So, you’re looking to purchase an elevator for your business. Great decision! That’s the easy part. Now you have to find the right elevator manufacturer for your needs. That will entail asking all the right questions. This is the best way to get the info you need to make an informed decision.
Here are five helpful questions to ask before you buy:
- What type of drive system do you recommend for my needs based on floor travel? Keep in mind, you have many options at your disposal, such as hole-less hydraulic, in-ground hydraulic, traction, machine room-less and roped hydraulic. Each one comes with a different price tag and purpose, i.e., length of travel.
- Does the elevator feature proprietary parts? Proprietary parts may save you over the short term but they come with plenty of long-term hassles. Proprietary parts are those that are designed specifically for use with a particular elevator, made by that manufacturer. Thus, that manufacturer only sells them to dealers that carry that brand. If you can, focus on elevators that only use non-proprietary parts. The National Association of Elevator Contractors objects to using proprietary parts due to the fact that it drives up costs. When you buy non-proprietary equipment, it gives you more maintenance options and lowers long-term costs. When you buy proprietary equipment, you are forced to use that manufacturer for all maintenance and repair parts and tasks.
- Who will install the unit and provide maintenance after the fact? Installation may be a cut-and-dry prospect but the waters get murky when maintenance comes into play. Go over any contract in detail before signing. Keep in mind that many contain clauses that are five-year deals featuring increases built in automatically.
- How much is the elevator and what is the estimated annual cost of maintaining it? These costs will vary greatly with the type of elevator and usage level, of course. But according to Home Advisor, the national average for elevator maintenance is about $420, with a typical range of $175 to $700.
- Who is my main point of contact? Make sure you ask who your point of contact is for any issues related to maintenance or repairs after installation. Get their name and number and keep it handy.
No matter which elevator type you choose, it’s important to be a savvy consumer and ask the right questions to help you make an informed decision. For elevator installation and maintenance that is exceptional through all phases, please call Mowrey Elevator today for a free quote. We would be happy to assist you in choosing the right elevator for your needs as well as set you up with a comprehensive maintenance plan.