We contracted Area Access Inc., based in Manassas, VA, to install a pneumatic elevator in Washington, DC. The cost of the equipment was approximately $51,000, with a similar additional cost for construction and installation. Shortly after installation was completed, the elevator began to fail on a regular basis. As of April 14, 2026, we have required seven (7) separate service calls, none of which have resulted in a permanent resolution. While the elevator may function temporarily after technicians complete a visit, it typically begins malfunctioning again within one to two days. In many instances, Area Access Inc. has charged service fees for issues that appear to stem from a defective product rather than normal wear or user error. Despite multiple service visits, the company has: 1. Failed to identify and correct the root cause of the problem; and 2. Sent technicians who do not appear adequately trained to resolve the underlying issue. A recurring and concerning problem occurs when the elevator cab approaches the first floor. At that point, it drops abruptly approximately 2-3 inches above the landing, causing a noticeable shock. This impact seems to disrupt recent adjustments made by technicians and may be contributing to ongoing system instability. Additionally, scheduling service has been difficult. Communication with the corporate office has been frustrating, with calls frequently going unanswered and customer service representatives unable or unwilling to provide clear commitments toward a lasting solution. Over the past two years, we estimate that the elevator has functioned properly only about 50% of the time. Torgrim Christopher Forberg Executive Director National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Washington, DC read more

I called Area Access to diagnose a problem with my residential elevator. Their technician recommended replacing three door locks at $800 each plus labor. Before proceeding with a several thousand dollar repair (and wondering how all three locks could stop working at the same time) I obtained a second opinion from another elevator service company. They discovered the problem was simply a loose wire in the circuit board and fixed it quickly. The elevator now works perfectly. I was charged $320 for the service call that produced the incorrect diagnosis. I have requested a refund from Area Access given that the diagnosis could have led to thousands of dollars of unnecessary repairs. read more

We've had this lift since April of 2022. It has worked well, technician checks it every year. Now, however, it is a Saturday, the lift malfunctioned and is stuck halfway down the stairs. It will not move in either direction. I had to get off in the middle of the stairs and pray I didn't fall. Worse yet, there is no emergency number that I can find so I had to leave a message. I have no idea when they will come fix it. read more

This is the worst company, I don't even know how they are in business. It took them a year to install the elevator and until now it does not work. They send a different technician every time and they only damage de door and the door jamb look the picture of their damaged, but the worst thing is that their elevator don't work they always changing employees, I don't know if they are going out of business but they only replied when you email everyone in their list, ah bit email them at least 3 times a day read more

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Wow.....so I finally got the UPS installed and working. Guy comes in, says he's here to fix the elevator. Comes back upstairs saying all is done. LESS THAN 3 WEEKS LATER the downstairs elevator door will not open. WHAT THE HELL PEOPLE????? This elevator is LESS THAN 18 months old!!! How many times do I have to write a review? Not very many positive reviews I can find for this company.....they know they have us where they want us....we have a medical issue which requires a medical device............shameful. Can u just come fix my damn elevator once and for all? Happy holidays my ass.......thanks. Rick PS Would be nice for the owner to reply, but I don't think that will happen. read more

A +++ for Area Access!!! Honest, easy to work with, and overall a great experience working with them. A couple of years ago I gave away a mobility scooter I no longer needed and the place where I donated it threw away the brack mount that was attached to the scooter by accident. The bracket mount was necessary to use a new scooter in the vehicle lift. I didn't worry about it much at the time since I didn't need another scooter. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when I learned my condition was such that I needed to start using a scooter again. I got a new scooter but didn't have a mounting brack for the docking device so I could transport it in my vehicle. I went to a different mobility company first in NOVA that looked at my lift and new scooter and quoted me 500usd to replace and install the new mount! When I questioned the high price, I was told the cost of acquiring the part was nearly 400usd. After several discussions, something didn't feel right about my quote. I felt resigned at the price and figured I would wait until I absolutely could not manage without the scooter. I later learned that the other company was ordering a bunch of unnecessary parts that were already installed on my vehicle and jacking up the price! Then I remembered that I bought a ramp from area access a long time ago when they were in Falls Chruch before they moved to Manassas. I decided to drive out there and see if they could get the part for me. Not only did they explain that the part I needed to be done was only 77usd plus labor to install, but it also turned out that after a bit of searching, they had a lightly used one on-site and could install it for me RIGHT THEN. Less than an hour later, they had installed the mounting bracket and adjusted my lift for my new scooter, for a quarter of the price I was quoted by another company in NoVA. Everyone I encountered was honest and looking to help me out, so I could go about my business with my scooter ASAP. I was so happy that I nearly started to cry. I will return to Area Access for any of my mobility needs in the future. The other place I went to in Alexandria is much closer to my home but the drive to Area Access was well worth the experience. I highly recommend this company! read more

I found Area Access on the Internet while looking for an electric stair lift for my wife's recuperation from leg surgery. They contacted me within a couple of days and sent a very nice representative to our home to study the problem and make a recommended solution. Luckily they had a used lift that had been returned at a god discount. My wife and visited their showroom in Manassas. It is very large and has a great selection of all types of lifts. We were able to see the chair the agent had recommended and arranged for installation a couple of days later. The installation team arrived as scheduled and did the whole job in a little over two hours. They were neat and efficient and made sure everything worked properly before leaving. The entire experience was very professional and courteous. I recommend them highly. Bud D., Vienna, VA read more

I recently attended Area Access Open House in Manassas, VA. I was very impressed with their show room area and inquired about a residential elevator for our home in Hamilton, VA. While there I asked quite a bit of questions from several people in the reception and showroom areas. And what I found out disturbed me. Their "Elevator Mechanics" are not certified nor are they licensed in the Common Wealth of Virginia to install elevators. Most of their 'mechanics and helpers' are hired from Craigslist. The only two people that are, are the owner - who does not do installs - and one other person who works in the office, who also does not do installs. Since being retired I have a lot of time to do my own investigating into the logistics of companies and the permit regulations and DPOR requirements. What I found out is that "unless you hold a license you are not allowed to service or install elevators in Virginia, the company's DPOR license does not convey to field employees". Not sure what the normal business practice is for other companies such as these but I recommend further research before you open your homes. read more

When we purchased the chairlifts, we spent 15k to do an install. We were promised the ability to resell them back if necessary. We used the chairs for 6 months and had to have them repaired at least once with no explanation as to why one broke. It still didn't work right after the fix. We contacted them to come get the chair lifts as we were moving and would need new ones again in the new house. With less than 6 months use, they would only give us $1400.00 for the lifts. I will never use this company again. The what they sold us on repurchase was very dishonest. read more

Paid for a service call and was stood up. I called the office to explain that I had already paid the service fee and that no one showed up. And all I got was silence and put on hold. I took the day off from work. Next time it would be great if I did not have to call to find out that no one was coming. And to get my money refunded. ...and the owner did not return my call after I left messages with Mr. Loba read more

If I could give them a negative ....I would. I must say I have not had any work done by this company, but my first experience with a salesman who answered my call was enough to make me certain I never will do business with Area Access. The pricing I was quoted from Brian were obviously inflated. I found his attitude very condescending. They may actually do decent work, but their sales approach is poor. read more

Refused to provide service because somebody who owned the house before me and I have nothing to do with owed them money. Not a way to do business and treat customers read more

I have gone back and forth with writing this review but here goes. I would like to write a note of appreciation of employee Kahlid. What a great knowledgeable young man. Area Access was recommend to us from a past customer. Our install was a mess it took a while before anyone returned to survey our location. We called the office a few times and were really given the run around. I noticed on other review pages that Area Access has their own employees and family members write their 'positive reviews'. I figured it was time for a real customer to write a real review. read more

In my opinion I would not recommend this company. I was mislead on the installation time. . We had a time limit which I explained to Area Access. I was assured that this would be completed in a timely manner. Was later contacted that the date would change due to their employee availability. read more

I have to address this slanderous response by Mr. Hobson. I had a $1000 Burberry watch and about $100 cash and a credit card stolen during a service visit in May. The employee used the stolen card immediately on an Area Access acknowledged stop the employees made at a local business on their way home. Pretty simple case that is still under investigation (albeit a painfully slow one) by Arlington police. Owner (Scott Hobson) initially promised to reimburse me out of pocket and said he didn't want to report it to his insurance company. This should have been the first red flag. After a week or so of evasive contact from him and his company he suddenly refused to file a claim with his insurance company and told me it was a "homeowners insurance issue." So on top of being robbed in our home during a service visit, we were left to file the claim with our own insurance company and received no help from Area Access. It was at this point that I told Mr. Hobson that I would report the incident to Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau. Customers in the Northern Virginia region have a choice when it comes to mobility services, and they should strongly consider other options before working with this company. Feel free to contact me on Yelp with any more questions. read more

Turn around time was pretty good for installation. But.... staff attitude could use some improvement. While on the job along with my contractors area access staff seemed to have trouble getting along on site. Would I use this company again-yes. But I am not in a hurry too. read more

I have had such a great experience with everyone at Area Access and I say over and over again that this chair purchase was the best money I ever spent; my mother is so happy with it. My mother's friend is in the process of looking for a chair lift and I have highly recommended Area Access! From start to finish, the process took about 2 weeks and everyone from the sales person to the installers could not have been more helpful and kind. I researched different chairlifts and companies prior to purchasing and I am so glad I went with Area Access. read more