Inspection Services
Elevator Inspections
From single buildings to national portfolios, our local teams handle the heavy lifting with turnkey elevator inspection services backed by coast-to-coast coverage.
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Why elevator inspections are important
Regular elevator inspections help building owners and managers maintain compliance with local requirements, timelines, and documentation. With rules varying by location, a proactive inspection process helps reduce administrative risk, avoid service disruptions, and keep your elevator portfolio on track.
BENEFIT
Meet legal requirements: Comply with state and local rules that strictly mandate periodic elevator inspections.
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Avoid penalties and disruptions: Help prevent violations, fines, delayed certificates, and potential facility shutdowns.
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Reduce liability exposure: Maintain inspection records that may help demonstrate compliance in the event of an accident or claim.
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Why building owners choose VDA's elevator inspection companies
- Hands-on support for scheduling, tracking, and certificates
- Less time spent managing inspection details
- More confidence in code compliance
- Fewer surprises with proactive deadline and follow-up management
- Lower costs by avoiding fines and penalties
- Better visibility for audits, AHJ reviews, and planning
- A responsive expert you can count on
Manage your elevator inspections, compliance requirements, and certificate timelines with VDA’s independent elevator inspection services.
Verify your equipment meets applicable safety codes, AHJ requirements, and regulatory standards through VDA’s network of licensed elevator inspectors across the U.S.
Support single buildings, local portfolios, and national portfolios with consistent inspection services and support delivered across the U.S. by a leading elevator inspection company.
Meet local AHJ requirements with witnessed and non-witnessed elevator inspections tailored to your equipment and testing schedule.
Jurisdictional Inspection – Witnessed:
- For witnessed elevator inspections, VDA coordinates with your elevator contractor, schedules the inspection, and provides a QEI-certified consultant to witness required testing where applicable. We document findings and report to the AHJ as required. These inspections may include annual Category 1 no-load tests, Category 3 tests, Category 5 full-load tests, and annual escalator skirt index tests, depending on local code.
Jurisdictional Inspection – Non-Witnessed:
- For non-witnessed elevator inspections, our inspectors verify compliance based on AHJ requirements without requiring live testing by the elevator contractor during the review. This may include documentation checks, required tags, emergency communication systems, lighting, and other code-related items.
Stay Compliant and avoid missed deadlines with elevator inspection services that manage scheduling, documentation, follow-up, and certificate tracking for you.
With CCM, VDA will:
- Ensure correct service/testing type is performed
- Track inspection due dates
- Schedule inspections with the right parties
- Monitor certificate status and compliance requirements
- Complete and submit AHJ-required forms
- Track open violations and follow up on corrections
- Manage AHJ fees tied to certificate renewal
Make more informed compliance decisions and keep your vertical transportation equipment operating safely with an elevator inspection company that delivers clear reporting, practical guidance, and experienced oversight.
Yes. Most elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts, and other vertical transportation equipment are subject to inspection requirements. Elevator inspections are typically governed by the ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code, but enforcement and inspection schedules vary by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
AHJ stands for Authority Having Jurisdiction. In the context of elevator inspections, the AHJ is the state, city, or local agency that enforces elevator code requirements, inspection schedules, and certificate rules.
A QEI-certified elevator inspection is performed by an inspector certified under ASME QEI‑1. This certification helps verify that the inspector meets recognized standards for training, competency, and qualifications related to elevator inspections.
Yes. Residential elevators, dumbwaiters, and wheelchair lifts may all have inspection requirements depending on the equipment type and local AHJ rules. While the codes differ by application, these systems are often still subject to elevator inspection services and compliance requirements.
In many jurisdictions, elevators must be inspected annually, but inspection frequency varies by state, city, and equipment type. Some systems may also require periodic category testing in addition to annual elevator inspections. VDA can help you determine your local requirements.
To find elevator inspection companies near you, look for providers with national or local coverage, QEI-certified inspectors, and experience with your local AHJ requirements. A qualified elevator inspection company should be able to explain local inspection schedules, testing requirements, and certificate processes.
VDA’s network of elevator inspection companies perform 120,000 elevator inspections each year across the U.S. We provide independent elevator inspections and Certificate Compliance Management (CCM) services to help building owners, managers, and authorities stay compliant, reduce risk, and support safe, reliable operation. With licensed inspectors, third-party witnessing, and deep knowledge of local and state code requirements, we help make compliance more consistent and easier to manage from start to finish.
Ask whether the inspector holds current QEI certification and any licenses required by your local AHJ. Reputable elevator inspection companies should be able to confirm inspector qualifications and explain what certifications apply in your market.
Yes. VDA inspectors hold QEI certification and/or any additional licensing required by the local AHJ. Our team also completes continuing education to stay current with changing code and elevator inspection requirements.
You can schedule an elevator inspection by contacting an elevator inspection company like VDA, or coordinating through your elevator service provider, depending on local requirements. In some jurisdictions, the AHJ may also play a role in scheduling or assigning inspections. Contact VDA to learn more.