A comprehensive guide to understanding the true cost, timeline, and stress of residential elevator projects—and why the "cheapest" quote often becomes the most expensive mistake.
What Most Homeowners Don't Know About Elevator Installation
When most people request a quote for a home elevator, they believe they're purchasing a complete installation service. The elevator company will handle everything… right?
Wrong.
In reality, approximately 80% of residential elevator companies only provide and install the elevator cab and mechanical components. Everything else: the shaft construction, electrical work, permits, and contractor coordination falls on you, the homeowner.
This means you're not just buying an elevator. You're being handed the responsibility of general contractor for a complex, multi-phase construction project involving structural modifications, electrical systems, and municipal permitting.
Why This Industry Standard Exists
Most elevator manufacturers and installers operate on a product-focused business model. They specialize in elevator mechanics and leave ancillary construction to local contractors. This approach:
- Keeps their overhead lower (no employed carpenters or electricians)
- Limits their liability to just the elevator components
- Allows them to offer lower initial quotes
- Shifts project management risk to the homeowner
For the elevator company, this makes business sense. For the homeowner, it creates headaches.
The Project Manager Nightmare: How Standard Elevator Installation Actually Works
Here's what actually happens when you accept a "standard" elevator quote:
Phase 1: The Discovery (Week 1)
You receive a quote for $30,000 for a two-stop residential elevator. The price seems reasonable. You sign the contract.
Then you get a document titled "Site Preparation Requirements" that lists:
- Shaft framing specifications
- Archectual signed/ sealed plans
- Electrical requirements (220V service, dedicated circuit)
- Structural reinforcement needs
- Permit acquisition responsibilities
The elevator company expects YOU to handle all of this before they arrive.
Phase 2: The Contractor Hunt (Weeks 2-4)
Now you're making calls:
- Finding a carpenter experienced in elevator shaft construction (most are not)
- Finding a licensed electrician who can pull permits for elevator-grade electrical work
- Contacting your township to understand permit requirements
- Potentially hiring a structural engineer if your home needs reinforcement
Each contractor gives you separate quotes. Each has their own schedule. None have worked with your elevator company before.
Phase 3: The Coordination Chaos (Weeks 5-8)
Your carpenter starts building the shaft. Midway through, he has questions about the door opening dimensions. He calls you. You call the elevator company. They take two days to respond. Your carpenter moves to another job while waiting.
Your electrician can't start until the shaft framing is complete. But he's booked three weeks out. Your elevator company can't schedule installation until electrical is done AND the township inspection is complete.
You're now a project manager juggling three companies' calendars, trying to sequence work phases, and making endless phone calls.
Phase 4: The Finger-Pointing Game (Weeks 9-12+)
The elevator installer arrives and discovers the shaft is 2 inches too narrow due to a miscommunication about "finished" vs. "rough" dimensions.
- The carpenter says: "The specs from the elevator company were unclear."
- The elevator company says: "The carpenter didn't follow our instructions."
- You're stuck with: A partially complete project, additional costs to modify the shaft, and weeks of delays while everyone argues.
Phase 5: The Real Cost Revelation
Your original "$22,000 elevator" has now cost:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Elevator equipment & installation | $30,000 |
| Carpenter (shaft framing) | $7,500 |
| Structural reinforcement | $2,800 |
| Electrician | $2,200 |
| Architect, Permits & inspections | $2,800 |
| Change orders (shaft modifications) | $4,400 |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $49,700 |
Plus several months of stress, 67 phone calls, and multiple disputes about who's responsible for what.
This is the hidden reality of "standard" residential elevator installation.
The True Cost Breakdown: What That $30,000 Quote Really Means
What's Typically INCLUDED in a Standard Elevator Quote:
✅ Elevator cab and mechanical components
✅ Elevator mechanical installation
✅ Elevator testing and commissioning
✅ Basic warranty on elevator equipment
What's Typically NOT INCLUDED:
❌ Shaft construction (framing, drywall, finishing)
❌ Structural modifications or reinforcement
❌ Electrical work (new circuits, panels, wiring)
❌ Signed/ sealed architectural plans
❌ Building permits and permit expediting
❌ Township inspections and inspection coordination
❌ Door cutouts and modifications
❌ Contractor coordination and project management
❌ Remediation if contractors make errors
The Hidden Cost Categories:
1. Shaft Construction: $7,000-$15,000
- Framing lumber and hardware
- Drywall installation
- Finishing (paint, trim)
- Labor (typically 20-60 hours)
2. Electrical Work: $1,500-$3,500
- 220V dedicated circuit installation
- Panel upgrades (if needed)
- Cat5 for phone line
- Wiring to code
- Permit fees
- Electrician labor
3. Architect/ Engineering: $1,800-$5,500
- Load calculations
- Reinforcement design
- Stamped drawings for permits
4. Permits & Inspections: $800-$2,000
- Zoning approvals
- Building permits
- Electrical permits
- Elevator-specific permits
- Inspection fees (often multiple)
5. Change Orders & Delays: $1,000-$5,000+
- Fixing miscommunications between contractors
- Addressing code issues discovered mid-project
- Expediting materials when timelines slip
- Additional labor for modifications
The True Total Cost Comparison
| Quote Type | Initial Quote | Actual Total Cost | Your Time Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Standard” Elevator Company | $25,000-$30,000 | $35,000-$50,000 | 40-60 hours of coordination |
| Turnkey by Mobility123 | $35,000-$45,000 | $35,000-$45,000 | <5 hours (initial consultation + final walkthrough) |
The "expensive" turnkey quote is often cheaper; and always less stressful.
The Turnkey Solution: How In-House Installation Changes Everything
A true turnkey elevator installation means one company handles every aspect of the project from design to final inspection. Here's how it works:
What "Turnkey" Actually Means
Turnkey installation includes:
✅ Initial site assessment and design
✅ All engineering and structural calculations
✅ Permit acquisition and management
✅ Shaft construction (framing, drywall, finishing)
✅ All electrical work (circuit installation, panel work, wiring)
✅ Elevator mechanical installation
✅ All inspections and inspection coordination
✅ Final commissioning and homeowner training
✅ Single-source warranty and accountability
The In-House Team Advantage
When a company employs its own carpenters and electricians who work together daily, you get:
1. Perfect Communication
- The carpenter knows exactly how the elevator team works
- The electrician has installed the electrical for this exact elevator model dozens of times
- Questions get answered in real-time on the job site, not through phone tag
2. Shared Accountability
- No finger-pointing between contractors
- One project manager oversees all phases
- Problems get solved internally without involving you
3. Proven Processes
- The team has installed this exact configuration hundreds of times
- They know every township's specific requirements
- They've solved every common challenge already
4. Efficiency Gains
- No scheduling gaps between trade phases
- Materials ordered in bulk (lower costs)
- No "learning curve" for your specific elevator model
- Faster inspection approvals (inspector familiarity)
The Mobility123 Turnkey Process
Design & Permits
- On-site consultation and measurements
- Custom design created
- Engineering calculations completed
- Permit process underway
Construction Phase
- In-house carpenters build shaft to exact specifications
- In-house electricians install all electrical systems
- Daily communication between trades
- No homeowner coordination required
Elevator Installation
- Mechanical team installs elevator components
- Same company, so perfect integration with shaft
- Real-time problem-solving if adjustments needed
Inspections & Completion
- Project manager schedules all inspections
- Company representatives handle inspector questions
- Final commissioning and homeowner training
- Single comprehensive warranty
Result: Zero homeowner stress, one predictable cost.
Cost Comparison: Standard vs. Turnkey Installation
Two-Stop Home Elevator: Real-World Cost Analysis
SCENARIO A: Standard "Elevator-Only" Company
| Phase | Provider | Cost | Homeowner Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Quote | ABC Elevators | $30,000 | Research companies, get quotes |
| Shaft Framing | Local Carpenter | $8,200 | Find contractor, coordinate schedule |
| Structural Work | Contractor | $2,400 | Hire based on carpenter recommendation |
| Electrical | Licensed Electrician | $2,800 | Find electrician, coordinate with carpenter |
| Permits | Homeowner / Expediter | $1,400 | Apply, track, schedule inspections |
| Elevator Install | ABC Elevators | (included) | Coordinate with other trades |
| Change Order #1 | Carpenter | $2,200 | Shaft modifications after elevator team feedback |
| Change Order #2 | HVAC | $3200 | Relocate duct work |
| TOTAL | Multiple Vendors | $50,200 | ~50 hours of coordination |
| Timeline | 6-8 months |
SCENARIO B: Turnkey In-House Provider (Mobility123)
| Phase | Provider | Cost | Homeowner Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Installation | Mobility123 | $35,000 | Initial consultation (2 hours) |
| (Design, permits, construction, electrical, installation, inspections) | Final walkthrough (1 hour) | ||
| TOTAL | Single Vendor | $39,500 | ~3 hours total |
| Timeline | 4-6 months |
The Real Savings
| Category | Standard Method | Turnkey Method | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | $50,200 | $39,500 | Save $4,600 |
| Your Time | 50+ hours | 5 hours | Save 45 hours |
| Timeline | 6-8 months | 4-6 months | Done faster |
| Stress Level | Extreme | Minimal | Priceless |
| Risk of Cost Overruns | High | Low | Budget certainty |
| Points of Contact | 4-6 companies | 1 company | No finger-pointing |
Why the Math Works in Favor of Turnkey
In-house efficiency creates real savings:
- No contractor markup stacking: When you hire separate contractors, each adds their profit margin. Turnkey providers have single-margin pricing.
- Bulk material purchasing: A company doing dozens of installations per year negotiates better pricing on lumber, drywall, electrical components.
- No rework costs: When the carpenter and elevator mechanic work for the same company, specifications are followed perfectly the first time.
- Faster permitting: Township officials know and trust established turnkey providers, expediting approvals.
- No scheduling gaps: Separate contractors have gaps between phases. In-house teams move seamlessly from framing to electrical to installation.
Red Flags: Questions to Ask Before You Sign an Elevator Contract
The 10 Critical Questions Every Homeowner Must Ask
Before signing any elevator installation contract, ask these questions. The answers will reveal whether you're getting a true turnkey solution or being set up for the Project Manager Nightmare.
Question 1: "What's NOT included in this quote?"
Red Flag Answer: "The elevator installation is included. You'll need to arrange for shaft construction, electrical work, and permits separately."
Turnkey Answer: "Everything is included: design, permits, construction, electrical, installation, and all inspections. This is your complete out-the-door price."
Question 2: "Who is building the shaft?"
Red Flag Answer: "You'll need to hire a local carpenter. We can give you some names." OR "We can refer you to contractors we've worked with."
Turnkey Answer: "Our in-house carpentry team builds the shaft. They're W-2 employees who build elevator shafts every day alongside our elevator mechanics."
Question 3: "Who handles the permits?"
Red Flag Answer: "We'll provide you with the specifications you need to apply for permits." OR "You can hire a permit expediter if you need help."
Turnkey Answer: "We handle all permits – building, electrical, and elevator-specific. We have relationships with local townships and manage the entire process."
Question 4: "What happens if the shaft dimensions don't match the elevator requirements?"
Red Flag Answer: "That's why it's important to hire an experienced contractor and follow our specifications carefully." (Translation: It's your problem.)
Turnkey Answer: "That won't happen because the same company builds the shaft and installs the elevator. But if any adjustment is needed, we handle it internally at no additional cost."
Question 5: "If something goes wrong, who do I call?"
Red Flag Answer: "You'd call us for elevator issues and your contractor for construction issues." (Multiple points of contact = finger-pointing)
Turnkey Answer: "You call one number – your dedicated project manager who oversees everything."
Question 6: "Do you employ your own electricians, or do I need to hire one?"
Red Flag Answer: "You'll need to hire a licensed electrician. We'll provide the electrical specifications."
Turnkey Answer: "Our licensed electricians handle all electrical work. They've wired this exact elevator model hundreds of times."
Question 7: "What's the realistic timeline from contract signing to completion?"
Red Flag Answer: "The elevator installation takes 2-3 days once the site is ready." (Notice they didn't answer the actual question.)
Turnkey Answer: "From contract signing to final inspection: 4-6 months, with clear milestones communicated weekly."
Question 8: "Are there any additional costs I should budget for?"
Red Flag Answer: "Our price is for the elevator. Site preparation costs vary depending on your contractor's rates and any structural modifications needed."
Turnkey Answer: "This is the complete price. The only potential additional cost would be if you request changes to the design after we start construction, or for potential unknowns."
Question 9: "Can I see a complete breakdown of what's included?"
Red Flag Answer: Provides only elevator equipment specifications without mentioning construction scope.
Turnkey Answer: Provides detailed scope including: design, engineering, permits, shaft construction (with materials list), electrical work (with circuit details), elevator installation, inspections, warranty, and training.
Question 10: "What happens if there's a delay?"
Red Flag Answer: "Delays usually come from permitting or contractor scheduling issues." (Translation: We can't control those things.)
Turnkey Answer: "We build buffer time into our schedule and manage all phases internally, so delays are rare. If weather or township issues cause delays, we communicate immediately and adjust our schedule."
The Ultimate Red Flag: The "Bait-and-Switch" Quote
Beware of quotes that seem significantly lower than others. Ask yourself:
- Does this quote include shaft construction?
- Does it include electrical work?
- Does it include permits?
- Does it include project management?
A $30,000 "elevator-only" quote is really a higher-cost project that you're managing.
A $38,000 turnkey quote is exactly $38,000 with zero management required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Elevator Installation
About Turnkey Installation
Q: What does "turnkey" installation mean for a home elevator?
A: Turnkey installation means one company handles every aspect of the project: design, permits, shaft construction, electrical work, elevator installation, inspections, and final commissioning. You have one point of contact, one schedule, and one comprehensive warranty. Unlike standard installation where you coordinate multiple contractors, turnkey means you simply unlock your door and the company handles everything until the elevator is operational.
Q: Why don't all elevator companies offer turnkey installation?
A: Most elevator companies focus exclusively on the elevator mechanical components and installation. They don't employ carpenters or electricians because maintaining those additional teams requires higher overhead and different expertise. The turnkey model requires a company to be both an elevator specialist AND a general contractor: a rare combination that few companies are structured to provide.
Q: Is turnkey installation more expensive than hiring separate contractors?
A: Counterintuitively, no. While turnkey quotes appear higher upfront, the total project cost is often lower because:
- You avoid contractor markup stacking (each separate contractor adds profit margin)
- Bulk material purchasing reduces costs
- Perfect coordination eliminates expensive rework and change orders
- No scheduling gaps reduce labor costs
- Faster permitting (established relationships) reduces carrying costs
Real-world comparison: Standard method total = $35,000-$45,000. Turnkey total = $32,000-$38,000.
About Costs & Budgeting
Q: What's the true total cost of installing a home elevator?
A: For a standard two-stop residential elevator, total costs typically range from $32,000 to $45,000 depending on installation method:
- Elevator-only companies: $25,000-$30,000 (equipment) + $12,000-$20,000 (contractors & permits) = $37,000-$50,000 total
- Turnkey providers: $35,000-$45,000 (complete installation)
The turnkey price is fixed and includes everything. The "cheaper" quote grows through hidden costs.
Q: Why do some elevator quotes seem much cheaper?
A: Lower quotes typically only include the elevator equipment and mechanical installation. Project management (40-60 hours of your time)
Always ask "What's NOT included in this quote?" before comparing prices.
Q: Can I save money by doing the project management myself?
A: Only if your time has no value and you enjoy contractor coordination. Consider:
- You'll spend 40-60 hours making calls, scheduling, and problem-solving
- You'll likely encounter costly mistakes from miscommunication between contractors
- Change orders typically add $2,000-$5,000 to DIY-managed projects
- Your project may take 2x longer.
Most professionals calculate that "saving" $3,000 by self-managing actually costs $5,000+ in time, errors, and stress.
About The Installation Process
Q: How long does home elevator installation take?
A: Timeline depends on installation method.
The difference comes from elimination of scheduling gaps, faster permitting (established relationships), and perfect coordination between trades.
Q: What's involved in building an elevator shaft?
A: Shaft construction includes:
- Structural assessment and reinforcement (if needed)
- Framing the shaft enclosure (load-bearing structure)
- Drywall installation
- Finishing
- Door cutouts at each floor
- Safety features (fire-rated materials if required)
This typically requires 40-80 hours of skilled carpentry labor and materials.
Q: What electrical work is required for a home elevator?
A: Standard residential elevators require:
- 220-volt dedicated circuit
- 30-40 amp service (depending on model)
- Electrical panel upgrades (in ~25% of homes)
- Proper grounding and safety disconnects
- Connection for a live phone w/ dialtone
- Code-compliant wiring to elevator location
- Permit and inspection by licensed electrician
This work typically costs $1,800-$3,200 and requires several hours of licensed electrician labor.
Q: What permits are required for home elevator installation?
A: Most jurisdictions require:
- Building permit (structural modifications)
- Electrical permit (new circuit installation)
- Elevator-specific permit (mechanical installation)
- Multiple inspections at different phases
Permit costs range from $800-$2,000. Processing time: 10-16 weeks depending on township and submission quality. Turnkey companies typically get faster approvals due to established relationships and error-free applications.
About Choosing a Provider
Q: What should I look for when choosing an elevator installer?
A: Critical factors:
- Scope clarity: Get detailed written scope of what's included
- In-house capabilities: Do they employ their own carpenters?
- Single-point accountability: One project manager for everything?
- Total cost transparency: Is this the real price or just the equipment?
- Timeline commitment: Will they commit to a specific completion date?
- Warranty coverage: Does warranty cover elevator AND construction?
- Local reputation: Check reviews specifically mentioning project management
- Licensing: Verify elevator contractor license, electrical license, contractor license
Q: What's the biggest mistake homeowners make when buying an elevator?
A: Choosing based on the lowest initial quote without understanding scope. An "elevator-only" quote that requires you to hire carpenters, electricians, and manage permitting isn't cheaper, it's dramatically more expensive and stressful once you account for all costs.
The biggest mistake is not asking: "What's NOT included in this price?"
Q: How do I know if a company truly offers turnkey installation?
A: Ask these verification questions:
- "Do you employ W-2 carpenters, or do you subcontract?"
- "If the shaft has an issue, who fixes it at what cost?"
- "Who applies for permits and handles inspections?"
- "Can you show me a contract that includes all construction phases?"
True turnkey = in-house teams, single contract, comprehensive scope, one point of contact.
About Common Problems
Q: What's "the finger-pointing game"?
A: This occurs when multiple contractors are involved in an elevator project. Example scenario:
- Elevator installer arrives and says the shaft dimensions are incorrect
- Carpenter says the elevator company's specifications were unclear
- Electrician says the problem is structural, not electrical
- Everyone blames someone else; no one takes responsibility
- YOU become the mediator spending hours on phone calls
- The project stalls while contractors argue
- You often pay for corrections out-of-pocket
With turnkey installation, this literally cannot happen because one company controls all phases.
Q: What typically goes wrong with multi-contractor elevator projects?
A: Common issues:
- Dimension miscommunications – Shaft built to wrong specifications
- Sequencing problems – Electrician arrives before shaft is ready
- Code violations – Contractor unfamiliar with elevator-specific codes
- Scheduling gaps – Weeks of delays between contractor phases
- Change orders – Average 2-3 unexpected change orders adding $3,000-$5,000+
- Inspection failures – Multiple re-inspections due to poor coordination
- Warranty confusion – Who's responsible when something fails?
Q: Can a general contractor manage my elevator project?
A: Yes, but with significant limitations:
Pros:
- Experience managing multiple trades
- Existing contractor relationships
Cons:
- Most GCs lack elevator-specific expertise
- They'll still subcontract all work (markup stacking)
- They're not elevator specialists (knowledge gaps)
- You're adding another layer of management (more cost)
- GC doesn't have skin-in-the-game for elevator performance
A turnkey elevator company that employs their own construction teams is effectively a specialized GC WITH elevator expertise, a superior combination.
About Mobility123 Specifically
Q: What makes Mobility123's approach different?
A: Mobility123 employs in-house teams:
- W-2 carpenters who specialize in elevator shaft construction
- Licensed and trained elevator mechanics
- Dedicated project managers who oversee all phases
- Dedicated permit coordinators
This structure eliminates the coordination nightmare, finger-pointing, and cost uncertainty of the standard multi-contractor approach. One team, one schedule, one point of accountability.
Q: Does Mobility123 serve my area?
A: Mobility123 serves all of New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. We specializes in:
For service area specifics, contact Mobility123 directly.
Q: How much does Mobility123 charge for turnkey installation?
A: Pricing varies based on:
- Number of stops (floors served)
- Cab size and finish options
- Structural modifications required
- Local permitting requirements
Typical range for turnkey two-stop installation: $38,000-$45,000 complete. This includes design, permits, construction, electrical, installation, inspections, and warranty. The true total cost with zero surprises.
Final Thoughts: The Choice Is Clear
Installing a home elevator is one of the most significant home modifications you'll ever undertake. The question isn't whether you can afford a turnkey solution, it's whether you can afford NOT to use one.
Consider what you're really choosing between:
Option A: The "Cheap" Quote
- Lowest initial price
- 40-60 hours of your time managing contractors
- High risk of cost overruns
- Extended timeline with frequent delays
- Finger-pointing when problems arise
- Multiple warranties from different companies
- Significant stress and frustration
Option B: The Turnkey Solution
- Transparent total price
- 3-5 hours of your time (consultation + walkthrough)
- Lower risk of cost overruns
- Predictable timeline
- Single point of accountability
- Comprehensive single-source warranty
- Peace of mind
The math is simple: Turnkey installation often costs LESS total while providing dramatically better experience.
Your time has value. Your peace of mind has value. Your home deserves quality work done right the first time.
Ready to Skip the Project Manager Nightmare?
If you're in New Jersey or the Philadelphia area and want to install a home elevator without becoming an unpaid general contractor, Mobility123 offers true turnkey installation.
Schedule a consultation to learn:
- Exact pricing for your specific home
- Timeline from consultation to completion
- How our in-house team eliminates coordination stress
- Why our approach often costs less than the "cheaper" quote
Contact Mobility123: 📞 609-385-9575 🌐 mobility123.com 📧 info@mobility123.com
Remember: You're not just buying an elevator. You're choosing between a construction nightmare and a turnkey masterpiece. Choose wisely.
