Tag: Elevator Repair

Renovating Your Elevator: Top Common Mistakes

Renovating your elevator? Know the top elevator renovation mistakes, BEFORE they happen.

Renovating Your Elevator: Top Common Mistakes

Renovating an elevator is an expensive, time-consuming process. So it’s best to be done the right way or you’ll risk incurring additional costs. Preparing for renovation day in advance can help you achieve an excellent final result that’s free from common elevator renovation mistakes that many people are prone to making.

 

Below is a list of such mistakes, along with handy tips on how to avoid making them.

7 top Elevator Cab Renovation Mistakes

1. Introducing Heavy Elements

A grand interior is not well-suited to every elevator, especially small ones with lower weight limits than their larger counterparts. 

 

By introducing heavy, ornate decoration into the elevator cab, you are essentially reducing its ability to carry weight (people, in particular) – remember, elevators are a tool for vertical transportation against gravity, which is why it is best to stick to lightweight, practical interior designs. There is a minimum allowable net weight add threshold that must be adhered to if the finishes exceed the allowable weight a design review must be completed to ensure the installed equipment is capable for the extra weight. This can become very costly.

 

Heavier design options include:

 

    • Decorative ceilings
    • Large or bulky mirrors
    • Concrete or marble floor tile

It’s better to avoid such elements. Keep this in mind before refreshing an elevator’s interior.

2. Opting for a Ornate Floor

The process of installing tile flooring within an elevator is not as straightforward as you might think. Not all elevators were created equal, and some of them may not support the direct installation of tiles. As a result, you may need to first install a plywood floor and then fit tiles upon it. 

 

Unfortunately, not only does this increase the cost of renovation and redecoration, but it might also raise the floor’s height above the maximum allowance set by local governing bodies, though this limit may vary depending upon where you live.

3. Installing Stone Flooring

You might be surprised to know that stone floors have become an increasingly popular elevator trend in recent days, especially due to the minimalist movement that encourages the use of simple and sometimes organic textures in interior design. 

 

However, despite their brilliant aesthetic and the recent rise in popularity, stone floors are not recommended for use in elevators because of how heavy they are. Employing them can reduce the elevator’s ability to carry a large load if the stone flooring is heavy enough.

4. Skipping the Handrails

Some people believe that by removing an elevator’s old, downtrodden handrails, they are maximizing its inner space, as well as getting the opportunity to forgo the cost of installing new ones. However, they forget that the benefits of installing handrails outstrip any potential negatives.

 

Handrails not only maximize comfort for those riding inside the elevator, but they also make the cab more user-friendly for those with disabilities. To meet current code for persons with disabilities handrails must be mounted on all non-access walls. This is within the current B-44 Elevator Code under Non-Mandatory appendix E.

 

Handrails may rust, corrode, or garner excessive scratches over time and may require replacement. So, be sure to install new ones after you remove their older counterparts!

5. Choosing Incorrectly Between Metal Refinishing and Cladding

Metal refinishing is not capable of covering deep scratches and dents, yet many people make the mistake of choosing metal refinishing when what the elevator really needs is a well-executed cladding job. 

 

Cladding is also preferred over refinishing if the cab’s existing walls are covered with scratches  or slightly corroded. 

 

Though metal refinishing is not a suitable replacement for a cladding job, it is the perfect option for the removal of all the imperfections, like light scratches and stain marks, that the elevator’s walls have garnered over time. 

 

Whether you opt for metal refinishing or cladding depends upon how badly damaged the elevator’s interior is, and it is best to take an expert’s opinion before finalizing your decision.

6. Hiring Unqualified Installers

Hiring an unqualified team to handle an elevator renovation job is never a smart move. Tradesmiths like construction workers and carpenters are not in a position to take on the demanding job of renovating an elevator. 

 

Interior designers are no good for this purpose, either, which is why you’ll have to commission a well-reputed elevator renovation team to do the job for you. It is a requirement that anyone working on or in an elevator must be licensed to do so, or be directly supervised by some that is.

 

Professional elevator renovation workers are aware of the essential rules concerning elevator renovation and can keep an eye on vital statistics like material fire ratings, weight limits, and more. 

 

Also, before hiring a team to work for you, be sure to look into their credentials and past projects. An experienced, well-reputed team will be able to deliver superior results significantly faster than an inexperienced counterpart, which is why it is important to look into credible options before hiring.

7. Delaying Renovations

Elevator cab renovations take time and can put the device out of use for a while, which is why most elevators are prone to experiencing renovation delays, even though they might need one urgently. 

Renovating an elevator can take anywhere from a day to a week (or more, if there’s an extremely tedious task on hand). Halting the elevator for such a large amount of time can make transportation and movement difficult for some people, particularly if there’s only one elevator within the entire building. 

 

Still, taking time out for renovation and redecorating is extremely important and should not be neglected, or the elevator’s condition will only deteriorate further. 

 

To make up for any inconvenience caused by halting the elevator, the building’s management should ensure the presence of efficient alternatives, like stairs, a second elevator, or escalators if present. 

 

If none of these options are available – or if taking the stairs will prove too hectic – renovations should be scheduled during hours of low rush. Weekends or off days for in-office elevators are ideal, whereas nighttime is perfect for elevators located within malls.

Rundown of Top Elevator Renovation Mistakes

  1. Introducing Heavy Elements
  2. Opting for Ornate Tile
  3. Installing Stone Flooring
  4. Skipping the Handrails
  5. Choosing Incorrectly Between Metal Refinishing and Cladding
  6. Hiring Unqualified Installers
  7. Delaying Renovations 

Let Us Help You Avoid Common Elevator Renovation Mistakes

Our team at K-Elevators is fully equipped to handle all kinds of Toronto elevator cab renovations, making us an excellent choice for the task – contact our representatives for a free price quote today! 

Get In Touch

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Get a Quote

What to Expect When Building a New Elevator Cab

Looking to build and install a new elevator cab? Read our step-by-step overview to find out where to begin and what’s involved.

What to Expect When Building a New Elevator Cab

Looking to revamp your elevator cabs but not sure what the process is?

Our team at K Elevator has put together this handy guide, walking you through the whole process from conception to the grand reveal.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Renovating Elevator Cabs

1. Plan out your new design

Every standout elevator begins with a sharp vision. Before you start the process, make sure you know exactly what it’s going to look like with a 3D rendering.

 

Lay out your designs precisely with a design software, or try K Elevator’s free real-time Cab Design Studio and render your custom elevator cab in under 10 minutes.

2. Find the right team for your vision

Once you’ve approximated the look-and-feel of your new elevator cab, you’re ready to get started. From sourcing materials to installing your new cab, it’s important to have a team of trusted professionals who can advise you through the process and ensure everything can be done safely and efficiently.

 

Get started by contacting our team of experts at K Elevator. You’ll be paired with one of our experienced Account Managers, who will help you create a brand new elevator design that perfectly fits your budget and vision.

3. Pick your materials

If you used the Cab Design Studio, you’ll already have a rough idea of the materials and finishes available. For your left, right, and rear wall panels, as well as floors and ceilings, you can choose from our Standard Line of premium materials, consult with our in-house designer to create your custom look, or connect us with your interior designer, and we’ll take care of the rest.

 

To learn more about the different parts of elevator interiors, check out our earlier blog post.

4. Perfect your lighting

Nobody likes to stand under unflattering lighting. We’ll make sure to help you choose lights that can add to the atmosphere of the elevator cab and create a comfortable ambiance for your passengers.

 

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

5. Protect and enhance your new interiors

Now that we’ve established how your new elevator cab will look, we can begin to look at accessories to protect your interiors and keep them looking shiny and new.

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

6. Schedule an onsite survey

After the purchase order for your new elevator design has been finalized, a member of the team will be sent over to your building to complete an elevator survey.

 

This is a crucial step in the process that will allow us to address any outstanding safety or design issues, and offer suggestions to improve the final installation.

7. Get ready for installation

Upon your approval of our team’s final drawings from the onsite survey, we’ll be able to jump right into production, which typically takes 8 – 10 weeks after approvals.

 

Once that’s done, you’ll be contacted by our Coordinator to schedule the preferred time of your installation with us. This waiting period will be the hardest, but the anticipation will pay off once you see your brand new elevator cabs.

The ABC's of Elevator Cab Renovation

And that’s it! Building a new elevator cab may seem daunting at first, but with the right partners, you know you’ll get exactly what you envisioned.

Trust Us To Guide You Through It

Our team of experienced experts at K Elevators are fully equipped to help you transform your elevators.

From minor repairs to major renovations on a deadline, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Contact us today for an effortless upgrade.

Get In Touch

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Get a Quote

Repair or Remodel? What’s the Best Choice for Your Commercial Elevator Interiors?

Repair or Remodel? What’s the Best Choice for Your Commercial Elevator Interiors?

From defining the passenger journey to facilitating the flow of people in your building and transporting visitors safely to showcasing your aesthetic, the elevator cab interior is a reflection of your business.

 

But when something goes wrong with your elevator cab, there’s no need to panic! Whether it’s a minor bit of damage or a major component is malfunctioning, we recommend taking a step back and assessing the situation before making any major decisions.

 

No matter the type of elevator you have, we’ll help you choose the best option for your property. ready to find out more? Answer our quick questions below!

Repair vs Remodel - What to Do with Your Commercial Elevator Interiors

1. First up, tell us how your elevator cab interiors look?

A: The floor tiles are broken and the lights are outdated and not energy efficient. 


If the elevator cab interior has some small cosmetic issues, then a cab interior professional can repair them and match your present style so that the fixes fit right in. For example, K-Elevator can switch outdated halogen lights to low-cost and energy-efficient LEDs that freshen up the entire feel of your cab interior.

B: The back mirror is cracked, the stainless steel is dented, and we had to take out the ceiling panels last week because they started to droop. 


When costly cab interior issues start to add up, such as worn-out cab panels, ceiling tiles, and cladding, it may be time to look into getting an elevator cab interior remodel.

 

Why inconvenience your passengers and overspend on constant repairs when you can invest in an overhaul of your cab interior in one go? What’s more important, if you have a cracked mirror, exposed sharp edges or even a missing tile that it puts your elevator out of compliance with the B-44 Elevator code, and can be called by a TSSA inspector for non-compliance. A fresh new look tells your residents, stakeholders, and guests that the property is well cared for and keeps your elevator code-compliant.

ELEVATOR INTERIORS 101: WHAT IS AN ELEVATOR CAB INTERIOR MADE OF?

Read Now
elevator-cabs-canada

2. So, how is the exterior of your elevator holding up?

A: The door frames seem to be in good shape, but there are some visible scratches and dents in the cladding. 

 

This is most likely a repair job. Our staff are experts in elevator door recladding. Whether it’s painted or stainless steel, this is also a great opportunity to choose a finish that’s more durable and better matches your building’s aesthetic.

 

B: Passengers often remark that the elevator door and frame look banged up.

 

Your elevator doors are the first impression riders get of your elevators. No matter how new or well kept they are inside, if the door frames need an upgrade, it could tarnish their experience. We recommend talking to your elevator professionals about a quote for a new elevator door and door frame cladding for your commercial building.

3. What's the age of the elevator?

1: It’s definitely older than 25 years.

 

Unlike certain wines and cheese, elevator interiors don’t improve with age. What was considered modern twenty or thirty years ago often looks tired and worn out today. By remodelling your elevator, you’re also improving the impression of your business or property. This goes double for buildings that have had a foyer or lobby facelift in the past five to ten years.

 

2: It was updated recently, but…


In many situations, even commercial elevator cabs that were updated recently can use some TLC. That’s because age isn’t the only determining factor —cracked mirrors, chipped floor tiles, and scuffed cladding can occur at any time. If that’s the case, then you can focus on repairing specific components.

WANT TO KEEP YOUR CAB SPICK-AND-SPAN? DOWNLOAD OUR FREE ELEVATOR CAB INTERIOR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

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4. Does your elevator cab interior show off your property’s style and brand?

A: Yes, we’re looking into boosting it with custom elevator interior accessories.

 

When your cab interior puts your building’s best foot forward, your passengers will feel it every time they step into your elevator. To boost your branding, we offer a set of custom-designed wall protection pads with your logo as well as mirror etching services. 

 

B: Not really. We just have a standard interior with no branded elements. 

 

Commercial buildings are always trying to leave their mark and uphold their reputation. Your elevator interior is a great place to reinforce your branding and aesthetic. From custom cab interior parts to branded accessories and features, remodelling your elevator is a great opportunity to define your brand and make sure it gets across to your passengers.

TRY OUT OUR CAB DESIGN STUDIO TO GET THOSE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

Design Your Custom Cab
elevator cab ceiling design

5. Finally, is the repair expensive enough to justify a remodel?

1: Yes


If you have a few wall panels, door cladding, and mirrors to replace, then it may be time to do a full elevator cab remodel. You also have to think about your savings over time. Investing a little more into a remodel means you’ll spend less on repairs in the coming years.

 

2: No


If there’s just a noticeboard to install or halogen lights to upgrade, then a repair could be just what you need. Call us anytime to talk about your elevator interior repairs, and we’ll help you get your cab looking its best.

K-Elevator are your Commercial Elevator Interior Specialists

Are you looking for elevator interior repair or remodelling solutions? K-Elevator is your leading elevator cab interior company in Western Canada. No matter what type of elevator you have, we have the expertise, designs and materials to bring your vision to life.

 

Get your elevator cab interior remodeled or repaired with K-Elevator today.

Contact Us

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Get a Quote

Renovating Your Elevator: The Most Common Mistakes

Renovating your elevator? Know the top elevator renovation mistakes, BEFORE they happen.

Renovating Your Elevator: The Most Common Mistakes

Renovating an elevator is an expensive, time-consuming process. So it’s best to be done the right way or you’ll risk incurring additional costs. Preparing for renovation day in advance can help you achieve an excellent final result that’s free from common elevator renovation mistakes that many people are prone to making.

 

Below is a list of such mistakes, along with handy tips on how to avoid making them.

7 Common Elevator Cab Renovation Mistakes

1. Introducing Heavy Elements

A grand interior is not well-suited to every elevator, especially small ones with lower weight limits than their larger counterparts. 

 

By introducing heavy, ornate decoration into the elevator cab, you are essentially reducing its ability to carry weight (people, in particular) – remember, elevators are a tool for vertical transportation against gravity, which is why it is best to stick to lightweight, practical interior designs. There is a minimum allowable net weight add threshold that must be adhered to if the finishes exceed the allowable weight a design review must be completed to ensure the installed equipment is capable for the extra weight. This can become very costly.

 

Heavier design options include:

 

    • Decorative ceilings
    • Large or bulky mirrors
    • Concrete or marble floor tile

It’s better to avoid such elements. Keep this in mind before refreshing an elevator’s interior.

2. Installing Stone Flooring

You might be surprised to know that stone floors have become an increasingly popular elevator trend in recent days, especially due to the minimalist movement that encourages the use of simple and sometimes organic textures in interior design. 

 

However, despite their brilliant aesthetic and the recent rise in popularity, stone floors are not recommended for use in elevators because of how heavy they are. Employing them can reduce the elevator’s ability to carry a large load if the stone flooring is heavy enough.

3. Opting for a Ornate Floor

The process of installing tile flooring within an elevator is not as straightforward as you might think. Not all elevators were created equal, and some of them may not support the direct installation of tiles. As a result, you may need to first install a plywood floor and then fit tiles upon it. 

 

Unfortunately, not only does this increase the cost of renovation and redecoration, but it might also raise the floor’s height above the maximum allowance set by local governing bodies, though this limit may vary depending upon where you live.

4. Skipping the Handrails

Some people believe that by removing an elevator’s old, downtrodden handrails, they are maximizing its inner space, as well as getting the opportunity to forgo the cost of installing new ones. However, they forget that the benefits of installing handrails outstrip any potential negatives.

 

Handrails not only maximize comfort for those riding inside the elevator, but they also make the cab more user-friendly for those with disabilities. To meet current code for persons with disabilities handrails must be mounted on all non-access walls. This is within the current B-44 Elevator Code under Non-Mandatory appendix E.

 

Handrails may rust, corrode, or garner excessive scratches over time and may require replacement. So, be sure to install new ones after you remove their older counterparts!

5. Choosing Incorrectly Between Metal Refinishing and Cladding

Metal refinishing is not capable of covering deep scratches and dents, yet many people make the mistake of choosing metal refinishing when what the elevator really needs is a well-executed cladding job. 

 

Cladding is also preferred over refinishing if the cab’s existing walls are covered with scratches  or slightly corroded. 

 

Though metal refinishing is not a suitable replacement for a cladding job, it is the perfect option for the removal of all the imperfections, like light scratches and stain marks, that the elevator’s walls have garnered over time. 

 

Whether you opt for metal refinishing or cladding depends upon how badly damaged the elevator’s interior is, and it is best to take an expert’s opinion before finalizing your decision.

6. Delaying Renovations

Elevator cab renovations take time and can put the device out of use for a while, which is why most elevators are prone to experiencing renovation delays, even though they might need one urgently. 

Renovating an elevator can take anywhere from a day to a week (or more, if there’s an extremely tedious task on hand). Halting the elevator for such a large amount of time can make transportation and movement difficult for some people, particularly if there’s only one elevator within the entire building. 

 

Still, taking time out for renovation and redecorating is extremely important and should not be neglected, or the elevator’s condition will only deteriorate further. 

 

To make up for any inconvenience caused by halting the elevator, the building’s management should ensure the presence of efficient alternatives, like stairs, a second elevator, or escalators if present. 

 

If none of these options are available – or if taking the stairs will prove too hectic – renovations should be scheduled during hours of low rush. Weekends or off days for in-office elevators are ideal, whereas nighttime is perfect for elevators located within malls.

7. Hiring Unqualified Installers

Hiring an unqualified team to handle an elevator renovation job is never a smart move. Tradesmiths like construction workers and carpenters are not in a position to take on the demanding job of renovating an elevator. 

 

Interior designers are no good for this purpose, either, which is why you’ll have to commission a well-reputed elevator renovation team to do the job for you. It is a requirement that anyone working on or in an elevator must be licensed to do so, or be directly supervised by some that is.

 

Professional elevator renovation workers are aware of the essential rules concerning elevator renovation and can keep an eye on vital statistics like material fire ratings, weight limits, and more. 

 

Also, before hiring a team to work for you, be sure to look into their credentials and past projects. An experienced, well-reputed team will be able to deliver superior results significantly faster than an inexperienced counterpart, which is why it is important to look into credible options before hiring.

Rundown of Top Elevator Renovation Mistakes

  1. Introducing Heavy Elements
  2. Installing Stone Flooring
  3. Opting for Ornate Tile
  4. Skipping the Handrails
  5. Choosing Incorrectly Between Metal Refinishing and Cladding 
  6. Delaying Renovations 
  7. Hiring Unqualified Installers

Let Us Help You Avoid Common Elevator Renovation Mistakes

Our team at K-Elevators is fully equipped to handle all kinds of Toronto elevator cab renovations, making us an excellent choice for the task – contact our representatives for a free price quote today! 

Get In Touch

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Get a Quote

Should I Repair or Remodel My Commercial Elevator Interior?

Should I Repair or Remodel My Commercial Elevator Interior?

Your elevator cabs are key public-facing spaces in your building that serve so many purposes beyond just taking people up and down. From defining the passenger journey to facilitating the flow of people in your building and transporting visitors safely to showcasing your aesthetic, the elevator cab interior is a reflection of your business.

 

That’s why it’s important to keep it in tip-top shape. But when something goes wrong with your elevator cab, there’s no need to panic. Whether it’s a minor bit of damage or a major component is malfunctioning, we recommend taking a step back and assessing the situation before making any major decisions.

 

No matter the type of elevator you have, here’s how you can tell if your elevator cab needs a repair or a remodel. Answer these questions to find out more!

When to Repair vs Remodel Commercial Elevator Interiors

1. First things first, how does your elevator cab interior look?

A: The floor tiles are broken and the lights are outdated and not energy efficient. 


If the elevator cab interior has some small cosmetic issues, then a cab interior professional can repair them and match your present style so that the fixes fit right in. For example, K-Elevator can switch outdated halogen lights to low-cost and energy-efficient LEDs that freshen up the entire feel of your cab interior.

 

B: The back mirror is cracked, the stainless steel is dented, and we had to take out the ceiling panels last week because they started to droop. 


When costly cab interior issues start to add up, such as worn-out cab panels, ceiling tiles, and cladding, it may be time to look into getting an elevator cab interior remodel. Why inconvenience your passengers and overspend on constant repairs when you can invest in an overhaul of your cab interior in one go? What’s more important, if you have a cracked mirror, exposed sharp edges or even a missing tile that it puts your elevator out of compliance with the B-44 Elevator code, and can be called by a TSSA inspector for non-compliance. A fresh new look tells your residents, stakeholders, and guests that the property is well cared for and keeps your elevator code-compliant.

5 SIGNS IT’S TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR ELEVATOR INTERIORS

Read Now
When is it time to upgrade your elevator interior?

2. Next up, how is the exterior of your elevator holding up?

A: The door frames seem to be in good shape, but there are some visible scratches and dents in the cladding. 

 

This is most likely a repair job. Our staff are experts in elevator door recladding. Whether it’s painted or stainless steel, this is also a great opportunity to choose a finish that’s more durable and better matches your building’s aesthetic.

 

B: Passengers often remark that the elevator door and frame look banged up.

 

Your elevator doors are the first impression riders get of your elevators. No matter how new or well kept they are inside, if the door frames need an upgrade, it could tarnish their experience. We recommend talking to your elevator professionals about a quote for a new elevator door and door frame cladding for your commercial building.

3. How old is the elevator?

1: It’s definitely older than 25 years.

 

Unlike certain wines and cheese, elevator interiors don’t improve with age. What was considered modern twenty or thirty years ago often looks tired and worn out today. By remodelling your elevator, you’re also improving the impression of your business or property. This goes double for buildings that have had a foyer or lobby facelift in the past five to ten years.

 

2: It was updated recently, but…


In many situations, even commercial elevator cabs that were updated recently can use some TLC. That’s because age isn’t the only determining factor —cracked mirrors, chipped floor tiles, and scuffed cladding can occur at any time. If that’s the case, then you can focus on repairing specific components.

ELEVATOR CAB INTERIOR REMODELING: A COMPLETE GUIDE

Read Now

4. Does your elevator cab interior show off your property’s style and brand?

A: Yes, we’re looking into boosting it with custom elevator interior accessories.

 

When your cab interior puts your building’s best foot forward, your passengers will feel it every time they step into your elevator. To boost your branding, we offer a set of custom-designed wall protection pads with your logo as well as mirror etching services. 

 

B: Not really. We just have a standard interior with no branded elements. 

 

Commercial buildings are always trying to leave their mark and uphold their reputation. Your elevator interior is a great place to reinforce your branding and aesthetic. From custom cab interior parts to branded accessories and features, remodelling your elevator is a great opportunity to define your brand and make sure it gets across to your passengers.

TRY OUT OUR CAB DESIGN STUDIO TO GET THOSE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

Design Your Custom Cab
elevator cab ceiling design

5. Finally, is the repair expensive enough to justify a remodel?

1: Yes


If you have a few wall panels, door cladding, and mirrors to replace, then it may be time to do a full elevator cab remodel. You also have to think about your savings over time. Investing a little more into a remodel means you’ll spend less on repairs in the coming years.

 

2: No


If there’s just a noticeboard to install or halogen lights to upgrade, then a repair could be just what you need. Call us anytime to talk about your elevator interior repairs, and we’ll help you get your cab looking its best.

K-Elevator are your Commercial Elevator Interior Specialists

Are you looking for elevator interior repair or remodelling solutions? K-Elevator is your leading elevator cab interior company in Canada. No matter what type of elevator you have, we have the expertise, designs and materials to bring your vision to life.

 

Get your elevator cab interior remodelled or repaired with K-Elevator today.

Contact Us

Ready to lift up
your elevator journeys?

Get a Quote