February 03, 2021
It’s impossible to imagine a modern residential building without an elevator. It allows residents to transport furniture, strollers, bicycles, and other heavy items to any floor with ease.
For people with disabilities, as well as the elderly and those with limited mobility, an elevator is often the only viable means of moving between floors. That’s why elevators are now installed not only in high-rises but also in low- and mid-rise residential complexes.
Main Types of Elevators in New Buildings
Depending on what they are designed to carry, elevators in new buildings are typically classified into two types:
- Passenger elevators
- Freight-passenger elevators
Passenger elevators are designed primarily for people, although they can also be used to transport light goods — provided that the combined weight of passengers and cargo does not exceed the rated capacity.
Freight-passenger models are larger and have wider door openings. They are built to accommodate both people and bulky items.
Elevators also vary by speed category:
- Low-speed – up to 1 m/s
- Medium-speed – 1–2 m/s
- High-speed – 2–4 m/s
- Ultra-high-speed – over 4 m/s
Ultra-high-speed elevators are installed in tall buildings, with some models capable of reaching speeds up to 10 m/s. Modern elevators are significantly quieter than their predecessors and are constructed from fire-resistant materials. Cabins are often equipped with air conditioning and video screens, while each floor has digital indicators showing the elevator’s current position and direction of movement.
When Elevators Are Activated in New Buildings
Elevators are especially critical during the move-in phase, when residents need to transport furniture, personal belongings, and renovation materials into their new homes. When the elevator is not yet operational, the excitement of moving into a long-awaited apartment can quickly turn into frustration — carrying everything up the stairs is both exhausting and impractical.
Many residents are unsure who is responsible for activating the elevator.
The elevator can only be switched on by the building management organization or the homeowners’ association (HOA) responsible for the maintenance and management of the property. The HOA signs a maintenance contract with a licensed elevator service company, since elevator systems are complex and require qualified specialists for installation and upkeep.
However, if less than 50% of the apartments are occupied, the HOA often cannot afford to sign the service contract due to a lack of funds — even if most units have already been sold. Many investors buy apartments for resale, so they neither move in nor pay maintenance fees. As a result, elevator activation can be postponed indefinitely.
Sometimes, HOAs deliberately delay activating the elevator to minimize the risk of damage. During the first months after move-in, residents are actively doing renovations and moving large items. Excessive weight or improper use can easily cause malfunctions. Therefore, the system is often launched only after the majority of residents have settled in.
In other cases, the elevator may remain inactive because the developer has not yet completed all necessary installation or commissioning works.
What to Do If the Elevator Doesn’t Work
If the elevator is not functioning, residents should contact the building management company and the developer. The purchase agreement should specify the timeline and conditions for commissioning all engineering systems, including elevators.
If the developer fails to meet these obligations, residents have the right to take legal action.
To avoid such problems, it’s crucial to sign contracts only with reputable developers who have a proven track record of delivering completed, functional residential buildings.
