Elevators provide a unique level of comfort and accessibility for homes, as well as being an excellent investment for revaluating a property. It’s easier than you think to install an elevator in a condominium community. You need a building permit to install an elevator or to make any other changes in the building.
Adding an elevator to our homes, offices, residences, or farms is increasingly simple because elevators are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Continue reading and find out which building permits are required for elevators.
In this article we tell you in detail the whole process for installation, in addition, to advise you to get all the requirements. Installing an elevator is a long process, but it provides greater security and accessibility for all neighbors, as well as increasing the value of the building. If you want to know everything involved in the process, keep reading, let’s go higher!
Before installing an elevator
Installing an elevator is a decision that must be taken together with your community of neighbors or in the office, wherever it is going to be installed, since it is an asset for everyone.
Questions to ask before installing an elevator:
- What building permits do I need to start the installation process?
- What happens if my neighbors do not agree?
- What are the installation costs?
Regarding where to install the elevator, or the steps to follow for the installation process, it is necessary to check the space available for it, since the elevator’s placement can be inside the building itself or outside.
Steps for the installation of an elevator
- Contacting an elevator company and requesting a quotation
It is important that the elevator company visits the community and makes a feasibility study to determine the best viable locations to install an elevator.
An architect can also do this work, but the company that will install the elevator should be there.
- Approval of the budget for the elevator
After getting the estimate, a meeting with the elevator manufacturer, the community of owners, or the manager should be held to discuss feasibility, estimate, and financing options.
It may be the case that some neighbors do not pay their share. What to do with the neighbors in arrears? It is possible to initiate a judicial procedure or, to divide the expenses of the installation of the elevator between the rest of neighbors and that this one works with a key.
This is followed by signing the contract with the company, financing the work, and of course, getting the building permit for the installation of the elevator. For this last step, we recommend you to contact experts in permits, like us, Suncoast Permits, where we guarantee a fast and smooth approval process.
What are the phases of the work?
The work team usually meets to design an orderly way to approach the work and to organize the whole process.
- The construction of the pit
Before deciding on the location, it is essential to analyze the electricity and gas installations to divert them. Before signing the contract, this study must be done with the company.
- Redistribution of stairways
Depending on the design of the building, it may be necessary to change the distribution of the stairs, this implies some more time.
- Laying of the structure
With the pit finished, it is time to take measurements and order the corresponding elevator from the factory. It is made to measure so that it fits the building as closely as possible. Lighting and shaft lining are installed while the elevator is being received.
It may also be necessary to install a false ceiling and improve the tiling and flooring. It is the turn of the installation manager to check that the hooks are properly installed. He must also check that the elevator guides are fixed to the shaft.
- Installing the elevator
Finally! It is now time to install the elevator. After it arrives, it has to be connected, tested, and the entire process has come to a close. You can now start using your elevator.
It is a simple process and the work can be completed in a few weeks. It is important to plan together with your community and also to get advice on the building permits you need to guarantee a legal and safe work.
