Identifying and closing elevator scope gaps before purchasing your package is one of the single most important steps for a smooth, code-compliant elevator installation in any new construction. Overlooking even minor scope assignment details can lead to inspection failures, schedule overruns, and costly change orders that ripple through a project’s timeline and budget. Working with an expert partner like Kaiser Elevator ensures all parties—from general contractors to architects and MEP engineers—are aligned and accountable well before procurement begins.
What Is an Elevator Scope Gap? (Definition)
An elevator scope gap occurs when there is ambiguity or mistaken assumption about whether the general contractor, elevator supplier, or another stakeholder is responsible for certain physical, structural, electrical, or code-required elements. Common examples include missing pit sump pumps, insufficient hoistway dimensions, incorrect machine room sizing, or incomplete fire rating specifications. Each gap can delay elevator acceptance, increase costs, and introduce compliance risk at the project’s most critical handoff points.
Why You Must Assign Scope Responsibilities Before Buying the Elevator Package
Failure to clarify these responsibilities early invites late-stage conflicts—just as elevator equipment arrives or inspection deadlines loom. Assigning responsibilities upfront prevents surprises, ensures on-time delivery, and avoids expensive re-works. All key stakeholders must agree on exact scope items in writing before any elevator contract is signed. Kaiser Elevator provides tailored submittal and preconstruction documentation to guide this process, reducing RFIs and field corrections.
Comprehensive Elevator Scope Gap Checklist
1. Hoistway (Shaft) Dimensions and Construction
- Ensure hoistway width, depth, and clearances precisely match elevator submittal drawings—no assumptions or rounding.
- Confirm square, plumb, and unobstructed shaft construction using laser verification or certified survey (critical for custom and high-rise installations).
- Verify shaft fire rating and construction material compliance with local code and AHJ (typically 2-hour for commercial).
- Decide who is responsible for patching, skim coating, and sealing after installation—GC or elevator crew.
2. Elevator Pit Scope
- Assign pit depth and layout responsibility explicitly to GC, referencing submittal details.
- Instruct for pit reinforcement to spec, including shock-absorber load and water-proofing if needed.
- Confirm installation of pit ladder (fixed/retractable per code) and pit access door if over 120” below landing sill.
- Ensure sump and drain by MEP if pit is susceptible to water or below grade. Specify whether elevator provider or GC covers pit clean-out prior to inspection.
3. Machine Room and Equipment Space
- Clarify machine room size, floor reinforcement, fire rating, and final finish responsibilities.
- Assign electrical lighting, GFCI outlet installation, and machine room ventilation to GC or MEP (aligned with elevator submittal).
- Confirm placement and clearances for controller and drive, including self-locking door direction and width.
- Verify that equipment weight loads are shared with the structural engineer and GC.
4. Electrical Rough-Ins and Power
- Provide a detailed one-line electrical diagram from your elevator partner (Kaiser Elevator customizes these for each project).
- Ensure main service, breaker, wiring, and disconnect switch are clearly assigned to the electrical contractor, aligned with elevator supplier specs.
- Include emergency backup, grounding/bonding, and phone line installation if applicable (especially for residential and code-mandated communications).
5. Landing Door Framing and Fire Rating
- Schedule door rough opening framing and shim zones to match elevator shop drawings—no field improvisation.
- Specify critical gap compliance (3/4 inch x 4 inch rule) and clarify who is responsible for compliance solutions (door baffles, sills, etc.).
- List fire-rated door frame requirements and coordinate procurement among GC, architect, and elevator vendor.
6. Barricades and Construction Safety
- Mandate strong, visible barricades at all open shaft levels after rough-in and during construction.
- Add clear signage warning of open hoistways. Assign ongoing maintenance of barricades until permanent doors are in place.
7. Site Readiness and Access
- Include final pre-installation walk-through with all parties (GC, elevator, electrical, ownership) at least two weeks ahead of scheduled delivery.
- Confirm clear site access for cranes and elevator material delivery; reserve staging area if needed for large freight or custom cabs.
- Assign cleaning and debris removal responsibilities post-elevator installation.
Timelines and Assignments in Practice
Several building teams find that sharing Kaiser Elevator’s submittal checklists, including digital CAD overlays and field-verification forms, helps close gaps before schedule or cost impacts occur. Use sign-off sheets for each key milestone where scope could be disputed. Be sure all measured “as-built” dimensions are checked against elevator requirements—not just against architectural plans.
Best Practices: Minimizing Risk and Delays
- Engage your elevator consultant or vendor early—in schematic or design development stages.
- Never finalize structural pours, core drilling, or basic electrical rough-ins without reviewed elevator submittals signed off by both GC and supplier.
- Use written assignment sheets and milestone field reviews to prevent “he said, she said” disputes late in the job.
- Reference real, local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements—do not rely on assumed best practices only.
- Distribute clear, simple checklists to the field teams as well as leadership; make sure all trades recognize where elevator infrastructure stops and equipment installation begins.
- When in doubt, proactively reach out to Kaiser Elevator for submittal review or project-specific guidance.
How Kaiser Elevator Ensures Scope Alignment
At Kaiser Elevator, we provide end-to-end technical documentation, including engineered submittal sheets and digital markups, so that all dimensions and power requirements are clear from the start. Our team reviews your construction drawings, walks the field as needed, and supports your GC and engineers in resolving gray areas before materials or equipment are ordered. We understand the nuances of value engineering, code compliance, and real-world jobsite pressures, and our priority is always a first-pass acceptance at inspection.
Clients can leverage our decades of multi-state experience, and our expert in-house engineering to bridge the gap between planning and smooth turnover. Whether you’re developing a high-rise, healthcare facility, or mixed-use complex, partnering with Kaiser Elevator reduces risk from day one.
Related Resources and Further Reading
- Hoistway, Pit, and Overhead Coordination: A Field-Proven RFI-Prevention Checklist for New Elevators
- New Elevator Installation Timeline for GCs: A Week by Week Look at Traction and Hydraulic Builds
- MEP Coordination for Elevator Installs: Power, Heat Loads, Venting, and Fire Alarm Interfaces (What GCs Miss)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most commonly missed elevator scope items in new construction?
Frequent issues include insufficient hoistway or pit dimensions, missing machine room fire ratings, unassigned pit sump installation, and incomplete landing door framing compliance. Engaging Kaiser Elevator early ensures these items are never overlooked.
Who is responsible for pit ladders and sump pumps—the GC or the elevator installer?
Typically, the general contractor is responsible for pit ladders and sump pump installation, as these are structural and MEP-driven items. Always verify explicit assignments on the subcontractor scope documents and check local code requirements.
How do I confirm that my machine room meets current requirements?
Request machine room specifications, weight, clearances, and fire rating data from your elevator vendor’s submittals. Your contractor and design team must align their plans to those requirements. Clear communication with Kaiser Elevator helps avoid rework.
Can scope gaps be closed after elevator procurement?
Some gaps can be addressed, but it is almost always more expensive and disruptive. Cost-effective, code-compliant solutions come from early scope assignment and close coordination using preconstruction documentation.
What kind of support does Kaiser Elevator provide in scope definition?
We provide detailed engineered drawings, field walks, checklist templates, and project management to align your GC, design, and MEP teams before installation. This helps pass inspections the first time and keeps your project on track.
Conclusion: Close Gaps Before You Buy
Assigning and documenting elevator scope before you buy your elevator package is essential for preventing last-minute changes, failed inspections, and budget overages. By using detailed checklists and engaging early with experienced elevator partners, you set up your project for success. Our team at Kaiser Elevator is dedicated to partnering with contractors, architects, and developers to deliver compliant, efficient, and rider-friendly vertical transportation systems from day one.
Ready to streamline your next construction project? Connect with Kaiser Elevator to access expert guidance, download preconstruction checklists, or schedule your project’s scope review with our engineering team.
