How much planning goes into a commercial building’s layout and construction? It’s a significant amount: you need to consider each floor carefully, not to mention logistics like foundation depth, support structures, and so on.
With all of that to consider, you might overlook one small but important element: elevators.
Choosing commercial elevators is a vital step when dealing with public buildings of any kind. Large buildings need a way to transport people to the correct floor quickly.
Even smaller buildings that are only two or three floors could benefit from an elevator, as stairs can be difficult or impossible to navigate for some people.
Several factors should be considered when choosing elevators for your building. Read on to learn five key things to consider when installing commercial elevators.
-
Price
As with any major purchase, one of the biggest factors is cost. Do your research to determine a reasonable price for the kind of elevator you need; then set a budget and start comparing elevator costs.
There are several things you’ll need to account for when setting a budget: elevator size, style, and materials, as well as how many elevators you’ll need to install.
-
Size and Load Capacity
There are many different elevator sizes available, depending on your building’s exact needs. Do you need to fit a lot of people in the elevator at once? Then you’ll need a larger elevator with a higher load capacity.
If the elevator is intended to transport goods, you might need a freight elevator; on the other hand, if it’s a personal lift that only one or two people will use at a time, you can go much smaller.
-
Safety Mechanisms
Always prepare for the worst. In case of a breakdown or power outage, you need to have proper safety systems in place for your elevators, such as an alarm and a phone system.
You should also ensure that you can get regular elevator maintenance to keep your machines in working order.
-
Drive System
Not all elevators are operated the same way. There are several different drive systems available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
For instance, hydraulic elevators are better suited to smaller buildings, while traction elevators are more common in taller structures. Local building codes may also play a role in which drive system is the best fit for your building.
-
Style
An elevator shouldn’t just be functional–it should also look nice. More importantly, it should match your building’s style. There are many designs for elevators out there, so look for one that fits your aesthetic.
Think of elevators as another room in your building. Customers and employees are going to spend time inside, so they should be comfortable and welcoming.
Choosing Commercial Elevators Made Easy
Choosing commercial elevators can be a complicated task, but it’s much easier when you know what to look for. Consider each of the factors above and you’ll be able to find the right commercial elevator manufacturer.
Elevators aren’t the only kind of technology that can enhance your commercial building. Visit our technology blog for other ways to improve your place of business!
