Understanding and controlling the timeline for new elevator installation is central to keeping large-scale construction projects on track. For general contractors and developers, having a week-by-week breakdown for both traction and hydraulic elevator builds empowers you to integrate vertical transportation with your overall schedule. At Kaiser Elevator, we provide not only end-to-end elevator solutions but also serve as your partner in anticipating and navigating the realities of new installations.
Both traction and hydraulic elevators have distinct phases and timeframes, shaped by building type, scope, customizations, and municipal permitting. While a standard commercial elevator install will generally fall between 10 and 16 weeks, each stage benefits from specialized coordination with the elevator contractor. Kaiser Elevator’s experience—supporting GCs and developers in commercial, mixed-use, and high-rise residential projects across the country—positions us as your authoritative source for schedule certainty and operational outcomes.
Definition: New Elevator Installation Timeline
A new elevator installation timeline covers the entire set of activities from pre-construction consult through design, permitting, manufacturing, site prep, delivery, installation, and official handover. Timelines vary by elevator type, building requirements, and the degree of customization.
Key Factors That Influence Installation Schedules
- Building type and use: New construction allows for parallel hoistway framing; retrofits or tight shafts may add significant lead time.
- Floors served and travel distance: Traction systems are preferred for higher rises with more stops, while hydraulic is optimal for low-rise (up to 6 stops), adding predictability to timelines.
- Customization: High-end finishes or unique cab specs may extend factory manufacturing windows.
- Permitting and code compliance: City-specific requirements—such as those in New York City—will affect approval timelines. Compliant, pre-engineered designs from Kaiser Elevator reduce delays at this phase.
The Week-by-Week Traction Elevator Installation Timeline
For GCs handling mid- and high-rise projects, traction elevators deliver best-in-class speed, energy efficiency, and ride comfort. The following phases draw from Kaiser Elevator’s proven process for spec-ready, code-compliant new builds:
Weeks 1-4: Design, Permitting, and Ordering
- Pre-construction review: Evaluating architectural plans to confirm sufficient hoistway, pit, and overhead clearances. Early engagement with Kaiser Elevator’s engineers ensures accurate sizing and seamless fit within the project’s overall structure.
- Drawing and approvals: Complete shop drawings are produced for submission. Using Kaiser Elevator’s expertise, these are aligned to relevant codes and local Department of Buildings (DOB) protocols. Pre-packaged compliance speeds up approval cycles.
- Final order/spec: Once approved, our team works with you to confirm finishes (including stainless steel, PVC, or custom materials for cabs and doors) and submit finalized order for fabrication.
Weeks 5-12: Manufacturing and Site Prep
- Factory fabrication: Guide rails, cab, controllers, and interlocks are custom-built to spec, generally requiring 6-8 weeks for standard packages and up to 12 for highly customized orders.
- Parallel site prep: While fabrication occurs, GCs can proceed with hoistway framing, pit construction, rough-in power (typically 3-phase), and waterproofing. Kaiser Elevator provides complete coordination checklists to avoid site surprises.
Weeks 13-15: On-Site Assembly and Testing
- Component delivery and initial install: Rails, car frame, machines, and counterweights are delivered and placed. Core mechanical elements are typically completed in the first two days.
- Wiring and finishing: Doors, push buttons (or touchscreen controls), and interior finishes are installed. Leveling and testing follows, with focus on ride quality and code alignment.
- Load testing and adjustments: System undergoes full-load tests, emergency system validation, and ADA feature checks.
Week 16: Inspection and Handover
The final step is permit inspection (generally 1-2 days), followed by training for building staff and activation of Kaiser Elevator’s rapid support protocol. Upon sign-off, the new elevator is operational and backed by our structural and 24/7 service warranties.
The Week-by-Week Hydraulic Elevator Installation Timeline
Hydraulic elevators remain the most effective choice for low- and mid-rise commercial, residential, and parking-adjacent projects. With a streamlined mechanical profile, installation timelines are generally 2-4 weeks shorter than traction systems:
Weeks 1-3: Schematic Design and Approvals
- Site evaluation: Verification of pit depth, shaft dimensions, and location of machine room (typically adjacent to the hoistway). Kaiser Elevator’s team reviews for potential coordination conflicts and builds shop drawings accordingly.
- Permit submittal: Our code-ready designs and experience in complex urban jurisdictions compress this phase significantly, especially when parallel reviews are allowed.
Weeks 4-10: Equipment Fabrication and Construction
- Manufacturing: Pump units, jacks, car structures, and integrated safety systems are fabricated to job specifications. Stainless or PVC finishes, and backup systems, are handled during this period.
- Site work: Hoistway and pit poured, machine room fit-outs and MEPs completed, and critical oil and electrical lines installed. Kaiser Elevator works alongside your field team to keep trades scheduled efficiently.
Weeks 11-13: Elevator Assembly Onsite
- Core equipment install: Guide rails, jacks, car frame, and control panel placed in sequence. Many installations complete in as little as three days with parallel coordination.
- Interior finish and adjustment: Final door and finish trims installed, followed by system calibration and pressure testing.
Week 14: Final Inspection and Go-Live
With the new hydraulic system assembled, final safety and operational checks are performed before DOB inspection and client walk-through. Kaiser Elevator then provides training for on-site staff and enrolls the unit in our ongoing service and maintenance program.
Best Practices for General Contractors to Accelerate Elevator Projects
- Engage early: Involve your elevator provider at schematic design. Confirming hoistway and pit dimensions during early design eliminates costly and time-consuming rework.
- Sequence site trades smartly: Framing and MEP rough-ins should be scheduled to avoid bottlenecks. Coordinate bulk power drops and machine room fit-outs prior to elevator delivery.
- Leverage pre-engineered packages: Using Kaiser Elevator’s spec-ready packages avoids delays tied to custom shop drawing approvals and code review.
- Build for flexibility: Factor in potential schedule shifts tied to finish upgrades or DOB review. A 10% buffer reduces stress later, especially when premium materials are involved.
- Maintain post-install support: Utilize responsive maintenance and rapid service call guarantees—Kaiser Elevator’s 24/7 hotline ensures immediate resolution, reducing building downtime.
Case Study: NYC High-Rise Mixed-Use Traction Install
One notable example: in a 15-story mixed-use tower at Hudson Yards, Kaiser Elevator was entrusted with the delivery and installation of four traction elevators with advanced destination dispatch controls. Our team provided coordinated hoistway and steel erection plans, compressing the field installation to just five days. Final inspections passed on schedule, and the owner realized substantial cost savings (over $150,000) versus piecemeal bidding—attributable to Kaiser Elevator’s code-ready packages and project management.
FAQ: New Elevator Installation Timeline for GCs
What is the typical lead time for a new commercial elevator install?
For a standard traction elevator, expect 12-16 weeks from design to operation. Hydraulic elevators often complete in 10-14 weeks, subject to code review and customization.
Why do hydraulic elevators install faster than traction systems?
Hydraulic units have fewer moving parts, shallower pit and overhead requirements, and rely on preassembled components, streamlining field work.
How should GCs coordinate the site to minimize delays?
Early coordination with the elevator contractor, scheduling MEP trades ahead of elevator delivery, and ensuring power and hoistway readiness are key steps. Kaiser Elevator offers detailed checklists covering each milestone.
What risks can slow elevator installation on new builds?
Common schedule risks include permitting delays, shaft misalignment, power unavailability, or late finish selection. Proactive engagement with a packaged elevator provider like Kaiser Elevator removes many of these blockers.
Are preassembled or machine room-less elevators faster to install?
Yes, preassembled cabs and MRL (machine room-less) traction systems can shave 1-2 days off installation, but site readiness remains crucial.
What type of warranty and service should we expect?
Kaiser Elevator provides a 20-year structural warranty, comprehensive factory-backed coverage, and rapid 1-hour service call guarantees as standard with all new installations.
Related Reading
- Hydraulic Elevators for Low-Rise New Construction: When They’re the Smart (and Faster) Choice
- Traction Elevators for Mid-Rise Multifamily: How to Choose Speed, Capacity, and Core Count Without Overbuilding
- Hoistway, Pit, and Overhead Coordination: A Field-Proven RFI-Prevention Checklist for New Elevators
Conclusion: Your Partner Through Every Phase
Kaiser Elevator stands ready to support general contractors and developers through every phase of elevator installation, from initial concept through daily operation. By prioritizing coordination, compliance, and hands-on field support, we keep projects predictable, minimize risk, and deliver elevators that elevate both your building and your reputation. Contact us to discuss your upcoming project or request a quote. Our expertise means your next elevator installation is on time and on budget.
