Why Your Vertical Transportation Project Needs an Elevator Consulting Company

A phrase elevator consulting companies hear repeatedly from building owners, facility managers, and property managers is: “I already have three bids.” This statement is most often made when an organization is preparing for an elevator modernization, upgrade, repair, or related work involving escalators, lifts, or dumbwaiters.

At face value, securing multiple bids seems like a responsible and efficient approach. Owners reasonably assume that if several reputable elevator companies review the same equipment and submit proposals, the pricing and scope will be comparable, making the contractor selection process relatively simple. Unfortunately, this assumption may not be true.

How Elevator Projects Typically Begin

Most vertical transportation projects originate when an owner or manager identifies aging equipment, recurring service issues, code concerns, or performance complaints from tenants. In response, they contact three or four elevator contractors and request proposals for repair, modernization, or upgrade work.

Each contractor evaluates the equipment through the lens of their own internal standards, preferred products, labor models, and commercial priorities. While the resulting bids may appear similar in total cost, the details—often buried deep within the proposal—can vary significantly. Critical components may be excluded, assumptions may be left unstated, and long-term operational impacts are frequently overlooked.

It is usually at this stage that owners realize the bids are difficult to compare and that determining the “best” contractor is not as straightforward as expected. This is often when an elevator consulting company is contacted—after bids have already been issued.

The Risks Hidden Within Comparable Bids

Even when elevator contractor proposals look similar on the surface, meaningful differences in scope, materials, code compliance, and execution strategy can result in delays, inspection failures, and costly change orders once the project is underway.

Without a clearly defined and independently developed scope of work, projects are vulnerable to:

• Incomplete modernization packages

• Unanticipated code upgrades triggered mid-project

• Schedule extensions due to unclear responsibilities

• Budget overruns driven by change orders

• Long-term maintenance and reliability issues

These risks are rarely intentional, but they are common when projects are contractor-defined rather than owner-controlled.

Why Elevator Consulting Firms Should Be Engaged Early

Hiring an elevator consulting firm at the beginning of a project fundamentally changes the outcome. Rather than reacting to contractor proposals, the consultant performs an objective assessment of the existing equipment, building conditions, regulatory requirements, and operational goals.

From this assessment, the consultant develops a comprehensive, clearly articulated scope of work that defines exactly what the project should include. Contractors then bid against the same requirements, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring true “apples-to-apples” pricing.

This proactive approach:

• Reduces risk exposure

• Improves budget predictability

• Minimizes change orders

• Ensures compliance with applicable codes and standards

• Aligns project outcomes with the owner’s long-term interests

Equally important, elevator consultants advocate solely for the owner. Their recommendations are not tied to product sales, proprietary equipment, or service contracts.

A More Disciplined Path to Successful Projects

Elevator modernization and repair projects represent a significant capital investment and directly affect building safety, reliability, and occupant satisfaction. Establishing the correct scope, schedule, and performance expectations at the outset is essential to project success.

Engaging an elevator consulting company early ensures that best practices are followed, International Building Code and applicable DOB requirements are addressed, and the project proceeds with clarity, accountability, and reduced risk.

If your building or organization is considering an elevator modernization, upgrade, repair, or any vertical transportation–related project, VSA Consulting is prepared to assist. With offices in New York City, we provide independent consulting services designed to protect owner interests from planning through project completion. Contact us today at info@vsaconsulting.com.