Elevator building revival, Old bones or what to talk about with new building owners who have dormant buildings

We have a client who has owned a building for some time, portions of the building have been dormant for long before they purchased it. We have done work in different parts of the building over the years and they are finally getting to the most neglected portions of the building.  We recently completed the engineering on a group of elevators that will be modernized after years of preparation and information gathering.  This is meant for building owners who know a lot about buildings and rehabilitations but may not know anything about elevators.

The most important thing in this blog is going to be just because you know a lot about the trades, rehabilitation, flipping, etc doesn’t necessarily mean you know anything about elevators. 

Do your diligence – Before buying a building hire someone to walk the building and write a report for you indicating; elevator condition, potential repairs, potential costs, etc.  This will cost you a pretty penny but it may be worth its weight in gold as elevator work is very expensive and most people have no idea anything about our trade.

Find an honest contractor who will be straight with you – This is so very important.  We get pushed to tell people what they want to hear.  Find someone who is competent and will be brutally honest with you.  It will be the difference between hearing what you want to and understanding when this cylinder or underground pipe is found to be compromised in the ground and we give you a quote for $5,000 to $50,000 extra as well as project delays. 

[Hydraulic line going into the ground]

 

[Elevator pit that has been filled with water for years]

We cannot spend your money for you but we can guide you so you know potential costs before you move forward.

Understand the elevator condition and what needs to be completed – Work with a contractor or pay a consultant to take the time to give you enough information so you understand what is being completed.

            What does replace the control system mean?

            What does ADA compliant mean?

            Why are there only 12 items on your quote but you are charging me $75,000.00?

 

[Will this work?]

Someone should spend time with you to explain where your money is going.  They should also tell you what other options are and what you are retaining. The day will come when you begin to have issues with the retained equipment and you will be asking questions, let’s answer the questions before this day comes.

Non elevator work – Older buildings typically have older infrastructure and may require some NFPA, NEC or IBC code items that are not within the elevator contractors purview.  Your elevator contractor or consultant may not know all the answers but they should know enough so you can ask questions to the AHJ or the other trades you will need to engage.

[What needs to be done to make this code compliant?]

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If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107 or on our web page at www.colleyelevator.com

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