When were elevators invented

The convenience and ease of taking an elevator up and down in a building are usually taken for granted. However, the elevator today is a marvel of modern technology. Elevators possess the ability to carry thousands of pounds skyward in a matter of seconds, seamlessly defying gravity in the process. A Brief History of Elevators […]

What is an Elevator Consultant? And How to use an Elevator Consultant.

Elevators and escalators are integral to buildings, providing seamless vertical transportation for all users; tenants, employees, and visitors. When issues arise whether mechanical failures, interpreting invoices, understanding proposals, reviewing contracts, parts availability, compliance concerns, or maintenance challenges building owners often turn to specialists known as elevator consultants. But what exactly does an elevator consultant do, […]

Essential Elevator FAQs: Your Guide to Vertical Transportation and Compliance

Understanding elevators and their systems is essential for maintaining safety, reliability, and compliance in buildings. Whether you’re a building manager, property owner, property manager, or tenant, this FAQ provides answers to some common elevator-related questions. What Is Vertical Transportation? Vertical transportation refers to the movement of people or goods between different levels of a building […]

When and How to Modernize Elevators: Your Complete Guide by a Vertical Transportation Consultant

Elevator modernization is a critical and difficult decision for any building. Whether driven by aging equipment, equipment problems, user satisfaction, or new code compliance mandates from the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), understanding when to modernize, how to proceed, and what alternatives exist can save both time and money. Let’s break down the key aspects […]

Strategic Approaches for Bidding Out an Elevator Maintenance Service Contract

Bidding out an elevator maintenance contract is a critical process that, when handled effectively, can enhance the safety, performance, and longevity of your building’s vertical transportation systems. A strategic approach that includes defining a building-specific scope of work, establishing service levels, and outlining clear performance indicators will protect your building’s interests and optimize service outcomes. […]

The Value of an Elevator Audit: Ensuring Safety, Efficiency, and Cost Control

Why an Elevator Audit Matters For building with elevators, moving people and goods are critical to a buildings smooth and efficient operations. An elevator audit, also referred to as an elevator survey, elevator assessment, or elevator performance audit, provides a comprehensive review of your elevator system’s condition and the quality of service you’re receiving. Unlike […]

Understanding MRL Elevators: Efficiency and Innovation for Modern Buildings

Introduction to MRL Elevators Machine Room-Less (MRL) elevators are transforming vertical transportation in buildings. Designed without a traditional machine room, MRL elevators fit into building layouts, conserving space while offering a slight advantage in energy-efficient operation. Available in both traction and hydraulic models, MRL elevators provide a solution that is increasingly favored in commercial, residential, […]

Hidden Elevator Costs Revealed: What a Callback Really Costs You

In today’s challenging economic environment, buildings with elevators are discovering an uncomfortable truth that their “comprehensive” elevator service contracts may not be as comprehensive or protective as they thought. With over three decades of experience in elevator consulting, I’ve witnessed a growing trend of unexpected costs and service limitations that are blindsiding buildings across all […]

Cost Management in the Face of Rising Elevator Parts and Materials Prices: Strategies for Building Owners, Hospitals, Retailers, and Hotels

As the costs of elevator parts and materials continue to rise, building owners, hospitals, retailers, hotels and really anyone with an elevator are grappling with increased expenses that threaten their budgets. Whether due to supply chain disruptions, inflation, or manufacturers declaring parts obsolete, maintaining elevators has become more expensive. This can put a strain on […]

Strategies for Coping with Elevator Service Shortages: Solutions for Building Owners, Hospitals, Retailers, and Hotels

As an organization with elevators, one of the most critical operational concerns of your building is ensuring the consistent functioning of your elevators. However, with the growing shortage of skilled elevator technicians and the prevalence of callback or break-fix maintenance services, many property owners, hospitals, retailers, and hotel operators are facing significant challenges. Instead of […]

Exploring Alternative Equipment Maintenance in the Elevator Industry: What Building Owners and Property Managers Need to Know

In an ever-evolving industry like elevators, staying informed about the latest trends is critical for building owners and property managers. One emerging trend that is reshaping the industry is Alternative Equipment Maintenance (AEM). AEM offers a new approach to maintaining elevator and escalators, deviating from the traditional, preventative service models that have long dominated the […]

Navigating Post-Hurricane Elevator Damage: Why Expert Guidance is Crucial for Safe and Effective Repairs

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many buildings across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee have suffered extensive damage, some with elevators. Flooding and water intrusion pose serious risks to elevator functionality and safety. If your building’s elevators have been affected, it’s vital to take immediate action with the proper solutions and steps. […]

Understanding the Implications of Installing Proprietary Elevator Equipment: A Case Study

Elevator installations are needed for almost all new buildings over two stories not only for code but also for convenience of people accessing and using the building, The choice of elevator equipment can have significant long-term impacts on maintenance, costs, and functionality. One major decision developers face is whether to install proprietary or non-proprietary equipment. […]

The True Cost of Elevator Systems: An Analysis of Proprietary vs. Non-Proprietary Solutions

In the world of commercial real estate and building management, a building cannot be built without vertical transportation. The choice between proprietary and non-proprietary elevator systems can have significant long-term financial implications for a project. The Elevator Consultants hopes to shed light on the costs associated with both options, providing building owners, developers, and facility […]

The Critical Importance of Regular Elevator Maintenance in Hotels: Ensuring Smooth Operations and Guest Satisfaction

In the fast-paced world of hospitality, elevators have a crucial yet often overlooked role in ensuring guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. For hotel general managers and staff, the constant focus on creating exceptional guest experiences can sometimes overshadow the importance of regular elevator maintenance and it should. The guest is the most important aspect of […]

Trapped in a Box: The Psychology of Elevator Entrapment and Why We Keep Riding

Whenever you go into a high-rise building whether a hotel, office building, hospital, or retail you will likely take an elevator, it just cannot be avoided, elevators have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. They deliver us effortlessly between floors, saving time and energy to our destination. But what happens when an elevator […]

Why Are People Paying for Elevator Maintenance Services and Not Receiving the Service?

In the complex world of building management, where safety and operational efficiency are critical. It is surprising how many property owners and managers are consistently paying for elevator maintenance services but rarely receiving elevator maintenance. It makes you wonder these questions; Why does this happen, and why do people allow it to continue? This issue […]

The Hidden Costs of Neglected Elevator Maintenance: A Wake-Up Call for Building Owners

In the world of building management, few things are as crucial yet often overlooked as elevator maintenance. As a building owner or manager, you may question the value of your elevator maintenance contract, especially if you’ve noticed a lack of service visits. This industry-wide issue is more than just an inconvenience it’s a ticking time […]

How Long Should an Elevator Be Out of Service?

Elevators are the lifelines for all buildings, serving as vital conduits for vertical transportation. In an ideal world, they should never be out of service, except for routine maintenance, repairs whether scheduled or unexpected and authority having jurisdiction inspections. Yet, building managers and owners frequently question, “How long can an elevator be out of service?” […]

Elevator History: A Journey Through History and Technology

The convenience and ease of taking an elevator up and down in a building are usually taken for granted. However, the elevator today is a marvel of modern technology. Elevators Defying Gravity Elevators possess the ability to carry thousands of pounds skyward in a matter of seconds, seamlessly defying gravity in the process. Origins in […]

How Elevator Consulting Services Can Help Hospitals

Elevators are critical to any hospital’s operation. The ability of a hospital to run at full capacity depends greatly on moving equipment and people from floor to floor quickly and reliably. A non-functioning elevator disrupts patient care and provider workflow, which is unacceptable on many fronts. Solving the Complexity and Risk of Elevators and Escalators […]

When Should Buildings with Elevators Engage in Elevator Consulting Services?

As a building owner or property manager, ensuring that your elevators run efficiently and safely is paramount. It is not unusual that building personnel do not know that there are professionals called elevator Consultants, who help buildings with all their elevator questions, concerns, and needs with their elevator service provider. Once a building understands that […]

The Services Elevator Consulting Does Offer

In the intricate world of building management, whether it is a commercial property, hospital, residential multifamily, retail, condominium association, or hotel, elevators are pivotal in ensuring seamless vertical transportation. However, managing these complex systems requires specialized knowledge and expertise. This is where elevator consulting services come into play. The second installment of our five-part series […]

Elevator Consulting Services: How Elevator Vendor Management Can Benefit Your Organization

As a building owner, property manager, building engineer, or facility manager, you are responsible for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your property’s vertical transportation systems. Elevators are a critical component of any multi-story building, and their proper management can significantly impact your organization’s bottom line and reputation. In this first installment of our […]

How Elevator Consultants Ensure Proper Installation Amid Construction Challenges

In the complex world of construction whether new or a modernization, elevator consultants play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cost-effective development and long-term safety and efficiency. It is common for developers or construction companies to prioritize quick and cost-effective elevator installations to meet tight deadlines. This often leads to the selection of […]

The Importance of Elevator Maintenance Agreements: More Than Just an Insurance Policy

A building owner, property manager, building engineer, and anyone who has an elevator usually will have the state of their elevators on their mind. Elevators are a crucial component of buildings, serving as the primary means of transportation for people and goods. Elevators require regular maintenance to ensure their reliability, safety, and efficient operation. This […]

How an Elevator Consultant Can Help Commercial Real Estate Buildings Cut Costs and Remain Code Compliant

As vacancy rates rise in commercial buildings, property managers and owners are under immense pressure. To reduce operational expenses while maintaining a safe and compliant environment for tenants and visitors. One area that presents cost-saving opportunities is elevator maintenance. However, navigating the complexities of elevator systems, regulations, and cost-effective solutions can be daunting. This is […]

Can a Building Complete an Elevator Modernization Bid Themselves?

In the complex world of building management, modernizing an elevator is often seen as a complex crucial task. While some building owners and managers might consider handling the bid process themselves. To save costs, the intricacies involved typically make this a challenging endeavor. Exploring the feasibility of a DIY approach to elevator modernization bids is […]

Elevator Issues Are Common– And What You Can Do About It

As a building owner or property manager, you’ve likely faced the frustration of dealing with elevator issues. Complaints such as “My elevator service provider isn’t showing up,” “The elevator is down again,” or “Why am I getting invoices for services I don’t understand?” are all too common. At The Elevator Consultants, we hear these concerns […]

Top Things Every Building Should Do to Avoid Overtime Callbacks

Overtime callbacks can be a drain on a building’s budget and annoyances, often resulting from issues that could have been prevented with a more proactive approach. What Buildings Should Do to Avoid Elevator Overtime Callbacks To avoid these unnecessary and costly fees, here are a few strategies every building should implement: Track Service Calls and […]

Common Elevator Issues

Elevators have become an indispensable part of our daily lives if you are going to any building with more than two stories. An elevator is exposed to daily wear and tear of constant use and in some cases misuse. Maintenance issues can arise, potentially compromising the reliability we’ve come to expect not to mention the […]

Five Strategies Hotels Can Implement to Minimize Elevator Costs and Ensure Flawless Operation

The hotel industry has recently experienced its first decline in revenue per available room (RevPAR) since the post-pandemic era, as reported by Co-Star. In these challenging times, it is crucial for hotel professionals, including investors.. general managers, and asset managers, to optimize their operations and minimize costs. One area that often goes overlooked is elevator […]

Understanding Elevator Parts Obsolescence: Challenges and Solutions

Elevators are an essential part of buildings, ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of people and goods between floors in hospitals, hotels, residents, offices, retail, campus’, and others with elevators and escalators. However, as with any mechanical system, elevators are subject to wear and tear, life cycle and their components can become obsolete over time. […]

How Much Does an Elevator Consultant Cost?

If you own or manage a building with elevators, you may eventually need to hire an elevator consultant. These specialized professionals provide expert advice on elevator maintenance, modernization projects, code compliance, and other elevator-related matters. Whatever elevator concerns, issues and questions you may have about your elevators or escalators a consultant can help. But what […]

GUIDELINES FOR ELEVATOR REPLACEMENT PARTS: UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS

WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF AN ELEVATOR? Elevators are complex systems with many critical components working together to ensure smooth and safe vertical transportation. There are several parts, and it will depend on the type of elevator traction, hydraulic and escalator, which also have different types of traction and hydraulic elevators. Some essential parts include: […]

Critical Components of Elevator Modernization Scope of Work: What Every Business Owner Should Know

As a business owner with elevators in your building, understanding the intricacies of an elevator modernization project is crucial.  An elevator modernization enhances the functionality and safety of your building while also improving the user experience for tenants and visitors. There are several critical components of an elevator modernization scope of work, and understanding the […]

Expert Advice why Elevator Consulting Services Are Essential For Business

In today’s business environment, where elevators and escalators are integral to the functionality of buildings, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of these vertical transportation systems is paramount.  This is where elevator consulting services come into play. Offering a blend of expert advice, strategic oversight, and meticulous audits, these services are crucial for tailoring […]

Mastering Elevator Installation: Expert Tips & Cost Breakdown

In today’s changing market, supply change, and labor changes, understanding the intricate process of installing an elevator requires expertise and knowledge of the elevator industry for a precise implementation within budget and time frame. These tips illuminate the intricacies of elevator installation, the steps involved, the associated costs, and the essential factors to guarantee a […]

Basic Guide to Commercial Elevators

Commercial elevators play a pivotal role in all buildings, enhancing accessibility and contributing significantly to the overall functionality of commercial properties that move people from one floor to another. As businesses evolve, the need for efficient, reliable vertical transportation systems becomes more apparent, especially in today’s world when properties are being reused, malls are being […]

NAVIGATING THE COMPLIANCE MAZE: HOW THE ELEVATOR CONSULTANTS STREAMLINE ELEVATOR INSPECTION MANAGEMENT

In the world of vertical transportation, keeping abreast of the myriad of compliance requirements across various jurisdictions is akin to navigating a complex labyrinth. With hundreds of “Authorities Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) each setting its own rules and regulations for elevators, escalators, and lifts, the challenge for property managers and building owners is daunting.  This is […]

The Elevator Dilemma: Proprietary vs. Non-Proprietary Elevator Systems for New Construction and Elevator Modernization

Installing Proprietary vs. Non-Proprietary? Building professionals are faced with answering this question when modernizing an elevator just like developers and architects encounter when building a new building.   The debate between proprietary and non-proprietary elevator systems is as pivotal as it is complex.  For building owners, property managers, and developers facing new construction or modernization […]

Elevator modernization: A comprehensive guide

As buildings age, so do their elevators, bringing to the fore the critical concept of elevator modernization. Elevators play a pivotal role in all buildings, ensuring seamless vertical transportation. The essence of elevator modernization emerges as a critical endeavor for enhancing the functionality, safety, and potential aesthetics of these vertical transportation systems. This guide delves […]

ADA Elevator Requirements for Existing Buildings

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a cornerstone in the quest for equal access, ensuring that buildings and services are accessible to everyone. Central to this mission is the focus on elevators in existing buildings, critical components that bridge the gap. The importance of ADA-compliant elevators transcends mere functionality; it embodies the commitment to […]

SAVING ON ELEVATOR COSTS: A GUIDE FOR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTORS

Elevators are pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of commercial properties. For commercial real estate investors and owners, efficient elevator management is key to minimizing operational costs and enhancing property value. Some strategies can be explored to save on elevator-related expenses, focusing on preventive maintenance, modernization, technological solutions, and stakeholder information.  Implementing these strategies can […]

NAVIGATING ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR CHALLENGES: ENHANCING HOSPITAL OPERATIONS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Hospitals and medical facilities face distinct challenges in managing elevators and escalators, which are crucial for hospital operations and medical office buildings. Given the fragmented nature of hospital operations across multiple locations, including primary and remote medical office buildings, maintaining seamless elevator and escalator operations becomes challenging with locations, year of installation, usage, equipment type, […]

WHAT IS ELEVATOR MANAGEMENT SERVICES

In an era where operational efficiency and cost optimization are not just goals but necessities, understanding and implementing effective elevator management services has become paramount for a wide array of stakeholders.  From commercial real estate investors to hotel general managers and hospital facility directors, the need for streamlined, safe, and efficient vertical transportation systems is […]