Elevator Consulting – Frequently Asked Questions

Elevator consulting is a specialized service that focuses on all aspects of elevator operation and management. We investigate and assess concerns or issues with your elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walkway, or lift and develop smart, cost-effective solutions. The elevator industry is complex and expertise about passing inspections and becoming code-compliance is valuable to any owner, manager, and industry. We have decades of elevator expertise that allows us to provide you with the data and facts necessary to make clear decisions about your equipment. Our goal is to ensure your elevators are efficient, safe, and reliable.

An elevator consultant provides independent expertise to evaluate, audit, and optimize elevator maintenance, modernization, repairs, obsolete elevator parts, and difficult elevator situations. We help reduce costs and liability while improving performance, prolong the life of your equipment, safety, and make sure you are getting what you pay for.

Most elevator service contracts are written to benefit the elevator service provider. As independent experts, we protect your interests, ensure accountability, and provide data-driven insights that reduce costs and improve reliability.

An elevator consultant brings specialized knowledge and experience that can be crucial for the cost, longevity and safety of your elevator systems. Consultants help identify underlying issues and provide cost-effective solutions to ensure your elevators meet the latest safety standards. The consultant works on behalf of the building to address all questions. This expertise is invaluable eliminating current issues, controlling cost, providing transparency to the service provider, preventing future problems, reducing liability, and enhancing the overall performance of your elevators. A consultant works for you.

Elevator consulting saves you money by reducing service interruptions, increasing the efficiency and lifespan of your elevators, reducing the frequency and cost of repairs and callbacks, and takes a proactive approach to addresses all your elevator concerns. By identifying and solving current or potential concerns, we can help prevent expensive repairs and replacements while addressing the service needed for the equipment. Additionally, our solutions, software, and maintenance strategies can significantly reduce your operating costs. An elevator consultant works for you and is your advocate to keep your elevator system running smoothly and efficiently.

Our consulting services stand out from the pack due to our commitment to providing customized, innovative solutions that solve your unique elevator issues. With years of experience in the field, our team has worked with every type of elevator system and understands the challenges that arise. We emphasize clear communication, timely service, and focus on long-term client relationships. We don’t just offer solutions; we partner with our clients to ensure their elevators remain a valuable asset rather than a liability. We have expert knowledge of the elevator industry and its many complex compliance requirements. We provide answers and solutions to all your elevator concerns.. 

Our pricing model is designed to be flexible and transparent. We offer different options including flat fees for specific projects, hourly rates for consultation, or contract-based pricing for long-term maintenance management plans. We work with our clients to understand their budget and needs, providing a detailed proposal and quote to ensure there are no surprises.

Our process is client-focused, detailed, and thorough. It begins with an initial consultation to understand your specific needs and challenges. We can then conduct a comprehensive on-site elevator system evaluation, followed by a detailed report outlining our findings, recommendations, and a proposed action plan. As another alternative, we can gather data and analyze the situation virtually and then providing feedback and recommendations. In either case, we ensure our clients are fully informed and involved throughout the process.

Absolutely! Most of our engagements are customized to meet our clients’ needs. We understand that every building and elevator system is unique. Our solutions are tailored to address the specific challenges and requirements of your property and current situation. This customized approach ensures optimal performance and cost-efficiency of your elevator systems.

An elevator consultation project duration can vary widely based on the scope and complexity. Simple assessments might take a few days, while comprehensive audits, modernization plans, repairs, or modernization projects and new installations could span several weeks or years. We provide a projected timeline up front to help you plan accordingly.

No they should not be however several elevator consulting firms partner or work with elevator service companies. At The Elevator Consultants, we are 100% independent and do not accept commissions or incentives from elevator service providers or OEMs. We work solely for you. We are your advocate to help solve your elevator problems.

Check your service logs and note when an elevator technician visited. Frequent callbacks to fix the same issue may be a warning sign. We can audit your logs, invoices, and equipment condition against the contract and code requirements. ElevatorApp helps monitor service activity and SLA compliance in real time.

Deferred maintenance is postponed service that often leads to breakdowns and costly repairs. We help identify and prioritize these issues before they become critical. You can also learn how to mitigate deferred elevator maintenance.

Yes. We review your elevators against ASME A17.1, ADA, and all applicable local codes. ElevatorApp tracks inspections, violations, and remediation progress.

We prioritize safety and compliance by conducting thorough maintenance audits, reviewing maintenance and service records, inspections, and assessments against current performance. As industry experts we understand the authority having jurisdiction records and code requirements, and can evaluate elevator condition and age to determine how it meets safety standards and regulations. Our team stays on top of the latest industry standards, codes, and technological advancements. We can provide detailed reports and recommendations to ensure your elevators are not only compliant but also offer the highest safety standards for users.

Typically, an elevator lasts 25 to 30 years. However, we are now seeing shorter lifecycles due to lack of maintenance, parts availability, and newer equipment with life cycles of approximately 15 years. Indicators include frequent downtime, obsolete components, slow operation, and rising repair costs. We provide a clear path forward based on your specific needs.

Yes. We handle RFPs, contractor selection, project oversight, and quality assurance to ensure smooth delivery and cost control. While some clients prefer obtaining three bids themselves, this often leads to incomparable proposals. It’s best to have an elevator consultant assess the equipment and write specifications so bids can be evaluated on a level playing field.

A typical full modernization ranges from $150,000 to $500,000 per elevator depending on type, rise, and operational needs. We help avoid unnecessary scope and reduce costs through vendor negotiations. Since this is often a building’s largest capital expenditure, proper planning and execution are critical.

ElevatorApp is our real-time elevator maintenance management platform for tracking service, compliance, equipment location, and vendor performance across one or many properties. It serves as an electronic maintenance control program.

No. ElevatorApp can be used with or without monitoring devices. Hardware enhances data accuracy and enables real-time SLA alerts.

Yes. ElevatorApp supports multi-property and multi-vendor portfolios for REITs, hospital systems, universities, and other large operators.

Absolutely. We rewrite vendor contracts to improve clarity, enforce SLAs, eliminate ambiguous language, and ensure protections for building owners.

Many billing practices are difficult for non-experts to interpret. Elevator contracts often include vague terms, and labor charges may be unclear. We audit invoices and compare them against contract terms and industry benchmarks to identify overcharges, duplicate billing, or unjustified costs.

Yes. We manage the entire elevator maintenance bidding process, from RFP development to final contract award, ensuring a competitive and transparent selection.

We service a diverse range of properties including commercial buildings, hotels, hospitals, residential complexes, condominiums, educational institutions, and government buildings. We work with local owners and managers as well as nationwide companies with buildings in multiple cities. Each type of property and company has its own set of opportunities and challenges.

Yes. We specialize in healthcare environments and understand the nuances of medical office buildings and elevator service provider compliance with Joint Commission and Department of Public Health standards.

Absolutely. We help public and private institutions maintain safe, compliant elevator systems across dispersed campuses.

First, report the outage to your elevator service provider. If it’s a recurring issue, have an elevator consultant investigate the root cause frequent outages often point to deferred maintenance, contract gaps, or equipment nearing obsolescence.

Most minor repairs should be completed within 24–48 hours. Delays can signal parts issues, poor vendor performance, or contract non-compliance. Tracking service timelines is key. If it’s a larger elevator repair or if the elevator parts are not available it can take several months. This is when you want to have an elevator consultant work with you to track this repair to make sure it doesn’t get lost in the large elevator service company Abyss.

Preventive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and SLA enforcement are the most effective ways. Elevator consultants can help identify recurring failure points and hold vendors accountable.

If your elevator is 20+ years old, has obsolete parts, or frequent shutdowns, a modernization plan may be needed. An independent assessment by an elevator consulting firm can confirm whether repairs or replacement make more sense.

Comparing your contract and invoices against industry benchmarks is the first step. Many owners overpay due to complex contracts or unclear scopes. A key factor to know is if that you’re not receiving elevator maintenance service or having problems with your elevator you’re definitely overpaying for your elevator maintenance. An independent elevator consulting firm can help you with this as well.

A performance-based contract with clear SLAs and penalties is ideal. Full-service contracts can work but only if managed properly.

It depends on the termination clause. Some contracts auto-renew or include penalties. We help review contract language with your legal team.

Yes, even single-building owners benefit from expert oversight—especially when having elevator issues, planning modernization, reviewing a contract, or dealing with chronic service problems.

This can indicate controller issues, misalignment, or worn mechanical components. A thorough inspection is necessary. Proper service should prevent this from recurring.

Door malfunctions, faulty sensors, or electrical issues are common causes. If entrapments are recurring, your provider should resolve the root issue. If not, contact an elevator consultant.

Preventive maintenance and condition monitoring help catch issues before they lead to shutdowns. Persistent problems may require door or controller upgrades.

You’ll typically be given a violation report with a deadline. Contact your provider immediately. Timeframes for resolution vary by jurisdiction. An elevator consultant can ensure compliance and help avoid charges.

Delaying safety repairs increases risk and future costs. We help clients prioritize repairs and plan budgets for code compliance.

Most commercial elevators require monthly maintenance. Some can operate safely on quarterly schedules. An elevator consultant can help assess your building’s needs.

An MCP is a required plan based on code and manufacturer guidance. It must be maintained onsite by the building owner, not the elevator company.

Use ElevatorApp or request detailed logs and photos. You can also maintain a handwritten log at the front desk or in the machine room, though this is harder to manage.

Reports should include what was inspected, adjusted, or repaired, time onsite, and photos. ElevatorApp can automate this tracking.

Yes. Hardware or controller integrations can provide real-time status and alerts. ElevatorApp supports this. Contact us to learn more.

Phased modernization is often more efficient and less disruptive. This depends on system alignment and building operations.

Controllers and door operators are usually first. OEM parts may become unavailable within 7–10 years. Many parts today are going obsolete quickly.

Start with a condition assessment. Reserve studies may miss elevator-specific costs. An elevator consultant provides accurate forecasts.

In most areas, the building owner is responsible. Providers may assist but legal responsibility remains with the owner.

Frequent complaints may indicate poor performance. Review logs and consider a third-party assessment.

Smart systems like destination dispatch and IoT sensors can improve performance. ROI depends on your building’s usage.

We work with hospital teams to align project schedules with patient care needs. Phased work and clear planning reduce impact on staff and visitors.

Yes. We ensure elevators meet TJC standards and prepare required documentation.

Yes. We assess safety, code compliance, and durability across school campuses.

Absolutely. We evaluate asset age and conditions and help centralize oversight across buildings.

Yes. We provide vendor oversight, bid evaluation, and portfolio-wide maintenance strategy.

Yes. We prepare technical assessments to support capital planning and funding applications.

Click here or email us at info@theelevatorconsultants.com to schedule a free consultation.