The lifespan of an elevator depends on many different factors, but on average, elevators can last at least 25 years. At some point, a building will need to consider if it’s time for elevator modernization. Elevator modernization consists of updating or replacing existing equipment and parts such as controllers, machines, and doors (among others). When embarking on this process, having effective strategies for elevator modernization in place can make a significant difference. Building management may choose to modernize an elevator for many reasons; however, poor performance and escalating repair costs usually drive the decision. Furthermore, the elevator service provider might recommend elevator modernization in cases where the elevator is past its life cycle. It may also be difficult to service, require obsolete parts, or the company simply does not have a technician who can work on the older equipment.
Requesting a Proposal for Elevator Modernization
Typically, the first step a building may take for an elevator modernization process involves requesting a proposal from the current elevator service provider. The proposal should include:
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scope of work,
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a detailed list of new equipment,
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expected timeline, and
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other important details.
At this stage, building owners should pay close attention to the proposal and be sure that it includes everything needed for the job. Likewise, the proposal mustn’t contain unnecessary or hidden costs.
Comparing Multiple Bids
Another standard practice is to collect bids from a few different elevator service providers for the elevator modernization project. Although it takes longer to go through the bid process, the extra step of due diligence is likely to lead to a more informed decision. Once building management has several elevator modernization proposals, they should review them for consistent scopes of work (line item by line item). However, the bids will likely not be the same, and there may be some back and forth with the elevator service providers until the proposals are comparable. The building owner should also be mindful of non-elevator work.
Challenges for Building Owners
The main challenge here is that most building owners are not elevator experts. There are technical specifications and jargon that only an experienced elevator veteran would know.
Without full elevator knowledge, buildings cannot clearly determine what is missing or what is required to meet their needs. Building owners should ask questions such as:
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Is a door package included?
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Will the machine be reused or refurbished?
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Will the essential equipment be proprietary or non-proprietary?
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Does the scope include non-elevator work in fire life safety, general construction, and electrical?
And many other questions to meet the requirements of the building. The building owners need to understand the requirements of the building elevator system for a successful elevator modernization implementation.
Revising and Reviewing Proposals
If the proposals overlooked any of these elements, the elevator companies should add them and submit revised proposals. Once the building receives the updated proposals, management can compare them to determine which one is the best fit. But, as mentioned previously, without having elevator expertise, most people will have a hard time understanding these proposals, let alone identifying what is missing. Nevertheless, the building has specific goals for the elevator modernization project, including meeting a budget and timeframe.
Because a successful elevator modernization project requires so many operational decisions, building management may want to enlist the help of an elevator consultant to decipher proposals and review options. Alternatively, building management can bring in an elevator consultant to oversee the entire modernization project from beginning to end.
Elevator consultants are valuable because they protect the building by ensuring a proper modernization based on requirements and budgets, including the non-elevator work. A consultant will conduct a site visit to determine the work needed, prepare a scope of work or elevator modernization specification, bid out the project, review bids and budgets, and monitor the modernization process itself.
Achieving a Successful Modernization
An elevator consultant can help buildings achieve the results they’re looking for. They ensure the job is completed correctly, delivered on time, and priced fairly. Project success requires confirming that the scope of work and specifications align, budgets remain controlled, and schedules stay on target for implementation.
Overall, elevator modernization is a large project with several nuances and ramifications that building teams must address upfront to achieve a timely and cost-effective outcome. Hiring an expert plays a key role in creating a smooth process. An elevator consultant guides the building through the numerous technical steps professionally, delivering a fully modernized elevator that operates reliably for many years to come.