In the world of high-stakes development, a code-compliant elevator package is more than a product—it’s a risk reduction strategy that saves time and money while making early occupancy possible. At Kaiser Elevator, we see firsthand how value engineering—our core approach—eliminates hidden landmines that otherwise trigger RFIs, code failures, and project delays in new builds. In this blog, we’ll share what really matters for developers, GCs, architects, and consultants looking to streamline elevator delivery in their commercial, mixed-use, or residential high-rise projects.
Why Standard Elevator Specs Trigger RFIs and Delays
Every developer expects an elevator installation to be straightforward. In reality, many projects get derailed by incomplete specs, ambiguous code compliance, and lack of coordination between disciplines. Here’s what we’ve noticed most often causing headaches:
- Code compliance oversights — Using interior finishes or panels that haven’t been tested as a full assembly can result in failing inspections (requiring tear-out and replacement).
- Misaligned shaft dimensions — Even a few inches off between as-built shaft and equipment specs leads to time-consuming RFIs, requiring shims or in-field modifications.
- Unverified ADA accessibility — Improper button placement or doorway width can send you back to the drawing board during the final punch list.
- Fire and life safety ambiguity — Materials or doors not certified to local fire codes will halt occupancy clearances and force costly rush orders.
We’ve seen all of these create weeks—or even months—of delay for projects that started with standard or incomplete elevator specifications. Every RFI adds soft costs, consultant time, and the risk of missed lease or opening commitments. For more insight into how early design coordination saves time, see this guide on preconstruction essentials.
Critical Codes: The Real Elevator Compliance Checklist
In the US, your elevator must meet three major areas of regulation. Here’s what we prioritize for every project:
- ASME A17.1 Safety Code – Governs structural integrity, capacity, safety devices (emergency stops, interlocks, backup power), fire-rated doors, and emergency comms. Every installation is subject to third-party certification.
- ADA Accessibility – Passenger elevators must have correctly-sized cars, proper button height and position, door width, and visual/audible communication that meet ADA standards.
- Local fire code & material testing – All interior wall/floor/ceiling finishes, adhesives, and glass must be tested as they’re installed, not as isolated samples. Failing to pre-certify assemblies can lead to failed CO sign-off and re-procurement delays.
If these factors aren’t integrated into design early—and rigorously documented—RFI cycles and failed inspections are nearly inevitable.
How Value Engineering Stops Project Roadblocks
We’ve built our process around the principle that elevator packages for new builds should be ready out of the box for code compliance, fast-track permitting, and smooth installation. Here’s our roadmap:
- Pre-compliance verification – Every finish, panel, and material combination is tested for fire compliance and ADA before procurement starts, so nothing gets held up during inspections.
- Modular, adaptable configurations – Standard platforms that fit a range of shaft sizes and building types let us adjust quickly without redesign when field conditions vary—a common scenario in high-rise concrete cores.
- Third-party engineering and documentation – Every package is delivered with stamped load calcs, ADA checklists, certificate of compliance, and detailed install sequencing for inspectors, saving weeks on approvals.
- Lifecycle cost focus – We specify energy-efficient LED lighting, regenerative drives, standardized componentry, and easy-to-clean modular interiors. That makes long-term maintenance cheaper and more predictable.
Avoiding the RFI Trap: What Goes Into a Spec-Ready Package
To truly keep new builds on track, a spec-ready elevator package should include:
- Dimensions and interface details – Exact shaft, pit, and machine room requirements referenced to standard building modules for easy coordination by architects and engineers.
- Complete code compliance documentation – Current ASME, ADA, and local fire certifications in writing, from third-party engineers—not just the supplier’s marketing flyer.
- Installation and coordination drawings – Ready to drop into construction documents, laying out sequence, hoistway, electrical, and utility coordination needed for smooth jobsite execution.
- Structural and MEP callouts – Load requirements, electrical needs (including backup power, if required), ventilation allowances, and fire compartmentalization directions.
We always recommend a pre-bid coordination call that brings the architect, the MEP engineer, the elevator company, and the GC to the table for one last cross-check. Thirty minutes here can prevent months of pain down the road. For a deeper dive into coordinating power, shaft, and traffic analysis, refer to our detailed preconstruction blog.
Key Value Engineering Benefits for Developers and GCs
- Faster project delivery – Pre-certified materials and pre-coordinated drawings reduce RFIs, with permitting and approvals happening in parallel instead of sequentially.
- Lower total costs – Eliminating field-fit mods and unplanned compliance changes slashes rework, change orders, and loss of lease-up revenue due to delays.
- No inspection surprises – All documentation and compliance certs in advance, often allowing sign-off with minimal field inspection effort.
- Smoother operations – Maintenance is easier with modular parts and pre-engineered systems. Standardized packages mean less downtime and lower costs for the life of the building.
Critical Compliance Red Flags and How We Address Them
- Combustible panels/floors not tested as assemblies – We only select combinations that have passed full-assembly fire testing and can produce the lab report, avoiding rework at final sign-off.
- Glass not labeled to ANSI H-series/tempered where required – Every piece of glass is documented and stamped for correct code compliance before shipping to site.
- Button panels not confirmed with ADA reach/range – We provide shop drawings showing all dimensions and button heights, with engineer sign-off included.
- Missing third-party engineering signatures – Our submittals always include stamped shop drawings and calculation packages ready for DOB or state review.
Cost Savings and ROI: The Value Engineering Payback
The real cost savings with value-engineered elevator packages aren’t just upfront. They accrue over the building’s entire lifecycle. Here’s where clients see results:
- Permitting time saved – With all pre-certified materials and design, we see permitting and code approvals cut by 2–4 weeks on average, with some projects moving into early occupancy even sooner.
- Maintenance and repair savings – Standardized modules, LED lighting, and efficient drive systems reduce part replacement and labor time over the years—often 10% to 15% less than custom, one-off systems.
- Energy and operational savings – Our energy-efficient designs help cut long-term operating costs. Find further insights in our blog on energy-efficient elevator solutions.
- Early lease-up and revenue impact – Every week shaved from the delivery schedule translates to tens of thousands in accelerated revenue—key for commercial office and multifamily developers alike.
How to Specify a Value-Engineered, Code-Compliant Elevator Package
- Start engagement early – Involve us during schematic or pre-design so we can catch compatibility or compliance risks before drawings are locked.
- Request pre-compliance certification – Insist on stamped, third-party documentation for ASME, ADA, fire, and load compliance up front—not after equipment arrives on site.
- Include precise dimensions and requirements in contract documents – List shaft and car sizes, door widths, load ratings, and finishing details to avoid ambiguous takeoffs.
- Hold a pre-bid or pre-con meeting – Bring your project architect, MEP team, Kaiser Elevator, and GC together for final shop drawing and coordination review.
- Clarify warranty and service terms – Specify 24-hour warranty response and 1-hour service call support to avoid disruptions during move-in and commissioning.
Final Thoughts: Why It Pays to Invest in Code-Compliant Value Engineering
Every project is unique. What we see again and again, though, is that engaging a partner with deep value engineering and compliance experience transforms elevator installation from a major risk into a driver for schedule confidence and lower lifecycle costs.
If you want to explore these concepts further, you might also find our analysis of delivery models and traction elevator specs and lead times for 2026 valuable for project planning.
Interested in a Smoother Path to Compliance?
If you’re ready to take RFIs and elevator installation delays off your critical path, let’s talk. Connect with us for a detailed consultation on truly code-compliant, value-engineered elevator packages: kaiserelevator.com.
