Planning for elevator modernization & the cost of emergency repairs

I was recently at a building this week and found some elevator equipment from late 1950’s to early 1960’s.  The elevator door operator sounds like a draw bridge is opening and closing and they have had some reliability issues.  This particular building has not saved for modernization and the equipment is reaching 60+ years old.  The building just recently started a dialog with their long time service provider about replacing their equipment. 

[I haven't seen too many of these door operators still around]

This is another reminder to buildings they should budget to have their elevator updated the same they would budget for new drive ways, roofs, boilers, windows, etc.  After elevator equipment is 20-25 years old buildings should begin talking to their elevator company about what they will need to be replacing.   This can be a longer term plan, but a plan needs to be made.

Costs of an older elevator – Elevator modernization is an expensive proposition.  But if building owners add up the repair costs of their aging elevator system, they may be well on their way to the cost of a modernized elevator.  We complete emergency repairs on older elevator systems and they always tend to occur on Friday at 4pm[or other very inconvenient times].  Elevator repairs are expensive not to mention “the over time” component.  If your modernization costs $50,000.00, $100,000.00 or $200,000.00 paying for stop gap repairs of $5,000.00, $7,500.00, $17,000.00 adds up over the years.

                                        [Emergency repairs never completely finished]

                                              [Emergency repair never completed]

Take away – If your elevator is over 20-25 years old start talking to your elevator service provider about how much you will need to invest in the elevator system so you can begin saving for it.  Long term planning does take time but it is much easier than trying to pay for a very expensive equipment replacement all at once.

If you have any questions or would like information from Colley Elevator you can go to www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.