Elevator maintenance, installation, repair and escalator repair is crucial to any business operating on more than one level. Companies need to keep elevators working correctly, but only trained and certified companies should ever be used.

Elevator service companies come in all shapes and sizes, specializations as well as in experience. Hiring elevator and escalator repair companies to handle the day-to-day maintenance is necessary for many businesses. Other companies only require occassional elevator or escalator service. Consider these tips when choosing the right elevator repair or escalator repair:

1. Select elevator repair technicians when there are malfunctions, potential problems and modernization needs in your current elevator.

2. Look for a company's ability to provide escalator or elevator installation to fit your needs, often through a design process.

3. Consider hiring escalator and elevator service companies to handle routine maintenance to avoid costly repairs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Call an elevator or escalator repair service for emergency and non-emergency situations

Request service to handle immediate repairs, electronic, mechanical or structural repair needs and for potential problems with an elevator's service.

I recommend: Companies such as Bovis Elevators Co. provide repairs quickly, often with same-day service to get your escalator, elevator or lift working again. Be sure that the company you hire services the brand of elevator or escalator you own. Companies like ThyssenKrupp Elevator service most makes and models.

Design with elevator and escalator installers for new construction

Choose elevator and escalator installations for current buildings and new construction through a design process. Companies often offer a hands-on design process to allow businesses to get what they need.

I recommend: Work with a company to develop a plan for escalator installation that meets your traffic and layout needs and fits with the complete electrical and structural aspects of your building. Companies such as Stanley Elevator design installations with business owners. Also, consider companies that install new elevators in old elevator shafts like the Schumacher Elevator Company.

Outsource monthly elevator and escalator maintenance

Maintain your escalator and elevator through elevator maintenance companies that will come to your location and perform needed maintenance on a monthly basis for a set fee.

I recommend: There are many companies that will keep your elevators and escalators running. Contact one of the elevator service companies near you listed on the Elevator Source directory For a list of companies that can keep your escalators running smoothly, check out the companies listed at KellySearch.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Invest in an escalator and elevator maintenance service to provide installation, regular maintenance and repair as needed on a contract basis whenever possible. This may help reduce long-term costs on repairs.