The To-Dos For Building A New Elevator Cab

June 18, 2022

Planning to revamp your elevator cabs? We can help you get a head start!

Our experts at K Elevator are happy to walk you through the whole process from start to finish with this step-by-step guide to renovating elevator cabs.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Renovating Elevator Cabs

1. Select your new design

Any elevator that wows its users has one thing in common. It pleases them with a unique design. So before you get into other details, ensure you have in mind what your new elevator will look like with the help of 3D rendering.

Design software helps you lay out your ideas perfectly into designs you’ll love. You can also try K Elevator’s real-time Cab Design Studio to render your customer elevator cab in less than 10 minutes. What’s more? It’s completely free.

2. Find your dream team

Once you have chalked down your new elevator cab design, it is time to get started. From sourcing the right kind of materials to installing the new cab, it’s important you have the best team of professionals. Select a cab elevator design company that understands your needs and has enough experience to bring your idea to life while considering the safety standards.

Not sure where to start? Get started by contacting our K Elevator specialists. We will pair you up with one of our best account managers to help you create a brand new elevator design according to your budget and vision.

3. Choose your materials

Our Cab Design Studio gives you a fair idea of the different materials and finishes available to enhance your elevators. We recommend you browse our Standard Line of premium materials for the elevator’s left, right, and rear wall panels and consult with our in-house designer to create your custom look.

We are also happy to work with your interior designer to get you the desired output. Whatever your needs, we tailor it for you. To learn more about the different parts of elevator interiors, check out our earlier blog post.

4. Enhance with lighting

Lighting is a big part of your overall cab aesthetics. The last thing you’d want is someone to stand under unflattering lighting. We’ll guide you in choosing the lights that positively lighten up your elevator cabs and offer the passengers a pleasing experience while riding.

At K Elevator, we use only standard LED for all our lighting. This ensures we maximize efficiencies in energy, cost and durability for our clients.

5. Keep wear and tear at bay

Now that you have a clear picture of your new elevator cab project, it’s the right time to consider accessories that will protect your interiors from wear and tear. The right kind of elevator cab accessories not only protect against damages but helps in enhancing the interiors as well.

This can include protection pads, notice holders, and more. You can read more about the effectiveness of accessories in our blog post.

6. Pick a date for onsite survey

Once the purchase order for your new elevator design is finalized, we will be sending one of the team members to complete an elevator survey. This is an important step in the process as it allows us to look into any safety or design issues and offer suggestions to improve the final installation.

7. Get set for installation

Once you approve the final drawings from our onsite survey, we can quickly process them into production. This roughly takes around eight to ten weeks from the date of approval.

Finally, one of our coordinators will contact you to schedule your most preferred time for the installation. While this might seem like a long wait, the anticipation will pay off once you see your brand new elevator cabs.

Your Elevator Cab Renovation Begins Here

This is literally all you’ve got to do for elevator cab renovation. Even though it may seem intimidating at the first glance, the right team can help you realize exactly what you envisioned.

Let Us Guide You Through It

Our team at K Elevator are fully committed to help you transform your elevators – all within your desired timeframe and budget.

Starting from small repairs and refurbishments to major renovation projects, we’ve got your back every step of the way. Reach out to us today for a seamless upgrade.

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Elevator Renovation 101: What Property Managers Need To Know

May 21, 2022

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.

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Must-Have Features for Great Elevator Interiors

February 22, 2022

Elevators are a direct representation of your building and the people that work there. With this in mind, it’s a no-brainer that your elevator interiors have to be just as stunning as the building interior.

Like most mid or high rises, your elevator might want to appear professional and charming, or perhaps you aim to achieve a more warm and welcoming atmosphere. No matter what your plan to freshen up your elevator interior may be, consider your options for these must-have features for the greatest elevator interiors.

Dress Up Those Walls: Stunning Elevator Cab Panels

The first thing most people notice when entering an elevator cab is that they are surrounded by three walls, and hopefully, that’s three stunning walls of perfectly patterned paneling. Typically, elevator cab interior panels are designed from one of two materials:

- - Plastic Laminate
  - Patterned Stainless Steel

For a long lasting finish, plastic laminate is definitely the way to go. Not only is it incredibly wear-resistant, the decorative options are limitless. Whether you’re seeking woodgrain finishes like cherry, walnut, oak or ash — or a stone finish, such as marble, plastic laminate paneling has got your elevator interiors covered. Literally.

On the other hand, patterned stainless steel is the go-to material when a robust solution is required. It can also be used as a decorative accent to add extra texture to a pre-existing design. The greatest thing about the patterned stainless steel panels is that they can even be used along with plastic laminate to create a unique look for your elevator interior.

Look at Me Now: Elevator Cab Mirrors

Do you know what else goes great with plastic laminate or stainless steel panels? That’s right: mirrors. Add style and depth to your elevator cab with the addition of a mirror panel to give your passengers something to look at, so they’re not making awkward eye contact with each other!

Hold on for the Ride: Stainless Steel Elevator Handrails

While your passengers are blatantly trying to avoid awkward eye contact, they probably want to sink into the sides of the elevator interior. That’s just an added bonus of having stainless steel handrails. They also protect your cab panels against damage from items your passengers carry along.

With a choice of a brushed or mirror finish, and shape options of round or flat, handrails are a key part to rounding out every elevator cab.

Bask in the Glow: Warm Elevator Cab Lighting

It doesn’t end there though. There are still a few more must-have features for the greatest elevator interiors. Let’s take a moment to think about what goes on above our heads, and take both the ceiling fixture and lighting design into consideration.

The standard ceiling option for most elevator interiors is a classic aluminum frame with standard LED tube fixtures. Now, there isn’t anything wrong with the classic — it’s the classic for a reason. That being said, there’s something that feels a bit sterile about walking into an elevator cab lit with LED lights. A great way to up your elevator interior game is to choose warm, inviting lighting — whether that’s on an aluminum frame or a frameless ceiling. Now that’s a timeless look!

Do Look Down: Elevator Cab Flooring Options

Finally, let’s take a quick look under our (hopefully clean) shoes and see what’s happening with the flooring situation. Most options are available in both porcelain, vinyl, or a combination of the above materials. This is where we suggest sprucing things up to push your elevator flooring from good to great.

Classic standard square tiling can be made more exciting with a border or an offset, and if tiling isn’t right for you, don’t be shy and take a look at the vinyl sheets! No matter what type of flooring you choose though, we just recommend that you make sure it matches the style of your elevator cab interior.

So in the end, we can see that an elevator cab interior has many options for its must-have features, but we can highlight these highly recommended options:

- - Stunning wall panels & an interior mirror
  - Stainless steel handrails
  - Warm lighting
  - Eye-catching flooring that ties it all together

With these factors in mind, you have the recipe for the greatest elevator interior money can buy! If you’re looking for help bringing your elevator cab design dreams to life, the experts at K Elevator can help elevate your day.

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Elevator Cab Interior Remodeling: A Complete Review

January 28, 2022

When most people are in an elevator, they’re usually on autopilot, drifting off into space or thinking about their next meal. You can use this time to your advantage and impress your visitors with a beautifully remodeled elevator cab interior. A few signs that it’s time for an upgrade is if your elevator cab is damaged, has outdated features and needs a technology update.

It’s all in the little details and it’s important that your elevator represents your building or organization in the best way possible. And a renovated elevator cab can do just that!

Whether you’re doing some light remodeling or a full elevator makeover, there are a few things to consider.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about elevator cab interior remodeling.

Elevator interior remodeling basics

When should I consider remodeling my elevator cab interior?

Most elevator equipment lasts more than 15 years, but cabs can experience more wear and tear during their lifetime. This means it’s important to take note of when you need an upgrade.

There are a few key elements to look for when deciding whether to remodel your elevator cab interior:

Scratches and dents
Old-fashioned aesthetics and finishes
Outdated technology and safety features

When you start noticing these, that’s a good indication that it’s time for an upgrade.

There are 3 things to keep in mind when considering a cab remodel

When you’re contemplating a cab remodel, it’s important to factor in the smaller details. The more specific you are with measurements, finishes and materials, the more cost-effective and efficient the whole process will be.

When working with an elevator specialist, take into account these things:

Elevator cladding

Cladding is a process where a layer of metal is added to the surface of elevator interiors to cover scratches and dents. This gives a brand new finish to the existing stainless steel features within your cab.

Precise measurements

Whether you are purchasing a self install kit from us or we complete the installation for you it is important that we have precise measurements to ensure the fit and finish is exact. This helps save time, money and effort and ensures your elevator remodelling goes smoothly.

Metal refinishing

There are situations where you may not need to clad over your existing finishes. Although we cannot remove dents from the existing stainless steel we can refinish and remove superficial scratches to give it that refreshed appearance, almost like brand new.

Just like any mechanical aspect of an elevator, it’s important to adhere to the current elevator safety code (B-44: Safety Code for Elevator and Escalators) when it comes to your cab interior design too. A few safety and code items you should ask about are:

Remodeling for updated elevator code and safety

Fire-rated interior features

Interior ventilation

Ceiling lights

Emergency exits

Elevator weight

Type of elevator interior upgrades

For your elevator cab, you have two options: partial remodel or a full remodel. A few things to keep in mind are your budget and what parts need to be updated.

Partial remodel

A partial remodel is a great option if you’re working within a budget and you only need a few upgrades. If your panels are scratched or dented or your ceiling light fixtures need to be replaced, then a partial remodel is a good choice.

Full remodel

If your elevator cab interior is dated, dysfunctional and has a lot of damage, a full remodel is the way to go. A full remodel includes brand new panels, flooring, ceilings and lights, handrails and buttons.

Elevator cab interior design packages

Standard Elevators

With standard interiors, you can browse a set collection of elevator packages and choose one that fits your building and vision. Select from a wide range of high-grade materials including plastic laminates, stainless steel and finishing options.

Make sure to review our standard elevator interiors brochure for more insight on our packages.

Custom elevators

If you have a unique vision for your elevator interior in mind, you can work with an elevator design specialist who will walk you through all the materials you’ll need. You can create a custom elevator cab and select the floors, ceilings, handrails and panels. A custom elevator interior package gives you more creative control.

Our Cab Design Studio tool lets you choose your elevator interior configuration, apply materials and finishes and request budget pricing.

Elevator parts and materials

This is the fun part where you can pick and choose your elevator cab parts for your remodel. Before you start designing, you need to know the parts that make up your elevator, from the ground up.

Cab walls and panels

Panels in an elevator are like the paint on the walls. You can choose from different colours, finishes and materials including laminate, stainless steel and mirrors.

Ceilings and lighting

A well-lit elevator interior and brighter ceiling can make visitors feel more comfortable and safe inside the cab. It adds to the general atmosphere and makes your elevator look cleaner.

Flooring

Elevator flooring can be forgotten, but it ties the whole cab together. It’s important your floors are sturdy and level so your passengers can ride with ease.

Handrails

Handrails are a key part in elevator cab design. Not only do they support visitors but they help prevent large items, including luggage, packages and backpacks, from damaging the panels. They are available in a range of sizes and are made from brushed stainless as well as coloured stainless steel.

Elevator interior remodeling cost

Planning your budget allows you to decide your needs versus your wants. It helps narrow down the available options to the most feasible ones for your project. If you are looking to cut costs, try pre-manufactured standard packages instead of custom options.

Done right, remodeling your elevator cab interior is a great investment that will last a long time, add value to your building and improve the atmosphere for your guests.

It’s time for an elevator cab interior remodel

When you’re considering an elevator cab interior remodel, make sure you have a clear budget and determine which parts of your cab need an upgrade. Cab remodels bring your elevators up to code compliance, can improve safety features and technology and give the interior a fresh look.

Now that you understand the remodeling process, you can take your elevator interior design to the next level. Our specialists at K-Elevator are here to bring your vision to life and elevate the passenger experience. Choose from a wide range of customization options and we’ll create your dream elevator cab interior.

Ready to give your elevator interior a facelift?

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Elevator Cab Interior Remodeling: A Complete Guide

February 3, 2021

It’s all in the little details and it’s important that your elevator represents your building or organization in the best way possible. And a renovated elevator cab can do just that!

Whether you’re doing some light remodeling or a full elevator makeover, there are a few things to consider.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about elevator cab interior remodeling.

Elevator interior remodeling basics

When should I consider remodeling my elevator cab interior?

Most elevator equipment lasts more than 15 years, but cabs can experience more wear and tear during their lifetime. This means it’s important to take note of when you need an upgrade.

There are a few key elements to look for when deciding whether to remodel your elevator cab interior:

Scratches and dents
Old-fashioned aesthetics and finishes
Outdated technology and safety features

When you start noticing these, that’s a good indication that it’s time for an upgrade.