FAQs

There are many types of lifts designed to suit a wide range of environments and access needs, from private homes to high-traffic commercial buildings:

• Home Lifts – Compact and stylish solutions tailored for residential use, improving accessibility and future proofing the home.
• Commercial Lifts – Built to withstand frequent use in busy environments such as offices, retail spaces, and public buildings.
• Passenger Lifts – Commonly found in both residential and commercial settings, these lifts are designed for safely transporting people between floors.
• Platform Lifts – Ideal for wheelchair users, these provide vertical access in settings where space or structural constraints make traditional lifts impractical.
• Step Lifts – A convenient option for overcoming small changes in level, especially useful at entrances or short staircases.
• Evacuation Lifts – Specially designed to allow safe exit from a building during an emergency, especially for those with mobility impairments.
• Firefighting Lifts – Installed in multi-storey buildings to assist emergency services in reaching upper floors during a fire.
• Goods Lifts – Designed for transporting heavy or bulky items, often used in warehouses, hotels, or service areas.
• Dumbwaiters – Small service lifts used to move lightweight items like food, laundry, or documents between floors.
• Hydraulic Lifts – Best suited for low-rise buildings, these offer a smooth ride using a fluid-driven system.
• Traction Lifts – Powered by a motor and counterweight, they are ideal for medium to high-rise buildings, offering energy efficiency and speed.
• Vandal-Resistant Lifts – Engineered for harsh environments, such as public transport stations or housing blocks, these lifts feature robust finishes and secure components to withstand misuse.

Each type of lift is designed with a specific purpose in mind, and choosing the right one depends on your building, its users, and the level of access required.

Hydraulic Lifts are powered by a piston that moves the lift up and down using hydraulic fluid. They are slower and are best suited for low-rise buildings (up to 4-5 floors). They tend to be more cost-effective for smaller domestic installations but require a machine room for the hydraulic equipment.

Traction Lifts use ropes, a counterweight, and a motor. They are faster and more energy-efficient, especially for tall buildings. If opting for a machine roomless type (MRL), Traction lifts don’t need a machine room, making them more space-efficient in modern buildings.

A platform lift is a type of lift designed to provide access for people with limited mobility, such as wheelchair users. These lifts are commonly installed in homes, offices, shops, and public buildings to meet accessibility standards. Platform lifts are typically used for shorter distances and can be more affordable than passenger lifts.

In most cases, planning permission is not required to install a lift inside a private home. However, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, it’s important to check with your local authority. External lifts or modifications to the outside of your property may require planning permission.

The cost of installing a lift varies depending on the type, size, and location. For example:

Home Lifts can range from £12,000 to £25,000 or more, depending on customisation and features.
Passenger Lifts for commercial buildings can start around £20,000 but vary significantly based on the number of floors and technology used.
Platform Lifts are generally more affordable, with prices starting around £10,000. Each project is unique, so it’s best to get a bespoke quote based on your specific requirements.

Most lifts have a lifespan of around 20-25 years, depending on the type of lift and how well it is maintained. Regular maintenance is crucial to prolonging the lifespan of a lift, ensuring safety and reliable operation. Some parts may need replacing sooner, and modernisation can extend the overall life of older systems.

Lifts should be serviced every 3 months for passenger lifts and every 4-6 months for goods lifts, as required by British safety standards (BS EN 81-20). Regular maintenance ensures the lift operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with legal standards. However, each Lift and its application may require a more tailored servicing schedule configured to the demand type of environment.

A goods lift is designed to transport heavy items, materials, or equipment, often found in industrial settings or warehouses. These lifts are built to handle large loads and don’t necessarily need to accommodate passengers. A passenger lift, on the other hand, is designed to carry people between floors in residential, commercial, or office buildings, with a focus on safety and comfort.

Energy-efficient lifts use technology to reduce electricity consumption.

Some examples include:

• Regenerative Drives: These lifts generate energy as they descend, feeding it back into the building’s grid.
• LED Lighting: Reducing energy usage with efficient cabin lighting.
• Standby Mode: Automatically turns off lights, fans, and indicators when the lift is not in use. Energy-efficient lifts help reduce the building’s overall carbon footprint while saving on operational costs.

Modern lifts come with several safety features to ensure the safety of passengers and goods, including:

• Emergency Alarm Systems: To alert authorities in case of a lift failure.
• Automatic Braking Systems: In case of a malfunction, the lift will stop safely.
• Overload Detection: Preventing the lift from operating if it’s over its weight limit.
• Manual Override Controls: For emergencies or maintenance work.

Standard lifts should not be used during a fire unless they are specifically designed to do so, such as firefighting lifts (as per EN81-72). Firefighting lifts are specially equipped to remain operational during a fire, allowing emergency personnel to safely navigate the building.

Yes, lifts can be fully customised to match the aesthetic and style of your building. From luxury finishes like glass and coloured stainless steel to bespoke interior designs that reflect your taste or brand, modern lifts can be tailored to blend seamlessly with your décor. This is particularly popular for luxury home lifts and high-end commercial buildings.

Vandal-resistant lifts are designed to withstand damage in public or high-traffic areas, such as train stations, schools, or shopping centres. These lifts are built with stronger materials and enhanced security features to prevent tampering or intentional damage. Lifts compliant with EN81-71 standards are specifically built to be vandal-resistant.

A dumbwaiter lift is a small lift used to transport goods, food, or items between floors, typically in restaurants, hotels, or large homes. They are not designed to carry people but offer a convenient way to move items without needing full-scale lift systems.

Installation times vary depending on the type of lift and the building’s infrastructure:

• Home lifts can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
• Commercial passenger lifts may require several weeks, especially if multiple floors are involved or if the lift is customised.
• Platform lifts generally take less time, often within a week. Timelines also depend on whether any preparatory construction is needed, such as creating a lift shaft or making structural modifications.

Each application will have its own requirements from a time perspective.