Myth #1: You can get a real high quality elevator for a bargain basement price!
FALSE – The out of town guys have been charging the local fair market price for their installation and then keep skipping out on the service. Who made out on that deal??
Myth #2: Elevators fall.
FALSE – There are built in safeties on both the hydraulic and on the cables/chains, assuming that the proper maintenance is performed they cannot fall.
Myth #3: Hydraulic oil smells or stinks.
FALSE – The only time oil in anything smells is if it gets burnt from overheating. With proper maintenance this cant ever happen. We could use commercial cooking oil as a substitute. Of course then when it overheats it smells like McDonalds French fries.
Myth #4: All elevators have emergency battery lowering in case of power failure.
TRUE – What happens if the battery device fails because of poor maintenance? On the hydro unit it is not a problem, hit the bleed down button and the elevator comes down to you.
Myth #5: Electric elevators have special motors which use less electricity.
TRUE – The motor turns and uses power in both directions and is affected by the load on the car. Our hydro motor is unaffected by load or speed and only runs in the up direction. The elevator comes down by gravity.
Myth #6: There are lots of elevator companies to choose from.
FALSE – No matter what you read or what you are told, there are only 2 elevator companies that provide 24/7 service on the Outer Banks. There are about 10 different brands of equipment on the beach. Outer Banks Elevator currently services 9 of these different brands because the original installers are no longer available or cannot be found.
Myth #7: New elevators are maintenance free – fix it when it breaks.
FALSE – Lack of proper maintenance is usually the reason for most break downs. Maintenance can be scheduled at your convenience, but breakdowns never are convenient. Keep up on your scheduled maintenance or get a service contract with Outer Banks Elevator and have it taken care of automatically.
Myth #8: Hydraulic elevators are quieter and smoother than other types of elevators.
TRUE – This shouldn’t be the case. No company deliberately makes an elevator that shakes and makes noise. This is usually caused by a rushed or in experienced installation. If they don’t have time to put it in correctly why should you think that they could service it any better. Ride before you buy!
1.) If you are building a home with an elevator, be sure to ask your contractor what type of elevator he/she is planning on using. If it isn’t a hydro from Outer Banks Elevator then ask him why did he stop using us?
2.) Or ask him to show/explain to you the different types. Or let you ride in comparable units so you know what you are buying. Nothing like trying before you buy. Outer Banks Elevator can make that happen.
3.) Two pieces of advice, buy Locally and buy Hydraulic, most of the out of town companies at least install some type of hydraulic elevator. Being on a LOCAL companies non customer list, does not move you to the head of the line if things get real hectic.
4.) When choosing an elevator for you new rental house. Keep in mind that it’s not just another appliance. An elevator and the service it provides is an integral part of why people want to rent your house. If it shakes, rattles or makes strange noises this will not instill confidence for the people riding in the unit.
5.) When you elect to put an elevator in your house, it is no longer a swimming pool house or a Caribbean beach bungalow. It has become “An Elevator house”. People will rent this house because of the elevator not what theme you choose for the decorations. They are depending on you to provide them a reliable means of getting grandma and the groceries up and down the stairs.
6.) All elevators will break down eventually. Either from lack of maintenance or user dysfunction. Pick one that is quick and easy to fix. Ask your rental company professional which type of elevator they prefer to work with and which company provides the best response and service times.