For many building managers, renovate an elevator seems like a disruptive project that can only be done during off-season downtime or full tenant evacuation. But that assumption no longer holds true.
With the right planning and the right partners, an elevator interior can be fully refinished, including walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, and button panels, in as little as one day, without taking the cab out of service.
Why Renovate an Elevator Matters
In commercial buildings, hotels, and residential towers, elevators are mission-critical infrastructure. Every hour of downtime can translate into:
- Lost guest satisfaction
- Tenant complaints
- Operational delays
- Maintenance reroutes
According to Murphy Elevator, the average cost to modernize a commercial elevator ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the scope of work and selected features. This figure doesn’t account for potential tenant disruptions or lost revenue from extended elevator downtime.
Beyond cost, the perception of inconvenience can quickly affect guest reviews, tenant renewals, and leasing negotiations. That makes elevator availability not just an operational metric, but a marketing differentiator.
Why Most Renovations Cause Shutdowns
Traditional elevator interior renovations require:
- Removing and replacing wall panels
- Demolition of ceiling systems
- Flooring rip-up and leveling
- Electrical rewiring for lighting upgrades
Each of these steps can require permits, inspections, and multiple trades on-site, creating extended downtime for a single elevator.
For multi-tower hotels or residential buildings with high occupancy, that’s a disruption no manager wants to face.
The Elevator Refresh Model
Instead of demolition and rebuild, Elevator Refresh coordinates a surface refinishing model:
- Fire-rated architectural film is applied to the existing cab walls
- LED lighting and ceiling replacements can be done during off-hours
- Flooring and button panel upgrades are pre-planned with certified partners
Our system is designed to minimize:
- Downtime
- Waste generation
- Disruption to guests, tenants, and staff
This approach allows property managers to execute a phased renovation strategy across portfolios, keeping buildings updated without operational pain.
Who It’s For
- Hospitality brands preparing for high season or large events like the 2026 World Cup
- Property managers of residential towers seeking minimal-disruption upgrades
- Healthcare facilities that require clean, dust-free renovation approaches
- Commercial buildings where elevator shutdowns affect productivity and perception
Want to learn how refinishing can fit into your broader elevator upgrade? Let’s talk, we’ll coordinate with your vendors to make it turnkey.