirmed on the quotation. If the job depends on approvals, the quotation explains which are needed and how we will assist.
Where several sites are involved, the quotation sets out scope site by site, because each position has its own ground, access and approval route.
3. Approvals and engineering
Outdoor advertising needs approval from the relevant authority: the local municipality, a roads authority such as SANRAL or a provincial roads department near those roads, and the landowner. We assist with applications and supporting documents, but the authority decides, and we do not promise approval. Engineering design and sign-off are arranged as the structure and site require.
Our approvals guide explains the supporting documents.
Common reasons for delay include missing landowner consent, incomplete drawings and queries about lighting or digital operation, so we gather those early.
4. Fabrication, foundations and erection
Once the way is clear, steel is fabricated while foundations and civil works are prepared. The structure is erected with the lifting equipment the site calls for, which may include a mobile crane. Rope access and lifting work follows the applicable health and safety requirements. Faces, frames and lighting are fitted, with digital screens commissioned and tested on site.
Heavy components may need a mobile crane, and awkward faces or building facades may need rope access, which we plan around the structure rather than add at the last minute.
5. Skins and flighting
Artwork is checked against the face size and printing material, then printed and installed. Flighting means putting a new skin up and taking the old one down at the agreed change date. See the artwork requirements for file preparation.
If artwork changes late, printing and installation may need to be rescheduled, so we agree a cut-off with you at the start.
Skin change dates are agreed with you, and access, safe working at height and any road or pavement considerations are planned before the crew arrives.
6. Maintenance and inspection
A finished billboard still needs looking after. We offer repairs, scheduled maintenance and inspections of structures, faces, lighting and digital screens, so the billboard stays safe and presentable for the whole campaign or lease.
Maintenance can be a one-off repair after a storm or a scheduled programme across several structures. Either way, we start by inspecting what is there and reporting what we find, so repairs are based on the condition of the structure and not on assumption.
At a glance
How we work at Billboards Africa follows a clear billboard process: enquiry and site review, quotation and scope, approvals and engineering, fabrication and foundations, erection, skin printing and flighting, then ongoing maintenance and inspection. This page explains each stage so landowners, brands and agencies in Gauteng, South Africa and Africa know what to prepare and where delays usually arise.
The billboard process depends on the structure, site and approvals, so timing and prices are confirmed on your quotation. We assist with municipality, roads authority and landowner applications, arrange engineering sign-off as the site requires, and carry out rope access and lifting work following the applicable health and safety requirements. Understanding the billboard process early helps you line up artwork, campaign dates and site access before work begins. Everything is confirmed in writing on your quotation. We also advise on rentals, packages and digital screens, and serve Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. Send your site photographs and campaign dates to begin.
Common questions
What slows a billboard job down most?
Usually approvals and late artwork. Both can be planned for when we know the site and the campaign dates.
Do you give fixed timelines?
No. Timing depends on the structure, site and approvals, and is confirmed on your quotation.
Who applies for approvals?
We assist with applications and supporting documents. Approval rests with the authority, and the landowner must consent.
Will you visit the site?
Site visits and surveys are arranged after enquiry where the job needs one.
Do you stay involved after installation?
Yes, through repairs, maintenance, inspections and flighting.
