How to inspect an elevator installation

Step by step

1. 1

   Verify the hoistway is built to the approved layout

   Confirm hoistway dimensions, plumb, and clear running space match the elevator subcontractor's approved layout, that the pit depth and overhead clearance are right, and that the shaft is dry and free of encroachments. A hoistway out of plumb or short on clearance stops the installation before it starts.

2. 2

   Confirm pit, sump, and waterproofing

   Check the pit for the required ladder, lighting, GFCI outlet, and sump or drainage per the design, and that pit waterproofing is complete and the pit stays dry. A wet pit is a chronic problem that surfaces at the worst time.

3. 3

   Check the machine room or machine space

   Verify the machine room or machine-room-less space has the required clearances, lighting, ventilation or cooling, dedicated power and disconnect, and fire separation, with no unrelated piping or equipment run through it. Confirm access is code-compliant and secured.

4. 4

   Verify entrances, sills, and fire separation

   Confirm entrance frames and sills are set plumb and to the finished floor at each landing, that the rough openings and grouting are right, and that the hoistway fire separation and any smoke-relief provisions are complete. Sill height and floor coordination is a common punch item at the thresholds.

5. 5

   Confirm building interfaces are complete and coordinated

   Verify the interfaces the elevator depends on — normal and standby power, fire alarm initiation for recall, sprinkler and shunt-trip arrangement, phone or communication line, and HVAC — are installed and coordinated. These are building-side scope the elevator can't be accepted without.

6. 6

   Observe the acceptance inspection and testing

   Confirm the licensed elevator inspector performs the required acceptance and safety testing and the AHJ witnesses it where required, and observe that fire-service recall, emergency operation, and door protection function. Record what you observe; the inspector and AHJ certify the equipment for use.

7. 7

   Coordinate finishes, protection, and cleanup

   Verify cab finishes, fixtures, and signage match the submittal, that the car and entrances are protected during the balance of construction, and that the hoistway and pit are clean. Confirm any temporary-use agreement and its protection if the car is used during construction.

8. 8

   Document readiness and track the punch

   Photograph the pit, machine space, entrances, and interface connections, keep the inspection and test records in the file, and track any building-side deficiency or cab punch item to closure so the certificate isn't held up on the GC's scope.

Questions people ask

What does the GC inspect versus the elevator inspector?

The GC verifies the building side — hoistway, pit, machine space, entrances, and the power, fire alarm, and sprinkler interfaces — and coordinates the trades. The licensed elevator inspector performs the code-required acceptance and safety testing and the AHJ certifies the elevator for use. Both records belong in the file.

Can the elevator be used during construction?

Only under a temporary-use agreement with the elevator subcontractor and where the AHJ allows it, with the required protection and often a temporary acceptance. Never put a car into construction service on your own call — that's the elevator company's and the AHJ's decision.