Today it is common for elevator consulting firms to witness several companies being overcharged for elevator services. Overcharges have always been common throughout the years. However, in present times, it is a daily occurrence. It has always been common in certain industries, but now it occurs daily in all industries. Whether it is a hospital, a hotel, a retailer, or a commercial property being overcharged, this issue is prevalent.
Common Reasons for Overcharges
The overcharge reasons might be for overtime labor, missed preventative maintenance, parts, unnecessary repairs, travel time, or repairs that are already covered in your contract. Those elevator services may be justified, but the amount being charged is often inaccurate. When managing a building with an elevator, escalator, or lift, busy property managers must review their elevator information carefully. This includes general managers, portfolio managers, asset managers, building engineers, and building owners.
Challenges with Elevator Service Contracts
An elevator service contract given to you may be difficult to comprehend unless you are an elevator expert dealing with issues daily. Elevator consulting firms exist because the elevator industry is complex for common building professionals. Elevators, escalators, and lifts have always been a mechanical conundrum. Building professionals should know these aspects to avoid expensive overcharges.
The Prevalence of Maintenance Service Agreements
Over ninety percent of buildings with elevators have a maintenance service agreement presented by the provider and signed by the building. This percentage is an estimate based on what The Elevator Consultants repeatedly observe. Although, we believe it is higher since our clients are working with a consulting firm.
Options Beyond Standard Contracts
Many times, buildings sign these contracts unaware they have another option. They can have a maintenance agreement specification written by an elevator consulting firm. Alternatively, they can use the elevatorapp.com website to have one created. The fee for an elevator maintenance service agreement specification that favors the building is worth the cost.
Overcharges are eliminated and costs are contained, so the return on investment is almost always immediate, and a contract written for the building is easier to comprehend and drafted with terms in line with a specific building.
Importance of Understanding Contracts
If you have a contract executed by the service provider, it’s crucial you understand it. The contract will outline what is included, excluded, and what the service will provide. When a proposal or invoice is received, the building must review it to verify service coverage. If it is in the contract, there should be no charge. If it’s not covered, you will be charged for materials and labor. The building should scrutinize labor rates and time for accuracy. You can check the time for installations or repairs by referring to building logs. This task can save significant money and should always be done. The elevatorapp.com simplifies this process, making these tasks easier. These tasks protect the building from overcharges. While reliance on service providers is common, the code dictates responsibility lies with the building owner. They must have maintenance records.
Industry-Wide Overcharging
In today’s world, unprecedented things create stress. The elevator industry is not alone in facing overcharges, which occur for numerous reasons, including human or computer error. Inquiring about these charges may eliminate them if they are errors.
The Role of Elevator Consulting Firms
If a building faces a confusing proposal or invoice, they can always reach out to an elevator consulting firm. The Elevator Consultants will inform the building in advance if they can assist with its elevator issues. The building might spend some money, but savings will offset the consulting fees quickly. Building professionals have heavy workloads, and elevators should not add to it.