In reality, many older homes receive a superficial facelift on the exterior while their internal structures have deteriorated. Cracks in columns and beams are merely patched with cement to conceal them; shaky, damaged staircases all reflect poor construction quality. Overlooking these issues could leave buyers facing enormous repair bills down the line.
Similarly, home elevators—a feature that enhances property value, improves accessibility, and boosts convenience—can pose risks if not thoroughly inspected. A poorly evaluated elevator system might become a "ticking time bomb" in terms of costs and safety.
Today, elevators have become a key criterion for homebuyers when selecting properties.
A professional inspection and evaluation prior to signing a purchase contract enables buyers to fully understand the elevator's condition, ensuring it is safe, operates smoothly, and complies with current regulations—thus avoiding unexpected major repair expenses in the future.
Why Inspect and Evaluate Elevators Before Buying?
Unlike commercial elevators, those installed in private homes or standalone villas are not always subject to rigorous oversight for maintenance, servicing, or periodic inspections. This means technical faults, safety hazards, and risks are easily overlooked.
A thorough inspection and evaluation helps buyers clearly identify:
- Safety Risks: Assessing whether the elevator operates to standards and meets safety requirements.
- Mechanical Wear: Detecting components that are degraded and require repair or replacement.
- Legal and Standard Compliance: Ensuring adherence to national and international safety regulations.
- Hidden Costs: Estimating future expenses for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
Key Components in Inspecting and Evaluating Home Elevators
To accurately determine the true value and safety status of a home elevator system, experts conduct inspections across multiple categories. This process begins with reviewing documentation and origins, progressing to assessments of mechanical integrity, safety, and operational quality.
1. Documentation, History, and Elevator Origins
This is a crucial evaluation step to ensure transparency regarding the equipment and the entire elevator system, allowing buyers to grasp the elevator's "history" and thereby establish its real value while forecasting future maintenance costs. Elevator experts will assess:
- The elevator's history; import documentation (CO, CQ, conformity certificates, etc.); inspection records; installation files; maintenance logs, etc
- Verification of the elevator's origins and key components to avoid counterfeit or imitation products.
Many elevators and devices are labeled with major brands like Mitsubishi, Fujitec, etc., but are actually fakes or imitations. In the photo: A counterfeit Mitsubishi elevator in the 2018 case where Hung Quang Company sold fake elevators to Van Loc Phat Company.
2. Structural and Mechanical Integrity
Experts will compare actual installation specifications against manufacturer recommendations (if available) and the technical standards outlined in QCVN 02:2019/BLDTBXH for elevator occupational safety. They will also identify basic defects such as deformations in suspension cables, guide rails, pulleys, counterweights, electrical panels, etc
- Compare actual installation specifications with manufacturer recommendations and QCVN 02:2019/BLDTBXH requirements for elevator occupational safety.
- Inspect the shaft for cracks, deformations, rust, or obstructions that could affect the cabin's travel.
- Evaluate the condition of guide rails, counterweights, load-bearing/suspension cables for wear, tension, and misalignment issues.
- Examine the motor, braking system, and hydraulic system (if hydraulic elevator) to assess functionality and prevent sudden stops or loss of control.
Not only for private homes, when purchasing apartments in complexes, buyers should also evaluate the elevator system, as it serves as a "benchmark" reflecting the quality of maintenance and the management's attention to residents' safety and convenience.
3. Safety Features and Emergency Systems
The purpose of this inspection is to ensure protective features safeguard users in emergencies, enabling safe evacuation or external communication. For example:
- Verify that landing door locks, safety interlocks, and door sensors function accurately to prevent door-related incidents.
- Check emergency stop buttons, Automatic Rescue Devices (ARD), and backup power sources for power outages.
- Assess in-cabin communication systems (alarm bells, telephones, or intercoms) to confirm passengers can contact the outside during issues.
- Evaluate manufacturer-provided additional features (such as anti-flood systems, stroke warning systems, etc.).
4. Operational Quality
The goal here is to gauge user experience and detect abnormal signs during operation, which may signal future risks.
- Smoothness and Noise Levels: Assess noise, vibration, and jerk metrics to determine operational quality.
- Speed and Floor-Stopping Accuracy: Measure travel speed and verify precise leveling at floors.
- Door System: Inspect automatic and manual opening/closing mechanisms for smooth performance.
Elevator noise, vibration, and jerk metrics according to TCCS 01:2023/VNEA General Safety Requirements for Elevator Management, Use, Maintenance, and Repair.
5. Handling Inspection and Evaluation Results
Based on the inspection findings, experts will provide specific recommendations for replacing or upgrading components and equipment to fully comply with current elevator safety regulations.
Additionally, experts will estimate costs for these items, from replacing expired parts and adding mandatory safety devices to planning upgrades per new standards. This forms a vital basis for buyers to assess the overall value of the elevator system and the property's true worth.
What Should Buyers Do If the Elevator Has Many Issues?
If the inspection reveals numerous problems, buyers can proactively address them to protect their interests. In cases of serious issues, buyers may negotiate for the seller to repair or rectify before handover.
If major repairs or upgrades are needed, these costs can be factored into price adjustments. For minor faults not immediately impacting safety, buyers should still budget for maintenance to ensure long-term stable operation.
Basic elevator inspection and evaluation checklist conducted by the Elevator Consulting - Research - Application Center (under the Institute of Elevator Applied Technology - VILEA)
An independent elevator evaluator provides objective, detailed assessments, avoiding overlooked risks. Experienced experts in this field help buyers see the "full picture" before committing to a major investment.
Home elevators are a valuable asset to any property, but only when safe and reliably operational. Pre-purchase inspections offer peace of mind, prevent unforeseen costs, and ensure the path to homeownership is a wise and sustainable investment.
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