Elevator & Escalator Inspection Service

Inspect elevators, escalators, and vertical transportation for safety and compliance

Startup Cost
$15,000-$75,000
Difficulty
Advanced
Time to Profit
12-20 months
Profit Potential
$8,000-$67,000/month

Overview

Elevator inspectors generate $100,000-$800,000 annually with 75-90% margins.

In 2025, elevator safety codes require annual inspections.

Revenue from elevator safety inspections ($200-$800 per elevator), escalator inspections ($300-$1,200), annual inspection contracts ($2,000-$10,000 per building), code compliance inspections, acceptance testing for new installations, and inspection consulting.

Successful inspectors understand elevator codes and standards (ASME A17.1), inspect elevator mechanical and safety systems, identify code violations and hazards, test elevator safety features, and provide inspection certifications.

Building owners, property managers, and elevator companies as clients.

Marketing through property management companies, elevator contractors, building departments, inspection certifications (QEI), and elevator code expertise.

Required Skills

  • Elevator Codes (ASME A17.1)
  • Elevator Mechanics
  • Safety Systems
  • Inspection Procedures
  • Code Compliance
  • Testing Protocols

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Annual elevator inspections required by code
  • Recurring inspection contracts
  • Specialized niche with less competition
  • Help ensure elevator safety
  • Growing elevator maintenance market

Cons

  • Need elevator inspector certifications (QEI)
  • Elevator technical knowledge complex
  • Liability for missed safety issues
  • Working in confined spaces and heights
  • Competition from elevator service companies

How to Get Started

  1. Learn elevator codes and mechanics
  2. Obtain elevator inspector certifications (QEI)
  3. Understand ASME A17.1 standards
  4. Market to building owners and managers
  5. Conduct elevator safety inspections
  6. Test elevator safety systems
  7. Provide inspection certificates and reports

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