5 steps to elevator modernization

The best time to start thinking about upgrading your elevator is before you experience breakdowns or notice signs of aging, whether they be strange noises, sluggish performance, or outdated features.

Starting early also gives you flexibility in scheduling. For example, in residential buildings modernization work can be scheduled for holiday periods when many tenants are away, whereas in commercial buildings work can be carried out during the night when the shops are closed. If you wait until your elevator breaks down, you won’t have this luxury.

Find a partner who is reliable and experienced with good references for diverse modernization projects. Experts will come to your building to conduct a comprehensive site survey, and, after careful analysis, will present you with the most relevant options. KONE professionals can also run simulations to demonstrate the costs and benefits of different choices.

Some improvements might be necessary while others are optional. If you have chosen KONE as your modernization partner, our dedicated project manager will guide you through the whole process, helping you decide on goals, budget, and solutions.

You might need simple repair like electrification and signalization, or lighting. Or maybe you need a modernization package, such as renovating hoisting machinery or doors. A full replacement – a modernization process where a new elevator is placed in the existing shaft – is another option.

In most cases, partial modernization offers a smart balance: it extends your building’s lifespan, improves performance, and enhances user experience – all without the cost or downtime of a full replacement.

When the modernization work begins, signs should be placed to direct people in the building to the nearest alternative elevator or stairs. Barriers are erected around work areas to keep the technicians and tenants safe. Fortunately, partial elevator modernization can be completed with minimal disruption in even less than a week. Fully replacing an elevator could require four to six weeks.

Modernization projects typically involve dismantling outdated parts, recycling materials, installing new components, conducting quality inspections, and completing handover procedures.

Now that the work is complete, your elevator will use less energy, resulting in lower energy costs and CO2 emissions. You might notice a smoother and faster ride, improved lighting and signage, and enhanced safety. You might also enjoy a sleek new user interface, innovative digital services like remote monitoring elevator data to predict and detect malfunctions, or smart features for people with mobility challenges. Beyond the ride itself, an upgraded elevator makes the whole building more attractive to potential tenants and visitors.

Once your modernization project has been carried out, KONE’s long-term planning and maintenance services will help ensure your elevator continues to serve your building’s needs well into the future.

You want to keep your newly upgraded elevator in top condition, so consider an asset management plan and 24/7 predictive maintenance. If you just upgraded electrification this time, your next step on modular modernization is likely to be doors or hoisting, several years from now.

If it’s time to modernize your elevator – now or in the near future – don’t hesitate to reach out to our local offices. Our experts are here to help make the process simple and stress-free. Let’s find the best solution for your building together.