Riskgaming Why does America have the most expensive elevators in the world?
Dec 6, 2024
Stephen Smith, executive director of the Center for Building and author of a viral NYT op-ed, dives deep into America's soaring elevator costs, revealing they can be four times more expensive than in Europe and Asia. He discusses the tangled web of building codes and zoning laws that inflate prices and hinder urban accessibility. The conversation also touches on the inefficiencies of U.S. construction methods and how adopting international practices could revolutionize the industry. Smith calls for a reevaluation of standards to improve affordability and innovation.
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Elevatorless in Brooklyn
- Stephen Smith, living in a Brooklyn walk-up, developed POTS, making stair climbing difficult.
- Visiting his mother in Romania, he noticed her similar-value building had an elevator, sparking his research.
High US Elevator Costs
- US elevator costs are 3-5x higher than other countries due to large cabins, inefficient labor, and unique regulations.
- US/Canada resist global harmonization, requiring costly certifications and modifications, limiting competition.
Special Interests
- US elevator requirements, like size and stretchers, increased over time, often due to special interests.
- Multifamily developers lack organized lobbying power, unlike single-family builders, resulting in more regulations.