Elevator Renovation 101: What Property Managers Need To Know

As a property manager, you may be juggling several tasks at one go and conducting property maintenance could be one of them. While you’re busy ensuring that your property is safe, healthy and operational, you may also want to consider the building’s aesthetics. Modernizing your elevator cab interiors and elevator lobbies can significantly increase your property’s value. 

 

Property managers always ask us questions before being able to proceed with a cab renovation project. Whether or not you need to seek an official permit to the overall costs, not having enough information at hand may seem daunting. 

 

But it’s not as complicated as it sounds. With an experienced cab specialist by your side, your design or redesign project can be a breeze. We’ve put together a few things and key questions all property managers should consider:   

The Ins and Outs of Elevator Renovation

Why does your property need an elevator cab renovation?

A good quality cab interior can last up to 15 years or even less, depending on the quality of the materials. Usage and maintenance must also factor in. But with time, all elevator cabs must be refurbished. Some of the common signs include

 

  • Dents, chips or scratches
  • Loose door cladding
  • Dim or missed lighting 
  • Oxidized metal finishes
  • Outdated decor finishes
  • Safety features not up to code

 

What should you be aware of before renovation?

While undertaking a renovation project may seem as simple as contacting a good cab interior company, there are a few prerequisites you need to address. 

 

A) Engineering Assessment 

 

There are specific requirements that the interior of an elevator needs to meet to be fully code-compliant. For example, before the renovation, an estimation of the net weight of the elevator should be made. This includes the weight before and after remodeling. 

 

Elevator ca companies are restricted by 115KG or 5%, whichever is less before needing an engineering assessment. This is set by the B-44 code and enforced by the TSSA. 

 

B) Elevator Device Number

 

Every elevator has a unique device number. We recommend keeping it handy for documentation purposes. This number lives on the inspection certificate either inside the elevator or at the building manager’s office. It identifies the type of elevator, its location and the number assigned to the device by the Department of Buildings. 

 

C) Code and Safety Considerations

 

This is where most property managers go amiss. Not choosing an experienced and certified cab renovation company can cost you more than you think. Before you sign up for any professional service, ensure your team has checked for legal authorization and certification of the company.  Most cab interior companies receive a due permit from the state or federal body to deliver the services while maintaining the safety standards. 

What costs do you need to consider?

Property managers are also responsible for managing the budget for the building and its ongoing maintenance. The budget plays a significant role in the selection of your cab interior. But besides the cladding, the decor, the lights and interior finishings, there are some underlying costs you should factor in. Some of those costs involve around: 

 

  • The overall weight: The maintenance contractor must weigh the elevator and counterweight to establish the starting weight. 
  • Removal and reinstallation: Maintenance contractors may need to remove and reinstall the doors to let cab specialists do the cladding. 
  • Safety test:  If the glass or the ceiling is part of the renovations, a no-load safety test is mandatory and conducted by the maintenance provider. The maintenance contractor handles all submissions to the TSSA for any alterations. Sometimes, your cab company will do this for you. 
  • Extra hours: Additional cost may apply if the customer asks for work to be completed outside of standard business hours.

Whom should you engage in this project?

Cab renovation comes with significant potential benefits such as tenant satisfaction, aesthetic appeal and increase in the property value. Whatever your objective behind the renovation, it is best to involve all the necessary parties to accomplish the project with success. Here are some parties you want to touch base with as you progress:

  • Owner of the building: It all starts with the landlord. Convincing the landlord and making them see the value and need behind elevator cab and elevator lobby enhancement will start the project off in fair sight. 
  • The maintenance contractor: You will need their support at various stages like engineering assessment, safety tests and while submitting papers to the official bodies. Maintenance contractors know in and out how renovations work and how a project gets to completion. 
  • Cab interior company: Once you have the details of your plan, timeline and costing on paper, the next step is to hire an elevator consultant company to evaluate its condition. At this stage, you can sit back and relax since everything henceforth will be managed for you. 

Spruce up your cabs with K Elevator at no hidden cost

As your cab interior specialist, we help you understand all the additional costs of remodeling. In this article, we’ve gone over the key figures that add up while completing regulatory requirements and finding the ideal contractor. 

 

But once that is taken care of, the fun part begins! At this stage, you can choose between standard or custom designs that will enhance the look and feel of your elevators. Call our team today to get a quote. 

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