When should I remodel my cab?
What is the process once I've decided I want to remodel my elevator cab?
What's this going to cost me?
What materials can I use in remodeling?
I have a designer/architect – can you work with them?
Do I need to involve my elevator company?
Are there any specific codes or regulations I should be aware of?
How long will my elevator be down?
What if I have remodeling needs in various geographic locations?
What can go wrong?
What choices do I have for an elevator interior?
What info do you need from us to do an estimate?
When should I remodel my cab?
Cabs begin to show wear and tear in five to seven years even with a durable product. In addition, tastes and styles change over time particularly with a change in ownership, requiring a new look. The most typical time to remodel your elevator cab is during a modernization, although it is by no means the only time. During a modernization an elevator is down for a substantial period of time and a cab remodeling can most effectively be integrated both in terms of budgets as well as logistics.
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What is the process once I've decided I want to remodel my elevator cab?
Generally speaking every cab remodeling project involves the following steps:
- Initial site visit
- Project specifications
- Customer selection of materials and design
- Estimate / Bid – based on either a site visit or provided details
- Acceptance of bid and execution of contract
- Deposit
- Site visit for detailed survey of project
- Permit Application if necessary
- Drawings if required for permit
- Scheduling of installation
- Manufacture build order
- Installation – usually 1 -2 days per elevator cab.
- Post completion call and follow-up
The importance of Site Visits - we like to do site visits to meet you face to face and get the exact measurements for each elevator. A site visit is the best way to get an accurate estimate. In every case we perform a detailed site project survey prior to performing the work.
Lead times - for most cabs, you should plan on a 6-8 week lead time from the point where you have finalized choices and ordered product.
Installation - depending on the scope of your project, most jobs are complete in one to two days per elevator cab. We ask that you schedule an additional day as a buffer. We will do our best to work within your scheduling constraints. If you have special circumstances, we will work to accommodate them.
The first step is to give us a call. It is never too early to involve Cab Solutions, and it doesn't cost you anything.
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What's this going to cost me?
No two renovations are the same and it is difficult to estimate a price without discussing the scope of a project. Our commitment is to remain competitive on price, transparent as to scope and helpful throughout the process. If you have already established a budget, we will do everything we can to work within it. If you give us a call and answer a few questions about your project, we can give you a ballpark number over the phone – no strings attached. Remember, even if you're in the planning stage and haven't established a budget or decided when or if you will do the work, we would be happy to give you indicative pricing and work with you in terms of value engineering.
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What materials can I use in remodeling?
The most common materials found in elevator cabs are plastic laminates, wood veneers, textured stainless steel products and stone. Less common solutions involve glass, specialty plastics and mirrors. Use your imagination. As long as it passes fire and safety codes, is available on the market, and does not affect the operation of the elevator, it can probably be installed.
Cab Solutions uses a variety of suppliers depending on the scope and details of the individual project. In addition to replacing wall panels, the scope of remodeling very often includes replacing the ceiling, lighting, floor covering as well as re-skinning doors and re-cladding return walls, strike jambs, transom, headers and bucks. We have found that no one supplier meets all of these needs and see our job as providing one stop shopping for you.
Textured stainless steel and stone are highly durable and relatively easy to clean. Plastic laminates also provide durability and represent a less expensive solution. However, no matter the finish, nothing will stand-up to someone intent on vandalizing your elevator cab. As a precaution it is often effective to install security cameras in your elevator cabs.
Very often the most difficult question to answer isn't what can you put into your elevator cab but what should you put into it. An appropriate solution depends on many factors including durability needed, integration with building lobby and hallway design, personal choice and of course, budget constraints.
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I have a designer/architect – can you work with them?
Absolutely. If you want to use a specific designer or architect it is most effective to have them involved as early in the process as possible. We'd be happy to work with them.
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Do I need to involve my elevator company?
Your elevator company likely provides elevator remodeling services. In many cases they outsource that work to cab companies like Cab Solutions. No matter what the scope, it is always a good idea to have your elevator company informed as to what you are planning to do, and if the project has any mechanical elements to it (such as the removal of doors), they will have to be involved. They are most often involved with obtaining permits as well. We can work directly with you or your elevator maintenance company. Finally, we always like the elevator company to know when we are actually working in the elevator. If we run into any problems, we want to have the elevator company available so that the elevator does not remain out of service for an extended period of time. The elevator company has a contract to maintain your elevator, which means they should be aware of any changes, even if not mechanical.
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Are there any specific codes or regulations I should be aware of?
In states and local jurisdictions have their own modifications or additions to the code. We research the local code requirements for each project we do. Each local authority has requirements which dictate whether a permit is required to perform the contemplated remodeling. We research this as part of our service. If required, we may need to include your elevator maintenance company in the process. Some of the most prevalent issues to address in this area are fire rating, safety rating, weight changes, lighting, escape hatches (side and top) and positioning of handrails.
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How long will my elevator be down?
For a typical remodeling where you are replacing wall panels and ceiling you should plan on your cab being shut down for two days, although we very often complete the work in one day. For a broader scope, including cladding, re-skinning doors and replacing floor, you should plan on three days. Depending on your specific circumstances we will be as accommodating as possible including working during off-peak hours.
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What if I have remodeling needs in various geographic locations?
Cab Solutions is a national provider and would be happy to discuss your remodeling needs throughout the country. Our goal is to offer one stop shopping to our customers in a consistent, professional manor, unparalleled in the industry today.
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What can go wrong?
Cab remodeling can be an unpredictable business but the risks can be greatly reduced with thorough planning and good logistics. With proper engineering upfront, appropriate review and lead time on applicable codes and permitting, detailed communication and coordination with you and your elevator company, the risk of a major problem or disruption is small.
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What info do you need from us to do an estimate?
The quickest and easiest way is for us to do a site visit. There is no charge for this. Or you could send us pictures. Snap us a few and email them: wall panels, door, ceiling and fronts-side panels beside doors.
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