When planning an elevator renovation, most building owners and property managers want two things: a great impression and minimal disruption.
But too often, the same elevator renovation mistakes lead to rising costs, extended downtime, and frustrated tenants or guests.
Here are the 5 most costly mistakes to avoid and smarter alternatives that can save you time, money, and headaches.
1. Overestimating the Need for a Full Renovation
If your elevator is structurally sound and functions well, a full remodel is rarely the smartest choice. Complete tear-outs and rebuilds may seem like the quickest route to modernization, but they can be overkill for cosmetic upgrades.
A surface refresh or refinishing the panels can deliver the same aesthetic result at a fraction of the time and cost.
Smarter Alternative:
A surface refresh or panel refinishing can achieve the same visual transformation in a fraction of the time and cost.
2. Ignoring the Impact of Downtime
Every day your elevator is offline affects more than just logistics:
- Tenant satisfaction
- Guest experience
- Operational efficiency
Traditional elevator renovations can sideline a cab for weeks. In commercial buildings, hotels, and multifamily properties, that translates to lost revenue, frustrated occupants, and potential safety concerns.
Smarter Alternative:
Choose refinishing methods that minimize or eliminate downtime.
3. Underestimating Renovation Costs
Standard elevator remodels typically cost $30,000 to $50,000 per cab, not including:
- Permits
- Labor
- Material lead times
- Business disruption losses
Smarter Alternative:
Request a transparent, all-inclusive quote upfront to avoid surprises.
4. Overlooking Sustainability
Many elevator renovations follow a “rip and replace” approach, disposing of old materials and installing new ones.
But this adds unnecessary waste to landfills and increases your project’s carbon footprint.
Smarter Alternative:
Refinish existing panels using sustainable architectural vinyl. This method creates a like-new appearance while reducing waste and supporting green building goals.
(Tip: Architectural vinyl solutions like Bodaq films are fire-rated, waterproof, durable, and available in hundreds of patterns.)
5. Skipping the Visual Planning Stage
Too often, building owners approve projects without fully understanding what the final result will look like. This can lead to disappointment or costly changes once work is underway.
Smarter Alternative:
At Elevator Refresh, we provide professional 3D renderings before installation. You can visualize exactly how your updated elevator will look and approve every detail with confidence.
Why Choose Elevator Refresh?
Elevator Refresh specializes in modernizing elevators with:
- Architectural vinyl refinishing
- No demolition, no permits, and no shutdown headaches
- Hundreds of textures and designs including wood grain, metal, marble, leather, and stone
- Most projects completed in just one day per cab
Minimal disruption. Maximum impact.
Ready to Refresh?
Avoid the common elevator renovation mistakes and choose smarter, faster solutions.
Contact Elevator Refresh today for a consultation and a custom 3D design preview.