More than you ever wanted to know about elevators--but actually interesting and relevant
Kearns quote for elevator cab decor upgrade to stainless steel (per quote for walls, ceiling, panels): $198,000 ($24,750 each) for 8. Freight ceiling $6,600 ea. or $26,400 (So, around a quarter of a million dollars)
Per elevator cab renovation expert:
Low price on elevator cab interior renovation for stainless steel: $9,000 - $11,000 each or total of $72,000-$88,000. Freight $3,000 $3,500 or $12,000 or $13,000. $120,000 would be HIGH for stainless for 8 elevators. They just did a 5-star hotel in NYC for $25,000/per cab--very high end.
Bronze trim is considered more high end than stainless. They also stated that they do refurbishment of bronze and of present interiors. (Note: bronze should be maintained by OCCASIONALLY polishing it with bronze polish, then use a thin layer of micro-crystalline wax, then use a soft cloth to remove fingerprints--actually the oil on hands serves as another protective layer--the continual use of polish just makes unnecessary work as well as exposure of toxic fumes to staff and residents). Stainless also needs care as anyone with stainless appliances knows.
Contractors generally receive 15%-10% of all 3rd party contracts. (Note: Do we really want to pay this premium?)
Should use elevator consultant not architect for elevator project--can make a difference of a $1 million. These are people that do nothing but consult on elevator projects. Some really huge architectural companies might have one on staff but small companies do not.
Interior cab companies work directly with elevator companies. Interior guys cannot do anything with moving parts--only elevator company. Elevator company does button panel, doors, and all moving parts.
Would cost additional to remove/replace doors. Elevator guys remove doors not decor guys.
Another elevator cab renovation expert:
Most economical packages provide wall panels finished in a plastic laminate. These packages for an average sized cab start around $6,500, installed. Once you include a new ceiling, typically constructed from a mirror or satin finished stainless steel, you will add an additional $1,700 - $2,300 to the base price depending on the light fixture you select. This is the price for one cab – an 8-10% discount would apply for multiple cabs.
If you move up to a wall panel finished in a stainless steel, these packages for an average sized cab start around $8,000, installed. Price will vary a little bit depending upon whether or not you go with a true sheet of stainless or a stainless laminate. Ceiling prices to complement these cabs will be priced the same as above.
In addition to base pricing, make sure you address the following issues:
1. Weight – how much do your old finishes weigh? How much will your new finishes weigh? Is there more than a 5% difference between the two? If so, you will need to get a handle on how much your service provider will charge you to rebalance the cabs. This work is not cheap.
2. Energy Costs – There are a variety of different substrates onto which your decorative finishes may be applied and which one you choose will determine how much your cabs will weigh and how much you will pay in electricity bills. We have cabs packages that weigh as little at 275# or as much as 700#. Multiply that weight by the amount of trips your cab will make in a given month and the savings can add up quickly. Elevators use a lot of energy…..
3. Environment – Have you given any thought to FSC certified [wall finish] products? No formaldehyde/low urea substrates? Low VOC adhesives? Energy saving light fixtures?
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