Elevator Installation

[Phillip Richardson]

Does anyone have any experience installing elevators? I'm looking to understand the cost/benefits and whether or not it will be worth adding to a project. Thanks!

[Steve Smith]

@Phillip Richardson

Read a post the other day on this subject it said something about adding $20,000

To your budget. Do not know if it true but I can see how it would

Make it happen

Steve

[Praveen Cherian]

@Steve Smith I was told by a contractor to budget 30 to 50k per floor. Not sure if this is accurate

[Brian Pulaski]

Elevators have very strict rules to follow. I have been involved in new builds with them, and there is quite a bit that goes into it (regarding the structure, the machine room, etc). I have never done a retrofit, so I’m not sure how difficult that would be.

[Praveen Cherian]

@Brian Pulaski two quotes came in 225K Range for 4 floors lift

[Brian Pulaski]

A couple of things I would confirm with the bids (if you can get more I always like more). Double and triple check with them regarding their machine room. I had a project many years ago where we were doing a new build and the elevator companies all confirmed the machine room was acceptable. After award and in the submittal process (no turning back as elevators have very long lead times) it came to light the machine room was too small for his equipment and the required clearances. This was a metal framed building so simply changing structural steel members (especially around the elevator shaft) was not an option. It took a LOT of work and us as the GC had to eat quite a bit of charges from their errors but we did get it figured out.

Without knowing the specifics of your project it may be fairly easy and not a massive deal. These were just some takeaways from when I was in the commercial game and had some stress filled late nights worrying about how to make the machine room work!