A budget elevator upgrade is one of the smartest investments you can make when your elevator is still mechanically sound, but looks outdated. Many building owners assume a full renovation is the only option, but cosmetic upgrades can offer the same design impact for a fraction of the cost and time.
The elevator is one of the most used, and most overlooked, spaces in any building. It’s where tenants, guests, and clients begin and end their experience. Yet many elevator cabs show signs of wear, outdated finishes, or mismatched aesthetics from decades ago.
Why Budget Elevator Upgrades Are a Smart Move
A full elevator modernization can be a significant investment. According to AZ Elevator Solutions, a complete elevator modernization typically costs around $175,000, with a range from $75,000 to $250,000 per elevator, depending on various factors like elevator type, scope of work, and geographic location.
However, many elevators don’t need full replacement. According to the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII):
- There are over 1.1 million elevators in use in the U.S.
- More than 50% are over 20 years old
- Most are still mechanically safe, but visually outdated
Meanwhile, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (CBECS), nearly 40% of commercial buildings in the U.S. were built before 1980, and most have never had a full interior upgrade, including elevators.
That’s millions of elevators that would benefit from a budget elevator upgrade rather than demolition.
What Building Owners Often Miss
It’s a common misconception that modernizing your elevator means:
- Hiring an architect or designer
- Shutting it down for weeks
- Getting building permits
- Bundling it with mechanical upgrades
But in reality, if your elevator works well mechanically, you can modernize its look with a simple refinishing solution that skips all the red tape and expense.
Architectural Vinyl: A Low-Impact, High-Impact Upgrade
At Elevator Refresh, we specialize in refinishing elevator interiors using architectural vinyl film. These fire-rated, antimicrobial, and water-resistant finishes are applied directly over existing panels, eliminating demolition or downtime.
Here’s what you get from a budget elevator upgrade with vinyl refinishing:
- 1-day transformation per cab
- No permits, shutdowns, or dust
- Over 450 finish options (wood, metal, marble, leather, etc.)
- Long-lasting materials certified by global testing agencies
Budget Comparison
| Solution | Average Cost per Cab | Timeframe | Disruption |
| Full Interior Renovation | $30,000–$50,000 | 2–4 weeks | High shutdown needed |
| Refinishing w/ Elevator Refresh | $5,000-$10,000 | 1 day* | Low to none |
*depending on the project
Source: Elevator Refresh client projects, BOMA case studies, 2022–2024
Choosing the Right Finish
A budget elevator upgrade gives you the power to refresh your elevator interior without disruption, construction, or financial strain. It’s the smart way to modernize, especially when the cab is still functional.
Each finish affects not only the style but also the brand perception and user comfort. Use:
- Wood grains for warmth in residential or wellness spaces
- Metallics in office and corporate buildings
- Marble or stone for high-end residential or hospitality
- Fabric and leather for luxury aesthetics
Who Do You Need to Talk To?
Contrary to what many think, you don’t need to run a lengthy bidding process.
You can:
- Contact Elevator Refresh directly
- Schedule a free consultation
- Receive a mockup of images or a 3D rendering preview at additional cost of your elevator’s new look
- Approve and book your refresh, no middlemen needed
Need to align with a designer or building engineer? No problem. We collaborate easily with your existing team if necessary.
Modernizing your elevator doesn’t have to mean tearing it apart or blowing your budget.
With Elevator Refresh, you can achieve a premium, durable, and customized look in a single day, with minimal disruption, and at a fraction of the cost of traditional renovation.
You don’t need a new elevator. You just need an Elevator Refresh.