Our Blog

Some Important Things you need to know before Buying an Elevator


An elevator, or lift, is a machine that helps people move between different floors in a building. It consists of a small cabin in which passengers stand or sit, and it moves upward and downward through a vertical shaft. Each floor of the cabin includes doors that open and close, making it easy for people to enter and exit. Elevators have buttons that you push to select the floor you wish to travel. Each floor also has a button that calls the lift to that level. Lifts move the cabin using an electric motor and cables or hydraulics. They have emergency stop buttons and sensors that keep the doors from closing if something or someone is in the way.
Elevators are extremely useful in tall buildings because they save time and allow everyone to easily reach different floors. They are also intended to be accessible to those with disabilities including features such as guardrails and audio announcements. Elevator maintenance and inspections are performed on a regular basis to ensure that they operate correctly and safely.

Be clear about proprietary control systems

There are various reasons why proprietary control systems in lifts should be avoided. Proprietary control systems are owned and controlled by specific manufacturers, which might limit your options and flexibility. By using non-proprietary control systems, you have more freedom to select from a broader selection of lift service providers, perhaps leading to superior service and maintenance alternatives at reasonable pricing.
Non-proprietary control systems make maintenance easier since they use standardised components and protocols. Multiple service providers may operate on the system at the same time, reducing downtime and assuring timely maintenance.
Choosing non-proprietary control systems also allows you to benefit from the most recent technology developments and innovations in the lift business. Proprietary systems may limit your access to these improvements, whereas non-proprietary systems are more likely to be flexible with new features, upgrades, and modernization choices offered by multiple manufacturers.

Avoid applying proprietary elevator designs.

It is advisable to avoid proprietary elevator designs. Proprietary designs are those that are owned and controlled by a specific manufacturer. Non-proprietary designs provide you additional alternatives and freedom. They provide building owners and management more options for lift manufacturers and service providers. This competition may result in more affordable pricing, service, and maintenance alternatives.
Non-proprietary designs promote creativity and technical progress. They let you to take advantage of the most recent features, innovations, and updates provided by various manufacturers, ensuring that your lift remains up-to-date and meets current industry requirements.
Non-proprietary designs are also more durable in the long run. They are not connected to a certain manufacturer, so if repairs, replacements, or upgrades are required in the future, you are not bound to a single source. This adaptability guarantees that you may select the best choice for your demands and budget.

Get a fixed fee for long-term maintenance in advance

By securing a confirmed long-term maintenance price, you can avoid unexpected expenses and have a clear understanding of the costs associated with maintaining the elevator throughout its lifespan.
This agreement assures that there are no surprises or hidden expenses later on. It gives clarity and helps you to appropriately budget for lift maintenance costs.

Examine the installation contractor's servicing skills.

It's important to consider the service capabilities of the installing contractor when choosing an elevator. By analysing the installation contractor's service skills, you are sure that they have the experience and resources to satisfy your demands both throughout the installation process and in the long run.
It's important to consider their after-sales service. A reliable contractor should offer comprehensive maintenance and repair services to keep your elevator in optimal condition. This involves frequent inspections, basic maintenance, and responding quickly to any issues or failures.

Check the company's reputation for additional expenses and project delays.

It is essential to look at a contractor's reputation for additional costs and project delays before hiring them for a lift job. This involves doing research and acquiring information about the contractor's track record in these areas. Begin by asking earlier clients or property owners who have dealt with the contractor for comments. Examine for any complaints or concerns about unanticipated extra expenditures or project delays. Online reviews, testimonials, or calling the contractor's references can all give useful information.
It's also important to ask the contractor directly about their rules on additional costs and project delays. Inquire about any potential additional expenditures that may occur throughout the project, as well as how they manage such instances. Discuss their approach to project scheduling as well as how they manage and minimise delays.

Look into the lift's estimated term of expiry.

When searching for a lift, it's critical to look at the expected time to expiry. This refers to the length of time the lift will be technologically advanced and supported by the manufacturer.
You may examine the lifetime of the lift's technology and see if it corresponds with your long-term demands and goals by studying the estimated time to obsolescence. Start by gathering information from the elevator manufacturer or service provider. Inquire about the expected lifespan of the elevator's components,

Examine the lift's primary usage.

When thinking about lift installation, it is critical to analyse the lift's actual usage. This includes understanding how the lift will be used as well as the unique specifications it has to meet.
Begin by identifying the type and function of the structure. Is it a house, a commercial office space, a retail enterprise, or a healthcare facility. Each venue may have different lift requirements and rules.
Analyse the expected volume of traffic. Is the lift going to serve a small or large number of passengers on a daily basis. This assists in determining the lift's capacity and speed requirements.

Conclusion

There are various factors to keep in mind when it comes to elevators. First, focus on safety by ensuring that the lift meets with all applicable requirements and has reliable safety measures. Consider the elevator's primary usage, such as passenger capacity, estimated traffic volume, and any special accessibility needs. Examine the installing contractor's reputation and servicing skills, especially their ability to manage maintenance and repairs. Examine the projected time to expiry to ensure that the lift's technology is up to date. Finally, to minimise unexpected expenditures, receive precise and verified pricing for long-term maintenance upfront. By taking these aspects into account, you can make an informed selection and select the best lift for your needs.