Buying a lift is a significant investment, so it’s important to ensure you choose the right solution for your home, business, and lifestyle. With so many options available, understanding what to look for can make the decision process much smoother and more confident.
At West Coast Elevators, we believe every client should feel fully informed before making a choice. To help you get started, we’ve put together eight of the most common questions we’re asked (both in our showroom and over the phone) when clients are exploring how a lift could benefit their property.
1. What Safety Features Are Included?
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Every lift we install comes equipped with multiple safety features designed to protect you and give you peace of mind.
Local Alarm
All our lifts include a local alarm (yellow button) that alerts others in your home or building if someone inside the lift needs assistance.
Active Phone Line
Our lifts feature an active phone line that connects directly to our helpline and on-call technicians. Whether you’re experiencing an issue or simply need clarification on a notification appearing on the screen, help is just a call away.
iNVER-iQ: Online Monitoring System
Complimentary during your warranty period, iNVER-iQ allows our technicians to remotely access your lift and diagnose issues. We can resolve around 80% of faults remotely, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary call-out fees. After your warranty ends, you can choose to continue using iNVER-iQ as part of your maintenance agreement.
Read more: Certifications for Elevator Safety: Ensuring Quality and Reliability
Backup Battery for Power Outages
Power outages can be stressful, but our backup battery system ensures you won’t be stuck inside the lift.
- Hydraulic Lifts: The lift will lower you to the lowest level and open the door for your safe exit (sliding doors open automatically; manual doors can be opened once the lift stops).
- Traction Lifts: The lift will take you to the nearest level and open the doors for your exit. Once power is restored, the lift resumes normal operation.
2. What Customisation Options Are There?
Residential Lifts
Our residential lifts are fully customisable. You can personalise sizing, interior wall colours, mirrors, lighting, flooring, and doors to suit your home’s aesthetic. We offer a wide range of standard options, plus additional extras to choose from. Our team is happy to recommend a minimum size if you’re looking for a more compact solution.
Commercial Lifts
Commercial lifts can also be customised, though certain elements may be limited depending on building requirements. Aesthetically, there’s still plenty of flexibility to create a lift that complements your space.
3. Do I Need a Building Permit?
Yes, a building permit is required for lift installation. Whether you’re building a new home or retrofitting an existing property, builders will need to assist with the lift shaft structure. There are several structural components to consider, and our team works closely with your builder to ensure everything is compliant and properly coordinated.
4. What Are the Maintenance and Service Requirements?
Residential Lifts
Residential lifts generally require servicing once a year, similar to your car’s annual service.
Commercial Lifts
Commercial lifts typically need servicing 2 – 4 times per year, depending on usage. Our iNVER-iQ system can help determine how frequently your lift is being used, allowing us to tailor your service schedule accordingly.
5. What Are the Ongoing Costs?
Once your warranty period ends, the primary ongoing cost is servicing. If a part needs to be repaired or replaced, additional costs may apply. However, with our iNVER-iQ remote monitoring system, many issues can be resolved without a site visit, helping to keep costs down.
6. How Long Will Installation Take & What Can I Expect During the Process?
Installation typically takes 2 – 4 weeks, depending on the number of floors the lift will service. If we’re providing a metal structure for the lift, allow an additional 3 – 4 weeks, as this will be built onsite by our technicians.
We provide full project management throughout the entire process, including regular site inspections during the build or renovation to ensure a smooth installation.
Delivery is organised with you and your builder prior to the installation date, ensuring everything is ready on-site. During installation, two technicians will work on assembling your lift from start to finish. They work methodically (one box at a time), keeping the work area clean and tidy to maintain a safe environment for everyone on-site. Sometimes a third technician will attend to commission and test the lift.
After commissioning and testing, your project manager will conduct a final handover, ensuring you’re completely satisfied and confident using your new lift.
7. What Is the Warranty?
- Residential Lifts: 3-year warranty Â
- Commercial Lifts: 1-year warranty
We always refer our clients to the terms and conditions of their contract to ensure they fully understand what is and isn’t covered.
8. What Happens if the Lift Breaks Down?
All our lifts are equipped with an active phone line, allowing you to connect directly with our on-call technicians. Once contacted, our team can remotely log in via iNVER-iQ to diagnose the issue.
In many cases, faults can be identified and resolved remotely. If a site visit is required, our technicians arrive fully prepared with the correct tools and equipment, thanks to the detailed information provided by iNVER-iQ. This ensures repairs are completed efficiently, minimising downtime.
Ready to Buy an Elevator?
When you choose to purchase an elevator from West Coast Elevators, our team is committed to ensuring your project runs seamlessly from start to finish. We work closely with you and your builder at every stage, carefully coordinating timelines to ensure your lift is placed into manufacture approximately six months prior to the estimated installation date.
As our lifts are custom-made and shipped directly from Italy, careful planning is essential. Once your home or building reaches the lock-up stage and the roof is on, we move into production. Because the lift is typically one of the final elements installed, this timeline allows ample opportunity for construction progress and interior finishes to be selected without unnecessary delays.
Of course, these are just a few of the questions we regularly discuss with our clients. Our experienced team is always available to provide tailored advice and support, helping you choose the solution that best suits your needs.
When you choose West Coast Elevators, you’re choosing a locally owned business that prides itself on top-quality products, exceptional customer experience, and project management that’s second to none. Book a free design consultation or visit our showroom in Belmont to see our lifts in person and speak with our team.
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