Elevator Company to Suit Your Building

Depending on the size of your new construction project, you will likely have to have one or several elevators installed. There is no perfect way to make plans for this process. However, you can be assured that the best contractors and architects will use the assistance of an elevator company.

Because of the intricate nature of the installation, an expert needs to be on hand to oversee and to a degree perform the installation of the elevators. Although the equipment seems decently straight forward, many different steps are required. These steps are specific and if not followed properly and in the right order can lead to dangerous situations for both construction crew and future patrons of the building.

First of all, the process will begin with the necessary contractors constructing the shafts and the housing for the lifts, cables, electrical wiring and other equipment. This will happen early on and will likely be overseen specifically by your architect and the general building contractor. Once these shafts are in place and ready to be fitted, an elevator company will likely be called in to assess the situation and get started.

You may have to have separate meetings with the elevator company and their contractors as you work out details. You will have to make specific decisions regarding the nature of the elevators. Do you want the ability to skip certain floors? Are you thinking of running anything express? How big are you thinking of going? Where are you planning to place the freight elevators, if you have them?

These details and questions will lead you to a discussion of costs and estimates. It isn't impossible for you to get several estimates. Although this is a very specific realm of contracting, there are many companies out there that specialize in it. Just make sure you are signing with a business that you can trust. A good reputation goes a long way in cities, so check with other building owners to see if they have recommendations.

Once you have made these initial decisions, you can begin to discuss details. What kind of system do you want your elevators to run on? What details do you want available specifically for the patron? For example, are you planning to have only coded access to the lifts or are they intended to be for public access? You will also get to choose the outfitting, electronics and look of the handles, doors, and flooring.

Truly, if you are planning to outfit your building with elevators, it is essential that you go through an elevator company for the contracting. Because the mechanics and construction is so specific, you cannot risk not having it done right the first time. Talk to your general contractor or architect if you have questions or concerns. They will be glad to sit down and discuss your options.