Frequently Asked Questions
Answers from the team that’s been installing, servicing, and maintaining elevators across the Northeast since 1948.
Find Straightforward Answers to Your Questions
Whether you’re a homeowner exploring your first elevator project, a builder coordinating your next install, or a property manager keeping your building’s equipment in top shape, we field a lot of the same questions. Below, we’ve compiled straightforward answers from the team that works on this equipment every single day. If you don’t see your question here, we’re always happy to talk it through.
General Questions
What areas does Elevator Service Company serve?
We’re licensed and actively serving homeowners, builders, and property owners across Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Our team is headquartered in Torrington, Connecticut, and we travel throughout the region for installations, evaluations, and ongoing service.
Can you work on elevators and lifts that another company installed?
Absolutely. We service all makes and models of elevators and lifts, regardless of who installed them. Whether you need a routine inspection, a repair, or a second opinion on existing equipment, our licensed mechanics are qualified to evaluate and service your system.
How do I get started with ESCO?
Every engagement begins with a professional evaluation. One of our licensed contractors will visit your site, assess your space or existing equipment, walk you through their findings, and provide a clear recommendation. From there, we guide you through the next steps, whether that’s a new installation, a repair, or an ongoing preventative maintenance plan.
What brands and types of elevators do you install?
As a Cibes Lift Group company, we offer one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in the industry. That includes luxury glass elevators, traditional closet-style systems, pneumatic vacuum elevators, vertical platform lifts, LULAs, and commercial dumbwaiters. We carry products from Cibes, Symmetry, PVE, and Matot, and we recommend the best fit based on your space, needs, and budget.
What is the typical timeline from evaluation to installation?
It depends on the scope of your project. A straightforward residential installation can often be completed within a few months of your evaluation, while more complex commercial projects or custom configurations may take longer. During your evaluation, we give you a realistic timeline based on your specific project so there are no surprises.
Residential Elevator & Lift Questions
Can an elevator be installed in my existing home?
In most cases, yes. Our team specializes in retrofitting elevators and lifts into existing homes, even in tight or unconventional spaces. During your evaluation, we assess your home’s layout, identify the best placement options, and provide the specifications your architect or builder needs to move forward. The earlier we’re involved in the planning, the smoother the process.
How much space do I need for a home elevator?
Less than you might expect. Some of our systems require as little as a small closet footprint, and our product portfolio includes several space-saving designs built specifically for homes where square footage is limited. We evaluate your space during an on-site visit and recommend the option that works best for your home.
What’s the difference between an elevator and a vertical platform lift?
An elevator operates with automated controls. In other words, you press a button, the doors close, and the cab takes you to your floor. A vertical platform lift (VPL) uses constant-pressure controls, meaning you press and hold to ride. VPLs are typically more compact, require less construction, and are a great solution for porches, garages, split-level homes, and shorter travel distances. Our team installs both and can help you determine which is the right fit.
Will adding an elevator increase my home’s value?
A home elevator is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make for both convenience and long-term value. Homes with elevators are increasingly sought after, especially in multi-story properties where accessibility is a consideration. Beyond resale, it’s an investment in being able to enjoy every floor of your home comfortably for years to come.
I don’t have finalized architectural plans yet. Can I still get an evaluation?
Absolutely, and we actually encourage it. Most homeowners don’t have finalized plans when they first reach out. Our team can assess your space, help define what’s possible within your footprint, and provide the elevator specifications your architect needs to move forward.
Are your residential elevators safe for everyday family use?
Yes. Every system we install meets or exceeds current safety codes and is inspected by state-certified inspectors. Our mechanics are licensed, union-trained professionals with thousands of hours of hands-on experience, and every installation is built to operate reliably for years of daily use.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Talk It Through
The best way to get answers specific to your project is to schedule an evaluation. Our licensed mechanics will visit your space, assess your needs, and walk you through your options, no pressure, just expert guidance from a team that’s been doing this for over 75 years.
Commercial Elevator & Lift Questions
Does my commercial building need an elevator for ADA compliance?
ADA requirements vary depending on your building type, size, and use. Many commercial properties, including churches, schools, offices, and municipal buildings, are required to provide accessible vertical transportation as part of code compliance. Our team can evaluate your building and help you determine what’s required, then identify the most practical, cost-effective path to get there.
What is a LULA elevator, and is it right for my building?
A LULA (Limited Use/Limited Application) elevator is a compact, code-compliant elevator designed specifically for low-rise commercial buildings. It requires less space and construction than a conventional commercial elevator, making it ideal for churches, schools, offices, and retail spaces that need to meet accessibility requirements without a major renovation.
How do state elevator inspections work?
Elevators and lifts in commercial buildings are subject to periodic state-mandated safety inspections. Our team streamlines the entire process. We prepare your equipment, manage the scheduling, and ensure everything meets current codes before the inspector arrives. It’s one of the most common reasons property managers reach out to us, and we make it as seamless as possible.
Can you take over maintenance from our current elevator company?
Yes. We work with property managers and building owners across the region who have transitioned their elevator service to ESCO. We start with an evaluation of your existing equipment, provide a detailed assessment, and build a preventative maintenance plan tailored to your building’s needs. Our team services all makes and models, so the transition is straightforward regardless of who installed or previously maintained your equipment.
Do you install commercial dumbwaiters?
Yes. We install and service commercial dumbwaiters for restaurants, hospitals, libraries, schools, and other facilities. These systems streamline material handling between floors and are a practical solution for buildings that need to move supplies, food, or equipment without tying up staff or passenger elevators.
Service, Repairs & Maintenance Questions
How often should my elevator or lift be serviced?
We recommend regular preventative maintenance for every elevator and lift, regardless of age or usage. The right schedule depends on your equipment type, how frequently it’s used, and whether your system is residential or commercial. Our team will build a maintenance plan tailored to your equipment and walk you through exactly what’s involved.
What does preventative maintenance include?
Our preventative maintenance visits are thorough and consistent. Our mechanics inspect, lubricate, adjust, and test every critical component from the hoistway and cab to the controller and safety systems. The goal is to identify and address potential issues before they become costly repairs or safety concerns.
My elevator is making an unusual noise. Should I be concerned?
Any change in how your elevator sounds or rides is worth having a professional look at. It may be a minor adjustment, or it could be an early sign of a component that needs attention. Our mechanics diagnose the root cause, not just the symptom, so you get an honest answer and a clear path forward.
Can you repair an elevator that’s been out of service for a long time?
In many cases, yes. We’ve brought older and long-dormant systems back to safe, reliable operation through targeted repairs and modernization. It starts with a comprehensive evaluation where our team assesses the current condition of your equipment and determines whether a repair, partial modernization, or full replacement is the best course of action.
What’s the difference between a repair and modernization?
A repair addresses a specific issue like a malfunctioning component, a code violation, or a performance problem. Modernization is a broader update to your system, which may involve replacing outdated controllers, upgrading safety features, or refreshing the cab interior. During your evaluation, we explain which approach makes sense for your situation and why.
Questions for Builders & Contractors
How early in the project should we involve ESCO?
The earlier, the better. Involving us during the planning phase ensures the elevator or lift specifications are integrated into your architectural plans from the start. We provide the exact dimensions, structural requirements, and utility needs your architect requires, and we can often help avoid costly design revisions down the line.
Do you provide cut sheets and specifications for architects?
Yes. We provide full product specifications, cut sheets, and design resources for every system we offer. Our team works directly with your architect to ensure the elevator or lift is properly spec’d into the project plans. These resources are also available on our Architect & Builder Resources page.
How does ESCO coordinate with other trades on the job site?
We work alongside general contractors, architects, electricians, and other trades as a collaborative project partner, not just another sub showing up at the end. Our team coordinates installation scheduling, provides clear timelines, and communicates proactively so the elevator scope integrates smoothly with the overall project.
Can you design a custom solution for an unconventional space?
That’s one of our strengths. We work with our manufacturer partners to modify engineering plans and configure systems for spaces that don’t fit standard dimensions. If you’re working with a tight footprint, an unusual layout, or a historic renovation, our team can evaluate the space and recommend a custom approach.
What’s the process for specifying an ESCO elevator in a new build?
It typically starts with a conversation and a site visit. We review your plans, discuss the homeowner’s or building owner’s needs, and recommend the right product. From there, we provide the specifications your architect needs, coordinate the installation timeline, and serve as your dedicated elevator partner through completion and beyond.