Building boards are an integral part of the construction world. They provide information about construction projects, the companies and architects involved and also have an important advertising function. But that’s not all: in many countries, there are strict regulations and legal requirements as to what must appear on a construction sign and what it should look like. In Switzerland, Germany and Austria in particular, there are differences in the legal requirements. In this blog post, we take a closer look at the legal requirements for construction signs in these three countries and show what role they play in the construction industry.
What is a construction panel?
A construction board, also known as a construction sign or construction advertisement, is an often large-format board that is erected on or near a construction site to provide information about the construction project. It is used as an advertising and information medium on which construction companies, architects and other parties involved are named. Often, construction boards also contain visualizations of the construction project to give passers-by an impression of what the finished real estate project will look like. A construction board can also provide contact details or web addresses of the construction project, which also makes it an attractive marketing tool for potential buyers or tenants.
Legal requirements for construction panels in Switzerland
In Switzerland, there is no nationwide legal obligation to draw up a construction schedule. Nevertheless, it is firmly established in most construction projects and is even firmly anchored in the Swiss construction cost plan (BKP) under number 568 and in contractor work contracts. A typical construction advertisement contains information such as the construction project, the client, the architects and construction companies involved and often also architectural visualizations. The exact specifications for the placement of a building sign vary depending on the canton and municipality. Some cantons, such as Aargau and Bern, have detailed regulations that require approval for construction signs, for example. It is important to note that construction signs must not restrict the view of road users and must comply with safety regulations in accordance with the Swiss Signalization Ordinance and the Swiss Road Traffic Act.
Despite the lack of a nationwide obligation, construction advertising in Switzerland is a frequently used means of presenting construction projects to the public and providing information for potential buyers.
Legal requirements for construction panels in Germany
In Germany, the legal situation is more strictly regulated than in Switzerland. Here, a distinction is made between the mandatory construction site sign and the optional construction sign for advertising purposes.
Construction site sign: Legal requirement in Germany
The erection of a construction site sign is required by law in every federal state. This is a DIN A4 document that is handed out to building owners together with the building permit. This sign contains basic information such as the name of the client, the architect and the company carrying out the shell construction. In some federal states, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, the building site sign is also marked with a red or green dot to indicate whether the building project is subject to approval.
Building panel: Advertising medium
The construction board has a larger format and is primarily used as an advertising and information medium. It often shows visualizations of the planned building and contains further information about the companies involved and the real estate project. This is a valuable opportunity for companies to present themselves to potential customers. Important: The construction board must meet the legal requirements of the responsible building authority. If it is located on a public site, a permit is required. This is often not necessary on private building plots. In any case, the following applies: construction site signs are required by law, but construction boards are not.
Important: The construction panel must meet the legal requirements of the responsible building authority. If it is located on a public site, a permit is required. This is often not required on private building plots. In any case, the following applies: construction site signs are required by law, but construction boards are not.
In summary, construction site signs are mandatory for all construction projects in Germany, while construction boards act as an additional advertising tool that is used especially for larger construction projects.
Construction site sign: Legal requirement in Austria
In Austria, there is no uniform regulation at federal level for building boards. The building regulations are determined at state level, which is why the regulations vary from state to state. Nevertheless, there are some general guidelines that apply in most regions.
As a rule, building boards must contain information about the construction project, such as the building permit number, the client, the architect and the construction company carrying out the work. As building regulations are regulated at state level, building owners and companies should contact the responsible building authority or the building regulations of the respective state directly to find out the exact requirements.
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) often provides guides and information on building regulations, which can be a good first port of call for detailed information. For very specific questions, it is also advisable to contact an expert in building law.
Conclusion
Construction signs fulfill different functions in Switzerland, Germany and Austria and are subject to different legal regulations. In Switzerland, construction signs are widespread, although there is no legal obligation. They serve both information and advertising purposes and may require approval depending on the canton. In Germany, on the other hand, a distinction must be made between construction site signs and construction boards. While the construction site sign is obligatory, the construction sign also provides an advertising platform for companies. In Austria, there are no uniform regulations throughout the country, as building regulations are decided at state level. Building owners should therefore always check the exact requirements with the relevant authorities.
In all countries, however, construction boards are not only information carriers, but also important marketing tools with which companies can effectively present their construction projects and address potential customers directly on site.
Would you like to put your real estate project in the right light with a construction board? Then contact us at Marketing Butler! We will design an attractive and professional construction board for you that not only provides information, but also attracts the interest of potential buyers.
