Unfortunately, for most elevator modernization/upgrade projects, building owners come to the realization that they need a professional consultant after they have made the decision to trust an elevator company and some problem has occurred that impacts the project cost or schedule. The best time to enlist an elevator consultant is before you start a modernization project.

Building owners and managers need to consider the services of a professional elevator consultant for routine audits of their maintenance contractor and for elevator modernizations. A professional elevator consultant will independently work in the best interest of the building owner with the different trade contractors included in the complete scope of the project. A professional consultant will become engaged in the modernization project as the first step and then should follow the project through to completion. A professional consultant should represent the interest of their client in an independent and honest manner.

Some elevator companies may also employ trained staff in technical sales and support engineering departments to assist in the design of elevator and escalator systems. While some of these company employees have limited experience, they are sales personnel for those companies and are not independently representing the interest of the elevator owner. Elevator consultants however, are generally employed as independent contractors by architects, engineers or directly by property owners.

The savings realized by the building owners by contracting a professional consultant will be evident in the quality of the specifications, contract negotiations, and the coordination of all trades for a proper, safe, and reliable operating elevators. The benefits received by contracting a true professional consultant will be well above the actual cost of the professional consultant's fees.