Commercial Investigation · For Property managers
How to Get and Compare Competitive Elevator Bids
By Daniel Van Mil · Updated June 25, 2026
Competitive bidding is the single most effective tool a building owner has for controlling elevator costs, yet most elevator work is awarded without it. The reason is partly convenience and partly that elevator bids are genuinely hard to compare because each vendor scopes the work differently. This guide explains how to solicit competitive bids and, more importantly, how to compare them on an apples-to-apples basis.
Understanding Competitive Elevator Bids
A useful competitive bid process starts with a clearly defined scope of work that all bidders price against, rather than letting each vendor define their own scope. Without a common scope, bids are not comparable. The scope should specify the components to be addressed, the performance expected, code items included, and the maintenance terms following the work. With a common scope in place, bids can be compared on price, but also on warranty, maintenance terms, and whether the proposed equipment is proprietary.
Common Mistakes Property Managers Make
The biggest mistake is requesting bids without a defined scope, which produces proposals that cannot be compared and lets each vendor steer toward their preferred equipment. Another is comparing only the headline price while ignoring the maintenance terms attached to the work, where vendors often recover margin. A third is limiting bids to a single equipment type or manufacturer, which forfeits real competition.
An Independent Consultant's Perspective
An independent consultant adds value to the bid process by writing a neutral scope of work that the building owns, rather than one authored by a bidder. That single step transforms a set of incomparable proposals into a genuine competition. The consultant can also flag proprietary equipment that would eliminate future competition and evaluate the maintenance terms bundled with each bid.
Cost Considerations
A properly run competitive bid process routinely reduces project cost by a meaningful margin compared to a single-source award, and the savings dwarf the cost of having a neutral scope prepared and the bids reviewed.
When to Seek an Independent Review
Run a competitive process for any significant elevator project, and engage an independent consultant to prepare the scope and evaluate bids whenever the project is large, technically complex, or involves modernization or replacement.
Get an Independent Elevator Review
Elevator Insight provides nationwide, independent elevator consulting and maintenance contract reviews for a flat $499. We help property managers, building owners, REITs, and facility directors determine whether elevator repair, modernization, or maintenance proposals are necessary and fairly priced — with no stake in the work being approved.
Visit elevatorinsight.io or contact daniel@elevatorinsight.io to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bids should I get for elevator work?
At least three competitive bids priced against a common, clearly defined scope of work so the proposals can be compared on an apples-to-apples basis.
Why are elevator bids so hard to compare?
Because each vendor often defines their own scope, equipment, and maintenance terms. Without a common scope that all bidders price against, the proposals are not directly comparable.
How can I make elevator bids comparable?
Start with a neutral, clearly defined scope of work that all bidders price against. An independent consultant can prepare this scope so it serves the building rather than any single vendor.
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Disclaimer: Evaluations by Elevator Insight are a professional opinion based on the information provided. We are not an inspector, contractor, or installer.