PLATFORM LIFTS I NOVEMBER 24 2025

When Is It Time to Modernise Your Lift? Smart Upgrade Planning for UK Buildings

Your lift isn’t just a convenience - it’s part of your building’s infrastructure. If it’s old, slow, unreliable or energy-inefficient, modernising can pay dividends in safety, value and user experience.

If you manage a UK commercial building, a residential block or a public facility, let us walk through your considerations and the upgrade process.

Why Modernise Your Lift? The Case for Upgrades

There are several reasons to consider modernising your elevator;

Safety & Compliance - The legal framework for lifts in the UK is evolving. For example, the Lifts Regulations 2016 set requirements for new lifts and components. If your lift is decades old, parts may no longer meet modern standards, or documentation may be missing.
Performance & Reliability - Older lifts may be slower, noisier, less comfortable for users and more prone to breakdowns. Modernisation can improve uptime, speed and ride quality.
Accessibility & Experience - Modern lifts offer better accessibility features (bigger cabins, easier controls, better lighting and signage) which matter under Equality Act 2010 obligations.
Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings - New technologies reduce power consumption, use smarter controls and lower running costs.
Property Value & Tenant Satisfaction - A boosts the prestige of your building, keeps tenants happy and may support higher value residential rent or commercial lease rates.
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When Should You consider Modernisation?

Here are some key indicators that now might be the time to consider moderrnisation or upgrades:

Frequent breakdowns or repair bills climbing.
Slow journey times or outdated tech (e.g. manual doors, no fire‑service mode).
The building use has changed (e.g. more traffic, different occupants) but the lift has not.
Accessibility standards have changed and your lift no longer meets them.
Energy costs are rising, or you’re under pressure to reduce carbon footprint.
The existing lift has been in place for 15 - 20 years or more (depending on usage).

Key Steps in Modernising a Lift: a checklist of What to Consider

Assessment & audit

Review your current lift’s condition, usage patterns, safety compliance and future needs.

Design & specification

Choose the type of upgrades: control system, cabin refurb, door technology, accessibility features, speed improvements, energy‑saving drives.

Regulatory provision

Make sure the project meets UK standards like the Lifts Regulations 2016, relevant British Standards and building regulations such as Part M for accessibility.

Budgeting & timeline

Modernisation may take days to weeks depending on scale. Plan for downtime and make any crucial temporary arrangements.

Installation & commissioning

Engage specialist lift engineers like ourselves. Ensure thorough testing and hand - over documentation.

Future‑proofing

Consider features you might need in future (IoT monitoring, remote diagnostics, upgrade paths) so you’re not back replacing parts again in short order.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: At what age should a lift be considered for modernisation?
A: While usage and conditions vary, if a lift is over 15 - 20 years old, showing signs of ageing or doesn't meet current usage / accessibility needs, it’s wise to assess modernisation.

Q: Will modernising a lift significantly disrupt building use?
A: Some disruption is inevitable (cab works, control room changes, testing) but our specialists minimise downtime and plan works off‑peak or in phases.
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Q: Is modernisation more cost-effective than full replacement?
A: Often yes - if the structure, shaft and major components are in good condition, upgrading systems and cabin features can deliver major improvements for lower cost than full replacement.
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help with your next steps

Your lift shouldn’t be the forgotten piece of your building - it should be a smooth, reliable, safe asset.

Contact us today to explore a tailored modernisation plan for your building. We’ll review your current system, identify upgrade options and provide a no-obligation quote so you can future-proof your lift investment.