If you are considering the installation or modernization of an elevator for your commercial or residential property, there are several factors which might concern. Is it a cost-effective option? What is the estimated duration of the installation? Is it a good investment? All of these are crucial considerations that must be addressed before making a decision. If you’re worried about the installation time, you’ll find everything you need here. So, let’s have a look at the factors that influence the installation time:
- The Structures Involved:
If you’re installing an elevator in an existing structure, you may need to make some changes to the structure. In order to install an elevator it is necessary to meet certain requirements and to ensure that those improvements are done.
These modifications may differ for various properties depending on the established code requirements and the jurisdiction. Conducting a meeting and an onsite evaluation with your elevator contractor is one must needed technique to identify the work that needs to be done by the client. This job might take weeks or months to complete, depending on the state of the structure.
A shorter building will, on average, take less time to erect than a taller structure assuming everything goes according to plan. Also keep in mind that if the elevator is being put in a new building, you must ensure that it can sustain all of the elevator’s needs. While new building takes time, elevator installation criteria should be satisfied as the structure takes shape.
- The Installation Process
If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll need to pour a concrete pit. The requirements for the pit’s foundations and reinforcement are determined by a variety of criteria, including state or municipal laws and the terrain beneath the structure. The size of the pit vary based on the project, but the usual thickness of the pit wall for flooring is 8 to 12 inches.
When building an elevator, you must also consider safety precautions. According to local standards, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire sprinklers must be put around or in the elevator. Furthermore, the water discharged by fire sprinklers might be harmful in and of itself when it comes to electricity. As a result, you must ensure that they are compatible with the electrical systems. A phone line for emergencies should also be installed.
After you’ve met all of the safety standards, a municipal code enforcement officer or a third-party elevator inspector must check the final product. The elevator can be utilized if he believes it is up to code. All of this can take a long time, and architects and engineers may be required to sign off on the designs and documentation.
- Every Job is Unique
Even if you engage contractors for this work, keep in mind that each elevator installation procedure is unique and comes with its own set of challenges. Because the equipment is designed job-specific and factors such as capacity, floor rise, door operation, speed, and other factors play into the elevator’s design, each project for modernization and new construction is unique. Based on prior projects, it’s impossible to anticipate the precise length of time an installation will take, but it can offer you a rough estimate.