How much does it cost to fix an elevator?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Residential elevators assist those with movement challenges to reach multi-levels of a home. These people movers are also helpful to those who deal with pain walking up-and-downstairs as well as adding a luxurious feel to any home. Elevators have many moving parts. All of these parts need to be working, otherwise, the ride will be bumpy or not happen at all. It's essential to get your elevator inspected and repaired to avoid you or your family members getting stuck in or injured by one.

The national average cost for repairing an elevator is $550 to $1,000, with most people paying around $800 for the minimum service call to repair stuck doors. At the low end, you will pay $150 for minor repair of the sensor. On the high end, expect to pay $4,500 for the replacement of cables.

Elevator Repair Price

Elevator Repair Costs by Part

The cost to repair an elevator by part ranges from $150 to $60,000. Elevators require several types of repairs. Whether it’s a squeaky noise or stuck doors, each problem equates to a necessary repair. Getting your elevator maintained at regular intervals and contacting repairmen about issues when they arise minimizes repair costs. The table below breaks down the types of repairs and the cost of each.

Elevator Door Repair

The average costs for this repair are from $150 to $2,750. The most common problem that people have with elevators is power failure which doesn’t allow the elevator to operate at all, including the doors. Another common problem is doors may not close all the way or close too fast, resulting in injury for the passenger. You can prevent issues with your elevator door by ensuring that you schedule regular elevator maintenance. Also, having an inspector check your elevator when you notice subtle sounds or minor sticking minimizes emergency elevator visits which are very costly.

Cloth Traveling Cables Replacement

If you need to have the traveling cables replaced, the costs range between $2,500 and $3,500. The cables in your elevator are made of wire rope woven together to make an extremely strong cable. Most elevators contain backup ropes as well. These cables are very flexible, but occasionally they wear or may snap. If your cables should snap, a braking system within the elevator keeps you safe from free-falling.

Piston Repair

The cost to fix a piston is between $2,800 and $3,500. These fixes are usually made to a hydraulic elevator. In this design, the elevator cab is lifted instead of pulled upward, and an electric motor pumps oils, such as vegetable-based oil, into the cylinder to move the pistons. The piston is the part of the elevator that pushes it up when the pressure rises in the cylinder. This type of elevator is usually installed in homes because they move very slowly and can only rise seven stories.

Elevator Panel Replacement

If your elevator panel is broken or unusable, you can expect to spend $3,500 to $4,000 to replace it. The elevator panel is where the buttons are located. The rider can choose a floor, and the buttons signal the elevator where to go. This panel also houses other vital buttons like the emergency button and key-operated controls for use in case of a fire or maintenance. The panel typically fails because of a power outage but needs to be replaced when buttons no longer operate correctly.

Elevator Cab Wiring Repair

The cost to repair elevator cab wiring is $4,000 to $4,500. The wires control many electrical components of the elevator cab, such as lighting, HVAC, and more. If wires become worn or broken, an electrical fire can break out, or the system may completely stop working. Malfunctioning wires can lead to systems running unintentionally and possibly causing injury. Therefore, you should have wiring repaired immediately to minimize possible electrocution.

Elevator Controller Repair

If you have to repair the elevator controller, your cost will be between $4,000 and $4,500. This is the “brains” of the elevator, ensuring that a passenger gets to the right floor and in a smooth fashion. The controller is typically located outside of the elevator. The elevator controller is the central system that senses the elevator’s speed, leveling, door controls, and emergency buttons. It can also sense with something is wrong, like if the door is blocked or if the elevator is filled beyond capacity.

Elevator Motor Repair

Elevator motor repairs are very costly, ranging between $11,500 and $12,000. The motor is the engine of the elevator. It helps move the parts of the elevator and helps with lowering and raising the cab. If the motor isn't aligned regularly, this may cause problems with the lifting mechanism. Failure to get your elevator motor aligned may also cause the motor bearings to wear out faster, resulting in high repair costs.

Elevator Jack Replacement

The cost to repair a jack is $50,000 to $60,000. Replacing an elevator jack is practically the same cost as installing a new elevator. The elevator jack is where the piston and cylinder are located. So, its job is to move the pressured oil into the cylinder, which then activates the piston. A worn elevator jack is dangerous because it may cause the elevator to drop unexpectedly. It also can cause environmental issues from the oil spilling.

Elevator Repair Costs by Problem

The average cost to repair elevator problems ranges from $550 to $4,500. We have all been in a moaning elevator that sounds like it won’t make it to the next floor. Or maybe you have stood in a lobby and pushed the button numerous times, yet the elevator still won’t open. Noises, sticking buttons, and doors that won’t open are issues with the elevator that indicate that it needs repair. The main problems professionals see with elevators are as follows:

Elevator Repair Service Cost

The labor alone to fix elevator problems ranges from $200 to $600. The minimum service call starts at $150 plus parts bringing the total average to repair an elevator to $550 to $1,000. Elevator technicians charge around $75 per hour of labor. In addition, some states require that an elevator have an annual safety inspection, which may also drive up the cost of repairs.

An elevator is a complicated mechanical and electrical piece of equipment. Elevator inspections and repairs are mandated by law. Failure to comply with them may result in costly fines. This is why it's best to hire a certified elevator technician skilled at installation, repair, and maintenance of elevators and knowledgeable about the state laws and regulations. A simple fix could take a few hours, but a much more intricate repair could take weeks and require an inspector to ensure that the elevator meets code requirements. For simple repairs, expect to pay in the lower range, closer to $150, for something as simple as a sensor repair. Much more complex problems such as door repair to jack replacement cost up to $60,000. When repair costs are as high as the cost of jack replacement, it may be best to get a new elevator installed.

Hydraulic Elevator Repair

Hydraulic elevators are by far the most popular of home lifts. The popularity is because of the 2:1 ratio between the piston and the cab travel. The cab moves 2 inches for every 1 inch the piston moves. This is important because it allows for a smaller cylinder and works well in homes with 8 ft. ceilings. Hydraulic elevators are powered by pressurized oil. The pressure from the oil makes the piston move upward, pushing the elevator up. One of the most common problems is the pistons break, malfunction, or wear out. The cost to repair an elevator's brake hydraulic system ranges from $2,800 to $3,500. Despite the problems, this style of elevator is much less expensive to maintain than traction types of elevators.

Emergency Elevator Repair

If the only way to get to the 2nd floor is an elevator and it breaks, you will need a service that performs emergency repairs. Stuck doors are the most common problem. This is why it is important to have regular maintenance performed on your home elevator. Not only will it keep your repairs to a minimum but problems may be caught before you have an emergency situation. Emergency repair to an elevator can be costly at $1,600 to $2,000.

Elevator Inspection Cost

Inspections are done by certified and licensed elevator inspectors at the cost of $150 to $600. As elevators are an intricate piece of electrical and mechanical machinery, it is essential to have inspections done. Worn cables, brake systems, pulleys, or other parts can result in an injury. While commercial elevators are always required to be inspected, your state may or may not require an annual elevator inspection on your home elevator. However, to protect yourself and others, it is best to have this done.

Cost to Replace an Elevator

The best thing to do is compare the cost of maintenance and the needed replacements with the cost of a new elevator that runs between $10,000 to $50,000. If your elevator requires extensive repairs and is 20 to 30 years old, it may be time to think about buying a new one. Since the major parts are very expensive to replace, many homeowners decide to replace the elevator. Then you have a brand new one that should last 20 to 30 years.

Elevator Maintenance Cost

An elevator maintenance contract costs around $350 to $600 annually. The price of elevator preventive maintenance is rather costly. However, performing regular maintenance on your elevator minimizes the need to call a repairman for expensive emergency repairs. Many companies offer an elevator maintenance contract. This contract includes the cost of repairs and the regular maintenance on items such as oil checks, door protection, landing leveling, circuit safety, safety brake inspection, and much more.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Elevator Modernization

Modernizing your elevator costs about a third of the cost of a new installation. For older elevators that are noisy, slow, or not energy efficient, you can make such upgrades as replacing the control system at a cost of $7,500 to $15,000. Replacing fixtures and railings is an inexpensive way to give your elevator a face-lift at a cost of $250 to $350. Modernizing your elevator is a way to make it look and work better. It allows you to have the updated safety features and other enhancements without having a new elevator installed.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• National Elevator Code. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers governs the codes for elevator safety. It is vital that elevator owners have a solid understanding of the requirements and regulations set forth in ASME A17.1 on the ASME website.
• Companies. It is recommended that you use the same company for purchase, installation, repairs, and inspections for your home elevator. Many manufacturers offer factory authorized training and licensing to install and repair their products. This is a good indication of the amount of knowledge your elevator company carries about the product. In addition, certification through the National Association of Elevator Contractors will give you the added peace of mind about your contractor. You can read more about certification programs on the NAEC website.
• Permit. A permit will be required to install an elevator but not for repairs.
• DIY. DIY is not recommended for elevators. While the elevator is an intricate yet powerful machine, it is complicated to maintain and repair. The last thing you want is to damage, break, or make your elevator unsafe to use. Leave this work to the professionals.
• Warranty. Warranties for home elevators typically last 1-2 years. Some companies will offer extended warranties as long as 5-10 years or even a limited lifetime warranty.
• Insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance may need a separate addendum to cover your elevator for covered perils.