Introduction
We’ve written before about elevator interiors and their role in enhancing building occupant and guest impressions. In addition, we have made the case that you may spend millions on a major interior renovation … or maybe just thousands on a new coat of paint and other items to refresh the décor. But, leaving an old, damaged, dark and dingy elevator cab out of the renovation budget may leave your beautiful upgrade project with a serious black eye.
On the other hand, what if you don’t have millions to spend? What if your elevator cabs just need some light refreshing due to simply the age of the cab or some minor to moderate damage from daily use?
Good news … you don’t have to break the bank! Instead of re-doing the entire cab, focus on the part that needs fixing and tackle that. Here are 3 component change-outs that won’t drain your coffers, and can be accomplished in a day or less to reduce cab downtime.
1. New Panels and Trim
The elevator panels/walls are what truly make up the appearance of the cab. These panels can look like or be made out of just about anything you can think of. Elevator panels take a beating — from hospital beds to luggage carts, tenant move-ins and outs, construction equipment, vandalism and just about anything else people can cram or ram into an elevator.
New panels, reveals, toe kicks and friezes come in a broad array of patterns colors and textures. The inclusion of logos and graphics can help carry and reinforce a client’s brand message as shown at right.
2. New ceilings and lighting
Elevator ceilings come in many different styles while lighting for the most part is generally halogen, incandescent or fluorescent. Lighting may not seem to be a big deal, but when you take into consideration that in most cases these lights stay on 24/7, they are running for 8,760 hours a year. That’s a lot of energy … and money!
Another important aspect of the elevator is the amount of lighting in the cab. People are more comfortable in a well lit interior and a brighter ceiling can make the cab look newer and cleaner with an increased lighting output.
3. New Handrails
You may not think much about handrails in your elevators, but they can make an elevator cab look complete, and also provide stability – something to grasp – while the elevator stops and starts. Typically this is not a big deal, but if you are elderly or injured and need all the support you can get, it is a welcomed sight, that also helps reduce the risk of a fall. Because of this, some states have codes requiring handrails.
One other aspect of handrails to consider – they can act as a wall guard, too, by providing a stand off from the wall to reduce the chance of a cart or dolly strike on the panel. Handrails that double as wall guards come in different shapes, sizes and finishes.