Elevator Audits

An elevator audit, or vertical transportation audit, can contain many components – from simple to complex. Some examples include an elevator maintenance audit, a maintenance condition assessment, a performance and equipment evaluation, a survey, an asset management review, and equipment audit or evaluation, or even a preventative service audit

Why Elevator Audits Matter: The Hidden Cost of Deferred Maintenance

Before diving into specifics, it is crucial to understand that elevator systems represent one of your building’s largest capital investments. Studies show that buildings without regular professional audits experience 63% more unplanned downtime, repairs, callbacks and face modernization costs that arrive 5-7 years earlier than necessary. An elevator audit acts as your early warning system, identifying issues before they become expensive emergencies.

We focus on understanding the clients’ needs first, and then develop an approach to address them. Once we have gathered the necessary information, we focus on determining the state of the equipment, the types of necessary repairs and, if applicable, whether an elevator modernization, new maintenance agreement, or additional preventative maintenance is in order. We develop a plan based on your building operation requirements.

The Elevator Consultants Audit Process: What Sets Us Apart

Our comprehensive approach follows a proven three-phase methodology that ensures nothing is overlooked:

Phase 1: Initial Consultation & Document Review

  • Review of current elevator maintenance contracts and service records
  • Analysis of callback history, repairs, proposals and invoices
  • Confirm compliance documentation
  • Assessment of current building concerns, tenant complaints and service interruption logs

Phase 2: On-Site Equipment Survey

  • Machine room evaluation
  • Hoistway assessment
  • Cab condition review
  • Pit survey
  • Overall elevator system examination

Phase 3: Performance Testing

  • Door operation timing and force measurements
  • Ride quality analysis using specialized accelerometers
  • Emergency communication system verification
  • Safety device

Throughout the process, we focus on industry safety standards, current code details, elevator usage, the current maintenance state of the building, plus equipment age, type, and reliability.

Critical Components We Evaluate

Understanding what we examine helps you appreciate the thoroughness of a professional elevator audit:

Mechanical Systems:

  • Traction machines or hydraulic pumps
  • Ropes, cables, and belt conditions
  • Brake systems and other mechanisms
  • Counterweight and roller guides

Control Systems:

  • Controller type
  • Drive systems
  • Position and speed sensors
  • Door operator mechanisms

Code Compliance:

  • ASME A17.1/CSA B44
  • ADA accessibility compliance
  • Local jurisdiction amendments
  • Fire service operation requirements

Elevator Audit Results

elevator auditAn elevator audit determines how the elevator system as a whole is being serviced and maintained. This includes a thorough review of the building’s current elevator maintenance plan, existing service contracts, and elevator equipment. Audits consistently result in better performance and service.

What Our Audits Reveal: Common Findings

Maintenance Contract Gaps: Our audits frequently uncover that 70% of maintenance contracts do not include critical components like:

  • Rope or belt replacement
  • Controller
  • Machines
  • Drives
  • Many other items that should be covered

Hidden Overcharges: We routinely identify:

  • Duplicate billing for covered services
  • Premature component replacement recommendations
  • Unnecessary “upgrades” that do not improve performance
  • Callback charges that should be covered under contract

In 100% of The Elevator Consultants engagements we find areas to improve, which favorably impacts the building’s bottom line and improves asset value and safety.

Real-World Case Study: Chicago Office Building

A 24-story commercial property engaged TEC after experiencing frequent breakdowns despite having a “full maintenance” contract. Our audit revealed:

  • Problem Identified: Failure to conduct maintenance including inadequate lubrication schedule causing premature wear
  • Contract Issue: Elevator Service provider was performing quarterly instead of monthly machine room visits
  • Result: Identified this issue and client received credit for maintenance over $47,000 while improving uptime by 35%

Technology and Methodology

The Elevator Consultants uses advanced technology and proven methods to perform onsite elevator audits. We use industry best practices, which we were often the first to develop, to ensure all bases are covered and the full system is reviewed.

Our Advanced Diagnostic Tools

Digital Ride Quality Analysis. We employ accelerometers to measure:

  • Vertical acceleration and deceleration rates
  • Lateral movement and rail alignment issues
  • Door operation forces and timing
  • Noise and vibration levels

Thermal Imaging Technology Infrared cameras help us detect:

  • Overheating motors and drives
  • Electrical connection problems
  • Brake drag issues
  • Controller component failures before they occur

Various Testing Equipment

  • Visual and measurement tools
  • Calipers, gauges, sound meters, etc.
  • Multimeters, analyzers, etc.

An elevator audit, or vertical transportation condition assessment, can take different paths because every building is unique. Our proven elevator consulting approach is to analyze current building needs and find areas of opportunity. In some cases, clients want us to confirm their management process or provide a snapshot of the equipment status. In other cases, we are asked to develop a clear picture of elevator capital expenditures and whether the existing service contracts are robust enough.

Types of Audits We Perform

It should be stated that an elevator audit can be referred to by different names such as an elevator assessment, elevator survey, elevator service audit, and more. It is also common for people to call it an elevator inspection, in which an elevator inspection is performed by an authority having jurisdiction to get your certificate of elevator operations. The local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) inspection is usually completed annually; however, some states and local municipalities require a more frequent schedule. Check with your AHJ or call us, and we will let you know.

Due Diligence Audits For property acquisitions, we provide:

  • Unbiased review of the current condition of the equipment
  • Remaining useful life assessments
  • Capital planning projections (5, 10, and 20-year)
  • Deferred maintenance uncovered
  • Code review
  • Other equipment recommendations

Insurance Claim Audits. Following equipment damage, we determine:

  • Pre-existing conditions vs. sudden damage
  • Analysis of the claim
  • Proper repair scope and methods
  • Fair market pricing for repairs
  • Coverage interpretation assistance

Preventive Maintenance Audits: To optimize your current service and maintenance program:

  • Service performance verification
  • Identify the maintenance control program (MCP) and adherence
  • Current situation of elevator equipment: elevator parts availability, elevator obsolete parts, replacement, etc.
  • Upgrades are necessary for performance and code requirements
  • Punchlist of deferred maintenance
  • Lifecycle and reserve study budgets
  • Categorize short-term and long-term planning for elevator issues

Our focus is to use technology and expertise to discover opportunities to improve elevator costs, earnings, safety and overall value.

Return on Investment Opportunities

Building managers, owners, facility managers, malls, campuses, hotels, and investors know that a safe, well-run vertical transportation system is essential to building safety and operational cost. And we know this too – so we put your needs at the forefront of any audit. The Elevator Consultants understands that asset value and tenant safety go hand in hand. We also understand that smart businesses seek to maximize the long-term ROI on equipment by making sound decisions about elevator management, elevator maintenance, repairs, addressing deferred maintenance, and potential elevator modernization.

Quantifiable Benefits of Professional Audits

It is common for buildings to receive an immediate ROI from an elevator audit. The full ROI is based on the building, number of elevators, type of elevator or escalator, operational efficiencies of the building and team.

Immediate Cost Savings:

  • Average contract savings: 25-30%
  • Elimination of unnecessary callbacks: $3,000-$8,000 per elevator annually
  • Proper maintenance scheduling: Extends equipment life by 2-10 years

Long-Term Asset Protection:

  • Deferred modernization: Save $150,000-$300,000 per elevator
  • Reduced emergency repairs: 40-60% fewer overtime service calls
  • Improved property value: Well-maintained elevators add 2-3% to asset value

Risk Mitigation:

  • Identify service deficiencies
  • Address and resolve elevator concerns
  • Reduced liability exposure through code compliance
  • Documentation for building efficiencies, reducing costs, insurance claims, etc.
  • Protection against overpriced repair recommendations

Even if an elevator system is fairly new, The Elevator Consultants’ elevator audit process can find room for improvement in current productivity and the associated elevator cost. A vertical transportation maintenance audit may well reveal an imbalance between services and cost, or perhaps that the current management process has not been vigilant enough in keeping up with ASME A17.1 standards. Our goal is to find the best strategy to address areas of loss and turn them into an opportunity for gain. Our vertical transportation consulting reports have more often than not moved clients in a profitable direction. Let us achieve this for your building.

Signs You Need an Elevator Audit

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Attention:

  • Callbacks exceeding 1 per elevator per month
  • Entrapments
  • Unknown Maintenance Control Program
  • Vague service Schedules
  • Repeated repairs for the same issues
  • Repeated calls for the same issues
  • Maintenance and repair invoices with vague descriptions
  • Equipment over 20 years old without an elevator life cycle plan
  • No service reports or documentation provided
  • Tenants complaining about wait times or ride quality or general elevator issues

Understanding Different Audit Components

Maintenance Contract Audit

A thorough review of your service agreement, examining:

  • Coverage Scope: What’s actually included vs. excluded
  • Performance Standards: Response times and uptime guarantee
  • Pricing Structure: How you are charged for extras
  • Termination Clauses: Your rights and obligations

Equipment Condition Assessment

Physical evaluation determining:

  • Current State: Wear patterns and degradation levels
  • Elevator Deferred Maintenance: Identify missed service
  • Life Expectancy: Remaining useful years for major components
  • Safety Compliance: Code violations requiring correction
  • Performance Metrics: Speed, capacity, and efficiency ratings

Operational Performance Audit

Analysis of system efficiency, including:

  • Concerns: Complaints like noises, ride issues, no show, invoice questions
  • Wait Time Studies: Average and maximum passenger delays
  • Energy Consumption: Power usage and regenerative capabilities
  • Dispatch Efficiency: How well elevators respond to calls
  • Traffic Flow: Peak usage patterns and bottlenecks, people waiting

Key Takeaways

  • Comprehensive elevator audits identify hidden costs, elevator deferred maintenance  and safety issues that routine maintenance often misses, typically saving 15-40% on annual elevator expenses
  • Professional audits extend equipment life by 5-10 years through proper maintenance planning and early problem detection
  • 100% of TEC audits find improvement opportunities that enhance both building value and passenger safety
  • Technology-driven assessments provide objective data for negotiations with elevator service providers
  • Regular audits (every 2-3 years) prevent elevator failures and help plan capital expenditures years in advance
  • Independent elevator audits eliminate conflicts of interest present when service companies perform their own assessments

How to Begin Your Elevator Audit Journey

Do not wait for a catastrophic failure or code violation to discover problems in your vertical transportation system. The Elevator Consultants makes starting simple: we begin with a no-obligation consultation to understand your specific needs, review your current situation, and recommend the appropriate audit scope. Most audits can be completed within 2-3 weeks, with actionable recommendations delivered immediately upon completion. Contact us today to protect your investment and ensure your elevators are truly serving your building’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should we conduct elevator audits?

A: It really depends on the usage and age of your equipment. Some buildings can do a full audit and then a mini one a few years later or TEC can teach your team how to do a spot check.

Some rule of thumb, most commercial buildings and hospitals, we recommend comprehensive audits every 2-3 years, with simplified assessments annually. New buildings benefit from an initial audit after the warranty period expires.

Q: What’s the difference between an elevator audit and an annual inspection?

A: Annual inspections, required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction elevator code, verify minimum safety compliance. Elevator audits go much deeper, examining elevator maintenance quality, contract terms, equipment condition, performance metrics, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Inspections find code violations; audits find performance, reduce or save cost and prevent problems.

Q: How long does a typical elevator audit take?

A: A standard audit for a building with 2-4 elevators typically requires 1/2 days on-site, with an additional week for analysis and report preparation. Larger portfolios or complex systems may require 3-5 days on-site pending the number of elevators and how they are oriented. A rule of thumb is approximately 1 hour per elevator. We provide preliminary findings immediately and detailed reports within 10 business days or sooner.

Q: Can we perform an elevator audit ourselves?

A: While building staff can monitor basic elevator performance, professional audits require specialized knowledge of elevator contracts, elevator codes, maintenance standards, and diagnostic equipment. Independent elevator auditors also provide unbiased assessments that carry weight in negotiations with elevator service providers.

Q: What should we prepare before an elevator audit?

A: Gather your maintenance contracts, service records for the past 2 years, recent inspection reports, callback logs, maintenance control program documentation, and any proposals you’ve received. Having these documents ready helps us maximize on-site time and provide more comprehensive recommendations.