Is it time for an elevator modernization?
- By VE
For many building owners and property managers, elevator modernization is one of the largest capital investments they will face. Because elevators are designed to last decades, it’s not always obvious when repairs stop making financial sense, and modernization becomes the smarter long-term solution.
At Veteran Elevator, we believe modernization decisions should be based on reliability, safety, parts availability, and long-term operating costs, not pressure tactics or scare-based sales presentations. The reality is that not every aging elevator needs to be modernized immediately. But there are clear warning signs that it’s time to begin planning.
The best modernization projects are rarely emergencies. They’re planned years in advance, budgeted properly, and executed before catastrophic failures disrupt tenants and operations.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
We’re happy to help review inspection reports and explain the findings, even if we’re not your current elevator provider.
What is an Elevator Modernization?
An elevator modernization involves replacing major components to improve:
- Reliability
- Safety
- Performance
- Code compliance
- Ride quality
- Parts availability
Depending on the age and condition of the equipment, modernization may include:
- Controllers
- Door operators
- Power units and drives
- Machines
- Fixtures and buttons
- Seismic upgrades
- Communication systems
- Cab interiors and finishes
Start Planning Early
One of the biggest mistakes building owners make is waiting until failure forces a decision.
Instead, we recommend obtaining a budgetary ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude) estimate several years in advance. Having a 2–5 year plan allows owners to prepare financially and avoid emergency decisions.
7 Signs It May Be Time for an Elevator Modernization
1. Your Elevator Is Breaking Down More Frequently
Increasing service interruptions are one of the clearest warning signs.
You may notice:
- Recurring shutdowns
- Frequent callbacks
- Intermittent faults
- Unexplained outages
- Repeated repairs on the same components
Another sign many owners overlook is changes to their maintenance agreement.
If your provider begins:
- Downgrading your contract to examination-only service
- Removing material coverage
- Charging for callbacks that were previously included
…it may indicate that the equipment is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to support.
Eventually, continuing to repair aging equipment becomes more expensive than replacing it.
2. Parts Are Becoming Obsolete
Older elevator systems often rely on components that manufacturers no longer support.
This can lead to:
- Extended downtime
- Long lead times
- Specialty repair costs
- Used or refurbished components
- Limited repair options
You may also start receiving invoices for obsolete parts even though your maintenance agreement historically included material coverage.
At that point, the fine print in your service agreement becomes extremely important.
When technicians begin searching for used boards and aftermarket repairs, modernization planning should already be underway.
3. Door Problems Are Becoming Common
The door system is responsible for an estimated 80–85% of elevator callbacks.
Problems can range from something as simple as debris in the sill to severe door misalignment that causes dragging, scratching, or shutdowns.
Common symptoms include:
- Doors slamming
- Slow operation
- Frequent door faults
- Door nudging
- Inconsistent operation
Because door systems account for the majority of service calls, upgrading door equipment can dramatically improve reliability and passenger satisfaction.
4. Ride Quality Has Declined
Passengers notice when elevators:
- Stop unevenly
- Vibrate excessively
- Feel rough or shaky
- Make unusual noises
- Level inaccurately
Poor ride quality often points to aging:
- Controllers
- Drives
- Motors
- Machines
- Hydraulic power units
These components may still operate, but they no longer perform efficiently or consistently.
5. Tenant Complaints Are Increasing
Elevators are one of the most visible systems in a building.
Tenants may complain about:
- Long wait times
- Frequent outages
- Rough rides
- Noise
- Accessibility concerns
- An outdated appearance
For office buildings, apartments, healthcare facilities, and hotels, elevator reliability directly affects tenant satisfaction and building reputation.
6. Your Elevator Looks Dated
Modernization isn’t always about mechanical performance.
An outdated elevator cab can make an otherwise renovated building feel old.
Cab upgrades may include:
- New wall panels
- Flooring
- LED lighting
- Digital indicators
- Fixtures and buttons
These improvements can dramatically increase the perceived value of a property.
7. Repair Costs Continue to Increase
Another clear indicator is rising repair expenses.
You may notice:
- Increasing callback frequency
- More emergency service charges
- Unpredictable maintenance costs
- Repeated recommendations for repairs
Service companies may begin proposing:
- Door roller replacements
- Oil changes
- Software upgrades
- Drive upgrades
- Starter replacements
These recommendations are often legitimate—but they may also signal that the equipment is nearing the end of its practical life.
Modernization Doesn't Have to Be an Emergency
One of the biggest misconceptions in the industry is that modernization should be delayed as long as possible.
Our philosophy is different.
Do It Once. Do It Right.
While some companies recommend upgrading elevator components in phases, we generally find that building owners achieve the best long-term value by completing a full modernization at one time.
Attempting to extend the life of aging equipment through multiple partial upgrades often increases the total cost of ownership. Over time, repeated service calls, multiple mobilizations, and ongoing compatibility issues can add 20–30% or more to the overall investment while creating years of disruption for tenants and building operations.
Many modernization projects begin only after equipment failures become frequent and reliability has reached a breaking point. At that stage, owners often discover that even after approving the project, the timeline is largely determined by equipment manufacturing and scheduling.
Typical industry timelines include:
- Material procurement: 12–30 weeks
- Hydraulic elevator installation: 4–6 weeks
- Traction elevator installation: 12–18 weeks
The good news is that with proper planning, much of the disruption can be minimized.
The Veteran Elevator Approach
At Veteran Elevator, we work with building owners months before equipment reaches the end of its life. By planning ahead, ordering materials early, coordinating contractors, and scheduling inspections in advance, we can significantly reduce the time your elevator is out of service.
A typical hydraulic elevator modernization managed by Veteran Elevator may look like this:
- Elevator installation: Approximately 4 weeks
- Work by other trades: Approximately 1 week
- Final testing and state inspection: Approximately 2 weeks
Typical total elevator outage: Approximately 7 weeks
A True Turnkey Modernization
One of the most overlooked aspects of an elevator modernization is the work required outside of the elevator itself.
Most projects also require code-related improvements, including:
- HVAC modifications
- Electrical upgrades
- Smoke detection and fire alarm integration
- Drywall, patching, and painting after installation
On average, these “work by others” items represent approximately 46% of the elevator modernization cost.
Rather than leaving building owners to coordinate multiple contractors and schedules, Veteran Elevator can include these services as part of a single, turnkey project. We coordinate every trade, manage the project schedule, and oversee the process from planning through final inspection—providing one point of contact and one seamless experience.
The result is a modernization project that stays organized, minimizes downtime, and delivers the complete solution building owners expect.
Why Partial Modernizations Can Be Expensive
Many components are interconnected.
Replacing one major component often forces other systems to be upgraded to current code.
Hydraulic Elevators
Replacing the controller typically triggers upgrades involving:
- Electrical systems
- HVAC
- Smoke detectors
- Fire recall systems
- Fixtures
Installing a new overspeed valve may also increase horsepower requirements, which can require larger disconnects and additional electrical work.
The One Exception: Door Operators
Door operators are often the only major component that can be replaced independently.
Because they have limited interaction with the controller, they can frequently be upgraded without affecting either the old or future system.
Outside of emergency situations or when modernization materials are already on order, investing heavily in aging equipment often produces poor returns.
Traction Elevators
Modern traction systems operate as a complete package.
The:
- Controller
- Machine
- Encoder
- Brakes
- Load weighing system
- Tape selector
…all work together.
Replacing one component often leads to:
- Rope replacement
- Roller guide replacement
- Seismic upgrades
- Fixture upgrades
- Additional code-required work
For that reason, performing the complete modernization at one time is usually the most cost-effective approach
Questions to Ask Before Approving a Modernization
Before signing a proposal, ask:
Which components truly need replacement?
Which parts are still supported by the manufacturer?
Are parts available only through aftermarket repair sources?
Is a maintenance agreement included with the modernization?
What are the callback terms?
How much should repairs decrease after modernization?
What code upgrades are required?
What is the expected life expectancy of the new equipment?
Transparent answers matter.
Plan Before Failure Happens
The best time to modernize is before major failures create emergencies.
Planning ahead allows owners to:
- Budget strategically
- Minimize downtime
- Reduce tenant frustration
- Avoid emergency decisions
- Improve long-term reliability
- Extend equipment life for decades
Waiting until catastrophic failures occur almost always results in higher costs and longer outages.
Elevators rarely fail overnight.
Most systems provide years of warning before reliability problems become severe. The key is recognizing those warning signs and developing a plan before you’re forced into a rushed decision.
At Veteran Elevator, we help property owners throughout the Puget Sound region evaluate modernization options with straightforward guidance, transparent recommendations, and solutions tailored to the actual needs of the building—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whether your elevator needs repairs today or a modernization three years from now, our specialists are happy to walk you through the process, review your equipment, and help you understand the best options available for your building and budget.
