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A buyer’s guide to lift installation and servicing

From your first visit at a showroom to your ongoing care, the lift installation and servicing maintenance can feel like an elevator is almost too much trouble, right?

Wrong. 

The correct information will make your day – the process is actually quite straightforward and simple!

So let out that air you’ve been holding in, and get back to breathing easy because this article (from the experts) will bust the myths and get you feeling confident to make the purchase you’ve been wanting to make for so long.

Who can install and service your lift

The installation and maintenance of your lift is a project that you’ll want to keep off the DIY list. Your new residential elevator or commercial lift will need to be installed and serviced by a professional lift installation company. The process requires professionals in architecture, design and engineering, not to mention the high-quality machinery and parts used to install and manufacture the lift. In saying that, it’s important to check that your chosen lift installation company meets the appropriate standards of safety. For example, commercial lifts should be DDA compliant.

a cream elevator shaft in the middle of a staircase level with mirrored and metal closed elevator doors.
Ensure that your chosen lift installer is above the board with safety and industry standards.

What you need to install your lift

While you can’t install a lift yourself, there are a few things that you will need for it to work. Check that you have:

  • A reliable source of power – your lift will also have an emergency backup battery, but it’s recommended that you have a stable power supply for increased safety.
  • An active SIM card or phone line connection for the emergency call system.
  • Appropriate space to fit a lift and its shaft – if you’re concerned about this, you may be pleasantly surprised at how compact lifts can be. You can even have a shaft built as an extension to your building.

The lift installation process

Now for the most important part, bringing your lift to life. The entire process can be broken down into four simple steps: 

  1. Check out a showroom

Before any construction takes place, you will need to select a lift company and lift design. It’s recommended to visit a showroom to see your options and customisations in person. You will also receive assistance from an elevator expert who will talk you through the dimensions, safety features, packages and finishes. They will also help you determine if a lift will fit into your building.

  1. Design and build the lift 

Now that you have selected your desired lift and features, the lift engineer will draw up your designs. This may take around 4-6 days to finish. At this point, you should be given a timeline indication for your build. 

  1. Your parts are ordered and the lift is manufactured

Once your lift design is approved, the highest quality materials and parts will be ordered from Italy. It takes on average 16 weeks for your parts to be organised, manufactured and shipped. 

  1. Your lift is installed

The time has come to install your lift! This installation process can take between 2-4 weeks. Rest assured, extensive electrical and quality assurances checks are completed before handover.

a modern design elevator cabin with an open clear door.
A lift installation may not take as long as you think, with most only needing 2-4 weeks to complete.

Will the lift installation cause disruptions?

Whether you’re installing a lift into your home or a commercial building, the process shouldn’t cause any major disruptions. Most of the building will remain safe and functional to use, with only a portion closed off for safety reasons. A quality lift installation company should be able to work with your requirements to ensure minimal disruptions are made.

If you want your lift installed into a new build during the construction stage, the potential for disruption is even less. Your chosen installation company should communicate and work with the builders to have an interruption-free installation. 

Maintenance of your lift

Once your lift is installed, it should last for many years to come. To ensure that the lift remains safe, the installation company should return at least once yearly for a service and safety check. All you need to do is book it in with your lift provider. A good elevator company should send you reminders when they’re due. Lift maintenance is important as it will:

  • Prevent a potential breakdown
  • Maintain your lift parts to be in the top shape
  • Provide the opportunity to replace and update parts
  • Give peace of mind that your lift continues to run safely and smoothly

The cost of lift installation and maintenance

The price of a lift can vary based on the design, elevator travel distance, size, number of stops, quality of materials, where and how the elevator is built, and the lift manufacturer. However, as an indication, the price of a DDA compliant commercial elevator in Perth usually start from $55,000 (+gst) and the average cost of a residential lift is between $35,000 (+gst) and $65,000 (+gst)*. 

Just like the installation, maintenance costs can also vary based on the same variables. The average base price of routine servicing starts from approximately $450 (+gst) for residential lifts. It’s important to think of your investment as you would a car or your home – they all need regular maintenance to ensure they “go the distance” and remain safe and reliable.

At West Coast Elevators, we are proud to use only the highest quality European materials and engineering. This means that our lifts can last up to 30 years before needing a major update. For more information tailored to your circumstances, get in touch with us here, or stop by our Belmont lift showroom to meet the team, test out our demo lifts and explore your options.

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