The Challenges of Elevator Modernization
When it comes to elevator modernization, there's no such thing as a typical project. Cory Hunter, a senior elevator consultant based in Charlotte, North Carolina, puts it best: “Whether it’s a two or three-stop hydraulic elevator in a commercial office or a 30-stop mid-rise building, they all seem to have a different challenge”.
At ATIS, our approach to each project is holistic. We identify everything that needs to be repaired, replaced, and upgraded to ensure all safety items and code deficiencies are addressed. Our goal is to reset the life cycle of the equipment for our clients, aiming for a 20 to 25-year lifespan.
Some might see this holistic approach as potential scope creep, leading to increased costs for building owners. However, Hunter clarifies, “We’re not asking owners and managers to spend more money than necessary. We help them pick the right equipment and contractor for installation and ongoing maintenance, which ultimately saves money in the long run”.
A safe, reliable elevator system reduces risks and minimizes downtime, leading to happier tenants and visitors. Hunter, with over 20 years of experience and hundreds of modernization projects under his belt, notes that clients typically see savings of 5 to 25% through a competitive bid process.
An elevator consultant can assist at any phase of a modernization project. Hunter explains, “Some building owners and managers are well-qualified to manage all aspects of a project, while others may not be as comfortable. Even if they are capable, it makes sense to have an experienced consultant provide a second pair of eyes and offer advice”.
Hunter emphasizes the importance of maintaining a minimum standard of quality or care in every project. This means not just upgrading what's required by code but looking at the system holistically to ensure reliable, safe, and ongoing operation for years to come.
PRE-BID PHASE
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ATIS will use a highly trained technical field consultant to thoroughly survey all parts of the equipment
Maintenance contractor will most often use office staff to survey equipment
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ATIS will give an unbiased assessment of equipment so that you get quoted items you don’t need, and you get everything you do need.
Maintenance contractor will decide what is needed.
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ATIS will create detailed specifications including what types and brands of equipment are acceptable, and what performance criteria is required.
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ATIS will select vendors who are capable and skilled at doing the work and have available people power in your area to get the job done.
BID PHASE
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ATIS will review specifications with qualified contractors and request bids
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ATIS will review all contractor quotes to make sure the comparison is apples to apples
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ATIS will negotiate with contractors to ensure all pricing, scope, and terms needs are met.
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ATIS will recommend a contractor based on negotiations.
POST BID PHASE
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ATIS will hold contractor to schedule, SOW, and T&Cs
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ATIS will review the installation
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ATIS will write up all deficiencies
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ATIS will not stop managing the project until a final acceptance with the jurisdiction is complete and the elevator is permitted
At Atis, we’re not just gonna do the minimum, we’re gonna do the right thing for the client based on a comprehensive evaluation of the equipment—and every building’s different.
When asked what he wants building managers and owners to know about working with Atis elevator consultants on any elevator project, Hunter says, “We love to engage clients early on in the process of modernization. We’re open to listening and giving constructive feedback on any project regardless of if the manager or owner ends up working with us or not.”