Readiness check

Is your building managing its elevators or just hoping?

Elevator work is licensed specialist work, so for an owner or property manager the real job is managing it well: the right maintenance contract, modernizing an aging car before it fails, and keeping up the required tests. Answer for how the building actually manages its elevators. This is general guidance, not engineering or legal advice; confirm with your elevator contractor and the AHJ. The score stays on your device; enter an email only if you want the elevator readiness checklist sent over.

1. Do you understand your maintenance contract (full-maintenance vs basic) and its exclusions?Yes, we know the coverage and the exclusionsWe have a contract but have not read the fine printNot sure what is covered

2. Is the contractor's response time, including entrapments, defined and met?Yes, response times defined and trackedLoosely, no real trackingNo defined response time

3. Are callbacks (especially door faults) trending down, or is the car aging out?Yes, callbacks low and trackedCallbacks creeping upFrequent breakdowns and entrapments

4. Is there a modernization plan and budget before the equipment becomes unreliable or obsolete?Yes, a capital plan with a timelineWe are thinking about itWe run it until it dies

5. Are the required category tests current (annual Category 1, five-year Category 5)?Yes, category tests current and certificates postedBehind on some testsNot sure when they were last done

6. Is there an entrapment-response plan (contractor rescue, phone, monitoring)?Yes, a real rescue and communication planWe call whoever we canNo plan

7. Is the firefighters' emergency operation and standby-power recall tested and working?Yes, Phase I/II and standby recall testedAssumed working, not testedNo idea

8. Are you aware of OEM proprietary lock-in and your options before signing or modernizing?Yes, lock-in understood and factored inVaguelyNo, we sign what is put in front of us