Escalators and Moving Walks Cost Estimating Tips

Escalators and moving walks are specialty items installed by specialty contractors. There are numerous options associated with these items. For specific options, contact a manufacturer or contractor. In a method similar to estimating dumbwaiters and elevators, you should verify the extent of general contract work and items as necessary.

Fire Stops - When estimating any vertical conveying system, make sure all openings for doors, dumbwaiter access panels, etc., are fire-rated per the applicable code. In case of a fire emergency, their shaftways will otherwise act as a conduit for smoke and heat.

Tie-in - Make sure that either the conveying system estimate, the electrical estimate, or mechanical estimate include the tie-in to the rest of the electrical and control systems. This is another item that people often assume someone else has covered.

When in doubt about price, what is standard on elevators, material selection, availability, etc., do not hesitate to call on any of the elevator manufacturing companies directly. The competition for your business can be fierce, and they will try to assist you in any way they can.

Read more estimating tips for conveying systems.

Cost Estimating Resources from RSMeans

2013 Building Construction Cost Data Book Thousands of unit costs for building components, arranged in the new CSI MasterFormat® 2010 classification system » Learn more