XYZ Building is a high-rise located downtown with twenty-two elevators, managed by Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones has been struggling with increasing elevator maintenance costs. He is frustrated by trying to decipher the elevator contracts from his service provider. He wants to hire an elevator consultant to provide impartial insight into the state of the building’s elevators. Also, he seeks to understand what improvements are needed, navigate the service contract to ensure the building receives what it pays for, and assist with designing a plan moving forward.
Reviewing the Service Contract
If Mr. Jones hires an elevator consultant, they would first review the elevator service contract. During this review, they shed light on hidden costs and terms that favored the elevator service provider. The elevator consultant provides data that gives the building insights to eliminate unnecessary charges. Moreover, they clarify service provider responsibilities and enhance services.
Elevator Condition Assessment
Next, the consultant would perform a thorough assessment of the elevators’ condition and identify areas for improvement. These recommendations can delay the need for a costly modernization or upgrade. They also improve efficiency and reduce breakdowns, depending on the equipment type.
Implementing a Maintenance Action Plan
Working from the elevator consultant’s recommendations, Mr. Jones would implement an elevator maintenance action plan that includes recording routine service to mitigate repairs. The goal of this plan would be to decrease elevator downtime and callbacks. Also, it aims to reduce disruptions for tenants and minimize the need for costly repairs.
Streamlining Vendor Management
In this scenario, Mr. Jones is also managing the elevator service provider, which leads to gaps in communication and delays in service. The elevator consultant will help streamline vendor management to ensure the service provider adheres to the contract. Mr. Jones will benefit by receiving the service for which he is paying.
Contract Compliance and Cost Savings
In addition, the elevator consultant will conduct an audit to ensure contract compliance. This will aid in passing inspections from the authority having jurisdiction. It mitigates the risk of fines and legal expenses. As an impartial expert, the elevator consultant helps XYZ Building achieve significant cost savings and operational improvements when their recommendations are implemented.
Hiring an elevator consultant is an expense for the building, that is true. However, it is an expense that can lead to substantial cost savings. It is a fitting example of a time when a building owner should spend money to save money. Elevator consultants provide contract review and renegotiation. They identify inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities, preventive maintenance implementations, and streamlined vendor management. They can prove to be a wise investment for property managers and building owners.