Field notes · Owner's guide
Five questions before approving an elevator proposal
A useful comparison starts with scope, evidence, and responsibility.
What problem is being addressed?
Ask for a plain-language description of the observed issue and the documented basis for the recommendation. A quotation headline may not explain the diagnosis.
What exactly is included?
Compare equipment, related interfaces, fixtures, adjustments, testing, permits, access, and professional services. An unstated item is a question to resolve, not proof that it has been excluded.
What can change the price?
Identify assumptions, exclusions, allowances, and the process for approving additional work. Ask for comparable written scopes before treating price differences as savings.
What disruption should you plan for?
Confirm installation dates, expected outage time, building access, resident communication, and what happens if missing information changes the schedule.
Who establishes that the work is appropriate?
Clarify which conclusions require an on-site assessment, engineering, or the applicable authority. A document review should identify those limits.