Finding the Right Independent Elevator Consultant for Your Building
When you’re managing or own a property with elevators and realize you need expert guidance on your elevator operations, searching for an “independent elevator consultant near me” is a smart first step. But understanding what makes a great elevator consulting firm and what services you actually need can save you thousands of dollars and years of headaches.
After consulting on thousands of elevators for some of the most complex situations to simple issues, we have learned that the best elevator consultant combines deep industry expertise, cutting-edge technology, a strong understanding of the client’s operation, and independence from the elevator service providers. Here is what you should know when evaluating elevator consulting firms.
What Does an Independent Professional Elevator Consultant Actually Do?
Core Services Every Building Owner Needs
Elevator Vendor Performance Management: An effective consultant monitors whether you’re getting the service you’re paying for:
- Verifying maintenance task completion
- Confirming all testing has been completed
- Tracking response times, callback frequency, and callback resolution
- Ensuring code compliance
- Managing vendor relationships professionally
Contract Analysis & Optimization: Your elevator consultant should review your maintenance agreements line by line, identifying overcharge potential and unfavorable terms. We typically find 20-40% cost reduction opportunities in standard elevator contracts through:
- Removing unnecessary coverage
- Negotiating better rates
- Calling out exclusions
- Converting to Oil & Grease or Quarterly contracts where appropriate
- Eliminating automatic escalation clauses
Elevator Modernization Planning & Oversight: Independent consultants provide unbiased modernization advice:
- Determining if modernization is truly needed
- Creating specifications for competitive bidding
- Managing projects to avoid cost overruns
- Extending equipment life through strategic elevator upgrades if available
Solving all Elevator Issues. Unlike elevator service providers who profit from repairs and modernizations, independent consultants can identify the real root causes of your elevator issues:
- Analyze breakdown patterns to find systemic problems
- Distinguish between necessary repairs and profit-driven recommendations
- Identify maintenance gaps causing repeated failures
- Resolving elevator parts issues
- Determine if problems are elevator equipment-based or elevator service-based
Technology Implementation Modern consulting firms offer monitoring technology that provides:
- Real-time performance data
- Predictive maintenance insights
- Independent verification of vendor claims
- 24/7 equipment oversight
Essential Qualities of a Professional Elevator Consulting Firm
1. True Independence from Elevator Service Providers
Why independence matters: The best elevator consultants do not compromise a relationship and have no financial ties to the elevator service providers. This ensures their recommendations are based solely on your best interests, not commission structures or vendor relationships. There are certain elevator service providers who are tied to certain consulting firms. TEC has this documented.
How to verify independence:
- Ask if they receive any leads, compensation, or gifts from elevator companies
- Confirm they have a code of conduct or ask them to sign one
- Request disclosure of all vendor relationships
- Check if they work with multiple elevator service providers
2. Proven Track Record with Similar Buildings
Experience that counts: Look for consultants who have successfully served:
- Buildings of a similar size and type to yours
- Clients in your industry
- Discuss the solutions they have provided
- Both large portfolios and single buildings
Our experience at TEC: We have helped office buildings reduce costs by 30%, improve reliability by 40%, and eliminate 45% of passenger complaints, all while cutting maintenance expenses and increasing service
3. Technology-Forward Approach
Modern tools for better results: Today’s best elevator consultants use technology to provide:
- Cloud-based performance monitoring
- Automated vendor scorecards
- Digital contract management
- Remote diagnostic analysis
- API integration with building systems
The ElevatorApp advantage: Our proprietary monitoring platform gives clients real-time visibility into elevator performance and service. This transparency alone typically saves 30-50% by eliminating false service calls and unnecessary repairs.
4. Comprehensive Service Offerings
Full lifecycle support: A complete elevator consulting firm should offer:
- Ongoing oversight: Monthly monitoring and quarterly reviews
- Project consulting: Modernization, due diligence, dispute resolution
- Emergency support: Rapid response for critical situations
- Training programs: Educating your staff on best practices and SOP
- Expert witness services: Support for insurance claims and litigation
5. National Reach with Local Knowledge
The best of both worlds: While elevator consulting is primarily resolving numerous unique issues, data analysis, and contract negotiation, the best firms combine:
- National expertise and buying power
- Local code knowledge and relationships
- Network of qualified elevator service providers qualifications
- Understanding of regional market conditions
How to Evaluate an Elevator Consulting Firm
Key Questions to Ask
About their independence:
1. “What percentage of your revenue comes from consulting fees versus other sources?”
2. “Do you have any financial relationships with elevator manufacturers or elevator service providers?”
3. “Can you work with any qualified elevator service provider in our area?”
About their experience:
1. “Can you provide case studies from buildings similar to ours?”
2. “What cost savings have you achieved for other clients?”
3. “How many buildings do you currently oversee?”
About their process:
1. “How do you monitor vendor performance?”
2. “What technology platforms do you use?”
3. “How do you stay current with code changes?”
About their team:
1. “What are your consultants’ industry credentials?”
2. “How long has your firm been in business?”
3. “Who would be our primary point of contact?”
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of firms that:
- Offer “free” consulting (they are likely getting paid by vendors)
- Only recommend one service provider
- Lack of technology capabilities
- Do not have errors and omissions insurance
- Seems unfamiliar with your elevator brand
Green Flags to Seek
Look for firms that:
- Charge transparent consulting fees
- Provide detailed ROI projections
- Offer multiple service models
- Have long-term client relationships
- Use elevator monitoring technology
- Maintain professional industry certifications
Different Consulting Models: Which One Fits Your Needs?
Comprehensive Ongoing Support
Best for: Buildings with 4+ elevators or critical vertical transportation needs
What’s included:
- Continuous performance monitoring
- Quarterly business reviews
- Annual contract negotiations
- Modernization planning
- Vendor management
- Emergency support
Investment: $1,000-3,000/month per building. Expected ROI: 8-12x annual investment
Project-Based Consulting
Best for: Specific initiatives or one-time needs
Common projects:
- Contract renewal negotiation
- Modernization assessment
- Due diligence for acquisition
- Insurance claim support
- Expert witness services
Investment: $5,000-25,000 per project. Expected ROI: 10-20x project cost
Technology-Only Monitoring
Best for: Newer equipment or budget-conscious buildings
What’s included:
- 24/7 equipment monitoring
- Monthly performance reports
- Annual consultation
- Vendor scorecards
Investment: $200-500/year per elevator. Value: Early problem detection, vendor accountability
Hybrid Solutions
Best for: Portfolios with varying needs
Custom combinations:
- Full service for critical buildings
- Monitoring-only for newer equipment
- Project support as needed
- Flexible month-to-month terms
The Technology Component: Why It Matters
What Elevator Monitoring Provides
Real-time performance data:
- Door operation cycles and timing
- Ride quality and vibration
- Motor temperature and performance
- Traffic patterns and usage statistics
- Response time tracking
Predictive maintenance insights:
- Component wear patterns
- Failure prediction algorithms
- Maintenance optimization recommendations
- Parts replacement forecasting
Vendor accountability tools:
- Service visit verification
- Response time documentation
- Performance against contract terms
- All code required documentation
- Comparative vendor scoring
How Technology Saves Money
Documented savings from monitoring:
- 35% reduction in callbacks through maintenance tracking
- 25% decrease in repair costs by catching issues early
- 40% improvement in response times through vendor accountability
- 20% extension in equipment life via optimized maintenance
Making the Right Choice: Your Selection Criteria
Must-Have Qualifications
✓ Independence: No financial ties to manufacturers ✓ Experience: 15+ years in elevator consulting ✓ Technology: Modern elevator monitoring capabilities ✓ References: Verifiable success stories ✓ Insurance: Professional liability coverage ✓ Credentials: Industry certifications ✓Business Acumen: Achieve your buildings goals ✓ National presence: Broader perspective and project ✓ Multiple service models: Flexibility in engagement ✓ Educational resources: Commitment to client knowledge
Why Building Owners Choose The Elevator Consultants (TEC)
Our Unique Value Proposition
Complete Independence. Our only revenue comes from consulting fees and elevator software, ensuring our recommendations are always in your best interest.
Proven Results
- Average client saves 33% on maintenance costs
- 40% reduction in equipment downtime
- 50% decrease in tenant complaints
- 120x average ROI in first year
Technology Leadership ElevatorApp, our proprietary monitoring platform, provides insights that manufacturer systems won’t share, giving you unprecedented visibility into your vertical transportation.
National Expertise Serving clients from New York to Los Angeles to Portland to Miami means we bring best practices from every market to your building, along with negotiating leverage from our collective buying power.
Trusted by Industry Leaders who need independent elevator expertise, they trust The Elevator Consultants.
Your Next Steps: Getting Started with an Elevator Consultant
Phase 1: Initial Assessment (Week 1)
1. Review current contracts and costs
2. Analyze equipment condition and age
3. Identify immediate opportunities
4. Calculate potential ROI
Phase 2: Implementation (Weeks 2-4)
1. Deploy monitoring technology
2. Initiate vendor negotiations
3. Establish performance baselines
4. Create an optimization roadmap
Phase 3: Ongoing Optimization (Monthly)
1. Monitor performance metrics
2. Manage vendor relationships
3. Report savings achieved
4. Identify new opportunities
Success Stories: Real Results from Real Buildings
Multi-Site REIT Portfolio
1. Challenge: 42 buildings with inconsistent service quality
2. Solution: Standardized contracts with performance metrics
3. Result: $850,000 annual savings, 35% fewer callbacks
Major University Campus
1. Challenge: 200+ elevators with multiple service providers
2. Solution: Consolidated vendor management with independent oversight
3. Result: $1.2M savings, improved student satisfaction
Luxury Hotel Chain
1. Challenge: High guest complaints despite premium service contracts
2. Solution: Performance-based contracts with real-time elevator service monitoring
3. Result: 50% reduction in complaints, 42% cost savings
Healthcare System
1. Challenge: Critical elevators with excessive downtime
2. Solution: Predictive elevator maintenance program with 24/7 monitoring
3. Result: Zero critical failures, 38% cost reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does elevator consulting cost?
Professional elevator consulting typically ranges from $1,000-10,000 per month for ongoing services or $5,000-$25,000 for specific projects. Most clients see ROI of 10-150x their investment in the first year through cost savings and improved performance.
When should I hire an elevator consultant?
The best times include: at the first sign of an elevator issue (do not wait until it is too late) contract renewal (6 months before expiration), modernization planning, due diligence for property acquisition, persistent service issues, questionable invoices/proposals, or when maintenance costs seem like they are getting out of control.
Can consultants work with my existing elevator company?
Yes! Independent consultants work with all major manufacturers (Otis, KONE, Schindler, TKE) and independent service providers. Our role is optimizing your existing relationships and ensuring accountability.
How quickly can I expect results?
Most clients see immediate savings opportunities during the initial assessment. Issue resolution yield results within 1-90 days pending your operations. Performance improvements from monitoring appear immediately.
Do I need a consultant if my elevators are under warranty?
Absolutely. Warranties don’t cover everything, and manufacturers often use warranty periods to establish expensive long-term relationships. A consultant ensures you’re not paying for covered items and helps plan for post-warranty optimization.
What if my building only has 2-3 elevators?
Even smaller buildings benefit from a professional elevator consulting firm. The percentage savings are often higher because smaller buildings typically receive less attention from elevator service providers and pay higher per-unit rates.
How do I verify a consultant’s independence?
Ask for written confirmation that they receive no compensation from elevator companies, request references from current clients, and verify they work with multiple service providers in your area. All consulting firms have a code of conduct.
Ready to Take Control of Your Elevator Costs?
The Elevator Consultants has been helping building with elevators nationwide save money, time, and improve reliability since 2007. Whether you need problem resolution, comprehensive oversight, project consulting, or just want to verify you’re getting a fair deal, we’re here to provide the independent expertise you deserve.
Contact us today for a preliminary assessment to how we can help you. Discover how the right elevator consultant can transform your vertical transportation from a constant concern into a competitive advantage.