If you manage a building, own a building, or have elevator (s) in your building, there comes a time when someone says,
“It’s time to modernize the elevators.” Or “Is it time to modernize?”
But what does that really mean?
To some, an elevator modernization means a fresh interior cab. To others, it means replacing controllers, upgrading drives, changing door equipment, or making the elevators more reliable. The truth is that an elevator modernization can mean all of those things or none of them, depending on how it’s approached.
And without a standardized process or scope of work, most buildings find themselves facing one of the most complex and expensive decisions in their property’s lifecycle. Elevators are extremely complex and difficult for the common person to understand unless they have had current direct experience in the elevator industry.
What Happens When You Modernize Without a Consultant
Let’s walk through what typically happens when a property team decides to conduct an elevator modernization without an elevator consultant guiding the process.
- You Reach Out for Bids
You contact three or four elevator service companies and ask for bids. Each company sends its own version of a modernization proposal.
Sounds fair, but here’s the first issue people encounter:
There’s no standard scope of work.
Each elevator contractor defines “modernization” differently. One may include new controllers and door equipment; another might only update fixtures with a controller; another may not touch the controller; another may only have the cab interior. One may propose code upgrades. It is common for builders to believe that the elevator service providers will all bid the same, which is far from reality.
The result?
You’re comparing apples, oranges, and broccoli.
- The Scope is Inconsistent (and Incomplete)
Without a defined modernization specification, you’ll never truly know:- What’s included — and what’s not
- Whether the proposed equipment is compatible
- If the work meets best practices and code
- How the modernization impact long-term reliability and maintenance costs
- Hidden Costs Appear
Upgrading one major component, like the controller, triggers code requirements that impact other systems and non-elevator work as well. For instance:- Replacing a controller may require upgrading door operators and safeties.
- Leaving the machines may keep you exposed to elevator issues.
- Even simple control upgrades often trigger numerous other code-requiring work.
Without expert guidance, owners often approve an elevator modernization scope or also called an elevator modernization specification, only to learn mid-project that additional upgrades are required by code and/or the reason you took on a modernization never got resolved, which all dramatically increases cost and downtime.
Why an Elevator Modernization Decision Should Start With “Why”
Before any modernization project begins, you need to identify what’s driving the need. Common reasons include:
- Reliability Issues: Frequent shutdowns, callbacks, or entrapments
- Obsolete Equipment: Parts for the existing controller or drive are no longer available
- Performance Problems: Slow operation, rough rides, or inaccurate leveling
- Compliance: New safety or accessibility codes that require system updates
- Asset Value: Preparing the building for sale or ensuring the elevator supports long-term property performance
Each of these reasons calls for a different modernization strategy, and the right modernization specification ensures you address the root cause, not just the symptoms. The building needs to ensure that the elevator modernization meets the building’s operational needs.
A True Modernization Is More Than a Cab Upgrade
Let’s clear up a common misconception:
Replacing your cab interiors is not an elevator modernization.
That’s aesthetic refurbishment. It can improve tenant perception, but it doesn’t address the mechanical systems that make the elevator run. It is common for people to think that because the cab gets updated that the elevator system is in great shape.
A true modernization involves upgrading or replacing the major operational systems, such as:
- Controllers and drives
- Door operators and safety equipment
- Fixtures and indicators
- Machines (if required)
- Fire service and code-mandated features
- And many more
Modernization should enhance safety, reliability, performance, and compliance, not just appearance.
What an Elevator Consultant Brings to the Process
When The Elevator Consultants manages your elevator modernization project, we:
- Conduct a technical and operational assessment to determine what systems truly need upgrading based on the needs of the building and budget.
- Develop a comprehensive modernization specification ensuring every bidder prices the same scope of work.
- Manage the bid process objectively to ensure a fair, apples-to-apples comparison.
- Oversee the project based on the specification on schedule and within the budget from start to finish.
The result
- Transparent pricing
- No scope gaps
- No change orders
- Code-compliant, reliable elevators
- Long-term cost efficiency
The Smart Way Forward
Modernization is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your building’s infrastructure, but only when it’s done right.
Before you start collecting bids, ask yourself:
- Do I know exactly what needs to be modernized?
- Will every bidder quote the same scope?
- Am I confident this elevator modernization will solve my building’s elevator issues? – not create new ones?
- Do we have the expertise to manage an elevator modernization?
If the answer to any of those is “no,” it’s time to bring in an elevator consultant.
Work With The Elevator Consultants (TEC)
At The Elevator Consultants, we help property owners, managers, and facility leaders make informed, confident modernization decisions. From specification development to bid management and project oversight, we ensure every modernization delivers maximum safety, performance, and value.
Ready to modernize with confidence?
Contact The Elevator Consultants today to start your modernization planning process.
About The Elevator Consultants
The Elevator Consultants is a professional elevator consulting firm providing services, solutions, and software to optimize vertical transportation systems elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and lifts. We serve commercial property managers, hospital engineers, asset managers, hotel owners, universities, and other organizations nationwide.
What does “elevator modernization” actually mean?
Elevator modernization refers to upgrading the major operational systems of an elevator, such as the controller, drive, door operators, fixtures, and safety systems, to improve performance, reliability, and code compliance. Every building is different and should be treated as such.
It’s not just a cab refresh; true modernization enhances safety, technology, and functionality for long-term value.
How do I know if my elevators need to be modernized?
Common signs include frequent breakdowns, slow or uneven leveling, outdated controls, unavailable replacement parts, and increased service calls.
A professional elevator consultant can conduct a technical assessment to determine whether modernization is necessary or if repairs or partial upgrades will resolve the issue.
Why should I hire an elevator consultant for modernization?
Without a consultant, every elevator company will bid on a different scope of work, making a fair comparison impossible.
A consultant creates a detailed, standardized modernization specification so every bidder prices the same scope, ensures code compliance, manages the bid process, and protects your investment from hidden costs or incomplete work.
What’s the difference between a cab upgrade and a full modernization?
A cab upgrade only changes the interior design panels, flooring, lighting, or ceilings for a new aesthetic.
A full modernization upgrades the systems that make the elevator run: controllers, drives, door equipment, safety circuits, code-required features, etc.
While both improve the building experience, only modernization impacts performance, safety, and long-term reliability.
What are the biggest mistakes building owners make during an elevator modernization?
The most common mistakes include:
- Starting modernization without a clear technical assessment
- Requesting bids without a standard scope of work
- Assuming the lowest bid equals the best value
- Ignoring code-triggered upgrades when replacing major components
- Overlooking how modernization impacts future maintenance costs
Partnering with an elevator consultant helps you avoid these pitfalls, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and cost-efficient modernization.