Elevator bidding requires specialized knowledge of vertical transportation systems, code requirements, and maintenance contracts. This guide helps elevator contractors win profitable commercial projects.
Understanding Elevator Bid Documents
Architectural and Structural Drawings
Key Drawing Types
- Elevator plans (each level)
- Elevator sections
- Machine room plans
- Shaft details
- Pit details
Information to Extract
- Number of elevators
- Travel distance
- Shaft dimensions
- Machine room location
- Structural interface
Specifications
Division 14 Sections
- 14 20 00 - Elevators
- 14 21 00 - Electric Traction Elevators
- 14 24 00 - Hydraulic Elevators
- 14 27 00 - Custom Elevator Cabs
- 14 28 00 - Elevator Equipment
Critical Details
- Capacity requirements
- Speed specifications
- Cab finishes
- Control systems
- Code requirements
Elevator Types
Traction Elevators
Geared Traction
- Lower rise applications
- Moderate speeds
- Machine room required
- Cost-effective option
Gearless Traction
- High-rise applications
- Higher speeds
- Better energy efficiency
- Premium cost
Machine Room-Less (MRL)
- Mid-rise applications
- Compact design
- No machine room
- Growing popularity
Hydraulic Elevators
Conventional
- Low-rise applications (up to 5-6 floors)
- Slower speeds
- In-ground or holeless
- Cost-effective
Holeless
- No drilling required
- Limited travel
- Easier installation
- Site flexibility
Specialty Elevators
Types
- Freight elevators
- Service elevators
- Observation elevators
- Residential elevators
- Limited-use/limited-application (LULA)
Bid Components
Equipment
Major Items
- Elevator machine/drive
- Controller
- Car frame and platform
- Guide rails
- Doors and operators
- Cab finishes
- Safety devices
Selection Factors
- Capacity requirements
- Speed requirements
- Traffic analysis
- Code compliance
- Budget constraints
Installation Labor
Major Tasks
- Pit work
- Guide rail installation
- Machine/controller installation
- Car assembly
- Door installation
- Wiring
- Testing and adjustment
Productivity Factors
- Building access
- Shaft readiness
- Coordination requirements
- Code inspections
Code Compliance
Key Codes
- ASME A17.1 Safety Code
- Local building codes
- ADA requirements
- Fire service requirements
- Seismic requirements
Cost Considerations
- Testing and inspection fees
- Certification costs
- Documentation requirements
- Compliance upgrades
Pricing Strategies
New Construction
Pricing Elements
- Equipment cost
- Installation labor
- Permits and inspections
- Testing and certification
- Temporary operation
Market Factors
- Competition level
- Manufacturer relationships
- Volume considerations
- Market conditions
Modernization
Scope Categories
- Full modernization
- Controller upgrade
- Cab renovation
- Door replacement
- Code compliance upgrades
Assessment Requirements
- Site survey
- Equipment evaluation
- Code analysis
- Scope definition
Maintenance Contracts
Contract Types
- Full maintenance
- Parts and labor
- Oil and grease only
- On-call service
Pricing Factors
- Equipment age
- Usage level
- Parts availability
- Response time requirements
- Contract duration
Common Bidding Mistakes
Scope Gaps
Frequently Missed
- Pit waterproofing verification
- Fire service features
- Phone/intercom systems
- Cab finish details
- Temporary operation
- Training requirements
Installation Underestimation
Watch For
- Shaft readiness issues
- Coordination delays
- Inspection wait times
- Punch list scope
- Owner training
Code Oversights
Check Carefully
- Local amendments
- Fire service requirements
- ADA compliance details
- Seismic requirements
- Energy code requirements
Coordination Requirements
Structural Interface
Elements
- Pit construction
- Guide rail brackets
- Machine beam supports
- Shaft walls
- Overhead clearances
Coordination
- Structural engineer
- General contractor
- Steel fabricator
- Concrete contractor
Electrical Interface
Requirements
- Main disconnect
- Lighting circuits
- Emergency power
- Communication systems
- Fire alarm interface
Coordination
- Electrical contractor
- Fire alarm contractor
- Building controls
Mechanical Interface
Elements
- Machine room HVAC
- Shaft ventilation
- Pit drainage
- Fire suppression
Testing and Acceptance
Required Tests
Standard Tests
- Static load tests
- Safety tests
- Performance tests
- Fire service tests
- Emergency power tests
Documentation
- Test reports
- Certificates
- Operating manuals
- Maintenance information
Inspection Process
Stages
- Rough-in inspection
- Final inspection
- Certificate of Compliance
- Permit closure
Timeline Impact
- Inspection scheduling
- Correction time
- Re-inspection
- Certificate issuance
Warranty and Service
Standard Warranties
Typical Terms
- One-year parts and labor
- Extended component warranties
- Exclusions and limitations
Cost Factors
- Warranty reserve
- Service capability
- Parts inventory
- Response time
Service Agreements
Contract Elements
- Scope of service
- Response times
- Parts coverage
- Exclusions
- Duration and escalation
Pricing Considerations
- Service territory
- Parts costs
- Labor rates
- Market competition
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Classifications
- Elevator constructors
- Elevator mechanics
- Helpers
Compliance
- Correct rates
- Certified payroll
- Apprenticeship ratios
Buy America
Requirements
- Domestic equipment
- Documentation
- Certification
- Price impact
Bonding
Requirements
- Performance bonds
- Payment bonds
- Maintenance bonds
Technology Considerations
Destination Dispatch
Features
- Improved traffic handling
- Energy efficiency
- Integration capabilities
Cost Factors
- Premium equipment cost
- Programming requirements
- User training
Regenerative Drives
Benefits
- Energy savings
- Heat reduction
- Operating cost reduction
Considerations
- Initial cost premium
- Building electrical system
- Payback analysis
Monitoring Systems
Capabilities
- Remote monitoring
- Predictive maintenance
- Performance analytics
- Emergency communication
Competitive Strategies
Differentiation
Beyond Price
- Service capability
- Response time
- Technology offerings
- Reference projects
Value Engineering
Options
- Equipment alternatives
- Feature adjustments
- Contract structure
- Phasing options
Conclusion
Successful elevator bidding requires understanding of equipment options, code requirements, and service commitments. Select appropriate equipment. Price installation accurately. Include all code compliance costs. Plan for service and maintenance.
The elevator contractors who win profitable work combine technical expertise with reliable service and competitive pricing.
ConstructionBids.ai helps elevator contractors find commercial opportunities and track bid deadlines for new construction and modernization projects.
