For hydraulic units: determine whether the below-ground cylinder is single-bottom or double-bottom — single-bottom cylinder replacement is the highest-capital-exposure risk in CT elevator due diligence
ASME A17.1-2013 • Mandatory replacement for non-compliant units
$15K–$60K
Verify that the Certificate of Operation is posted inside the elevator cab as required
CT requirement • Visual compliance check
Confirm the MCP binder is physically present in the machine room — absence is a non-compliance indicator regardless of documentation submitted
On-site verification required
Verify two-way communication system in the cab includes both audio and text capability — CT requires this above the ASME A17.1 baseline; absence creates ADA liability exposure
CT exceeds ASME baseline • ADA liability
Note any visible deferred maintenance: worn cab finishes, door operation issues, and abnormal noise are indicators of underlying mechanical condition
Visual inspection indicators
03Compliance
Compliance & Permit Status
Confirm Certificate of Operation renewal is current — CT requires renewal every 2 years ($240 fee); a lapsed certificate authorizes DAS to order same-day shutdown
2-year cycle • $240 renewal fee • Shutdown risk if lapsed
Confirm DAS inspection is current — CT inspection cycle is every 18 months; an overdue inspection may indicate lapsed operational authority
18-month cycle • CT DAS Elevator Division
Verify compliance with CT adoption of ASME A17.1-2013 (effective 2018): pre-1990 commercial hydraulic elevators with single-bottom below-ground cylinders are subject to mandatory replacement
ASME A17.1-2013 • Effective CT 2018 • Non-discretionary capital expenditure
$15K–$60K
Confirm no open violations, stop-work orders, or outstanding DAS enforcement actions are attached to the equipment
DAS enforcement records
Verify any prior modernization work was permitted and closed with DAS — unpermitted work transfers as a buyer liability
Permit history • Liability transfer risk
04Risk Flags
Post-Acquisition Risk Flags
Certificate of Operation transfers with the equipment, not the owner — buyer inherits lapsed status at closing if not resolved pre-close
Transfer mechanism • Resolve before closing
Overdue Category 3 or Category 5 tests become buyer's obligation immediately upon transfer — budget per overdue test cycle
Immediate obligation upon transfer
$2K–$8K
Service contract auto-renewal clauses may bind buyer to unfavorable terms if not renegotiated or terminated prior to closing
Contract assignability • Check notice windows
Single-bottom hydraulic cylinder replacement, if not yet completed, is a non-discretionary capital expenditure under current CT law — obtain written seller disclosure and independent cost estimate before closing
Non-discretionary • Obtain seller disclosure
$15K–$60K
Undisclosed modernization estimates from the seller's service company represent contingent capital exposure — request all written communications between seller and elevator service vendor for the prior 24 months
Seller disclosure • Request prior 24 months of vendor communications