One of the most common frustrations in commercial elevator projects is timeline surprises — work that gets delayed by permitting, inspections, or equipment lead times that weren't anticipated at the start. This guide walks through every phase of a commercial elevator installation so that building owners, developers, and project managers have a realistic picture of what to expect.
Phase 1: Site Assessment and Design (Week 1–3)
Every commercial elevator project begins with a site assessment. Our licensed team evaluates the hoistway location (or proposed hoistway for new construction), pit dimensions and depth, overhead clearance, machine room availability or MRL feasibility, electrical service capacity, and any existing structural conditions that affect the design. From this assessment, we produce an equipment specification and layout drawing.
For new construction, coordination with the general contractor and structural engineer during this phase is essential. Elevator hoistway dimensions and structural requirements must be incorporated into the building drawings before the foundation is poured.
Phase 2: Proposal and Equipment Selection
Project proposals may include equipment specifications, scope of work, schedule, and costs. Equipment selections include drive system, cab size and capacity, door configuration, cab finishes, and control system.
Phase 3: Permitting
Permit requirements, review times, and inspection schedules depend on the jurisdiction and project. Confirm current requirements and timelines with the permitting authorities.
Permitting includes submission of architectural/structural drawings, elevator equipment submittal package, electrical drawings, and application to the local building department. DBPR registration and pre-installation inspection are coordinated in parallel.
For commercial projects, verify permit requirements and review schedules with the applicable building department and elevator authority.
Phase 4: Equipment Manufacturing and Delivery
Equipment lead times depend on the selected product, manufacturer, and current availability. Confirm the lead time for the specified equipment before setting the project schedule.
Equipment lead times and permitting often run in parallel, but it's critical that equipment does not arrive before the hoistway is prepared and the permit is issued.
Phase 5: Hoistway Preparation and Installation
Physical installation begins once the permit is in hand and equipment is on-site. For new construction, the hoistway is already built into the structure. For renovations and retrofits, the hoistway must be framed and finished before elevator equipment installation can begin. The installation sequence:
- Pit preparation and waterproofing
- Guide rail installation
- Hydraulic unit installation or motor/machine installation
- Cab assembly and installation
- Door operator and landing door installation
- Electrical and control system connection
- Initial startup and safety system testing
Installation schedules depend on the building, selected equipment, scope, and coordination with other trades. Confirm expected milestones with the project team.
Phase 6: DBPR Inspection and Certificate of Operation
Before any elevator can be placed in service in Florida, it must pass a DBPR final inspection and receive a certificate of operation. The DBPR inspection process includes:
- Inspection scheduling with the DBPR
- Witnessing of load tests and safety system tests
- Review of all installation documentation
- Issuance of certificate of operation (or itemized deficiency list if corrections are needed)
Allow time for permitting, inspection, and any corrections required by the reviewing authority.
Project schedules depend on scope, equipment lead times, site readiness, permitting, and inspection availability. Confirm schedule assumptions with the project team and relevant authorities.
What Building Owners and Project Managers Should Do
To keep a commercial elevator project on schedule:
- Engage a licensed elevator contractor early — ideally during schematic design for new construction.
- Make equipment selection decisions promptly — delays in selection push back manufacturing lead times.
- Check current permitting requirements and review schedules with your municipality.
- Coordinate elevator scope with your GC's overall construction schedule — trades need to sequence around elevator installation.
- Account for possible changes if unforeseen hoistway or structural conditions are found.