Urban areas are seeing a population increase, making indoor transportation options a crucial part of the city’s public transportation system.
Cities can only grow higher since there is only so much area available to them due to their rapid growth. More adaptable, modular, and flexible building and mobility solutions will be needed to accommodate this development. The needs of a high-density urban environment require that lift technologies and related maintenance services keep up with the times.
A number of factors are taken into consideration when estimating the cost of a lift replacement or lift maintenance contract, beginning with labour costs and ending with the lift operator’s profit margin. It is rare that a typical lift maintenance and repair quote can be established without taking into account the following different pricing elements, which we will cover in this blog.
Evaluating your current lift
It’s important to perform a comprehensive assessment of the lift equipment (e.g. lift shaft, lift car etc) before determining whether to replace or refurbish it. The age of the lift, the frequency of malfunctions, adherence to LOLER inspection requirements and safety rules, and general performance are all important factors to take into account. Refurbishment could be a good alternative if the lift is safe and reasonably new. Replacing the lift might be the better option, though, if it is old, breaks down frequently, or fails to comply with the rules.
When deciding whether to repair or refurbish a lift, cost is a major factor. Refurbishment is often more affordable than replacement, which makes it a desirable choice for people on a tight budget. Nonetheless, it’s critical to evaluate the long-term expenses related to lift repair.
The total costs of continuous lift maintenance and lift servicing may eventually be higher than the price of a replacement. On the other hand, buying a new lift can cost more up front, but over time, maintenance and repair costs might go down.
Lift renovation and replacement can be costly: based on a 4-floor traction lift, a complete refurbishment typically costs £65,000, while an average replacement costs approximately £80,000. Due to the increased work and material requirements, this cost rises for lifts in commercial buildings with more stories.
Simple indications of other underlying problems that property managers commercial building owners should watch out for include:
- an increase in lift malfunctions or breakdowns;
- improper lift levelling or irregular movement during startup or stoppage;
- strange sounds coming from the motor room, lift vehicle, or lift shaft;
- escalating maintenance company repair charges;
- doors reopening or initially closing incorrectly;
- issues outlined in the report of the insurance inspector.
What you need to consider when fixing an elevator
When coming up with an estimate or cost to fix an elevator, a lift maintenance company or lift engineers will evaluate the following:
Domestic lift or commercial lift
The largest factor influencing cost is the kind of lift you need fixed; smaller step lifts or a standalone lift unit with short travel heights are inherently less expensive than large through-floor lifts with multi-story travel heights.
Domestic lifts cost of repair can only be determined once examined by an engineer, however a lift service can cost between £40 to £60 per hour whereas domestic lift maintenance may cost up to £650 per hour.
Safety and compliance
When working with lifts, it is crucial to ensure the safety of the passengers. Even while an older lift’s safety features can be improved through refurbishment, it might not meet current safety regulations.
Modern safety measures are frequently incorporated into replacement lifts, ensuring that they adhere to current rules. Furthermore, older lifts may become harder to get replacement parts for as lift components deteriorate with time, endangering the lifts’ dependability and safety.
Performance
Significant advancements in lift technology have resulted in increased performance and energy efficiency. Modern elevators come equipped with cutting-edge features including improved ride comfort, regenerative motors, and destination control systems. These improvements save energy usage, shorten wait times, and improve the passenger experience.
It could be preferable to replace your lift instead of fixing it, if it is old and devoid of these qualities in order to improve efficiency and performance. Of course, full passenger lift replacement will be more expensive than refurbishment.
Future of the building
When choosing between renovation and replacement, a lift contractor will take your building’s long-term needs into account. Choosing a new elevator that satisfies current building requirements and can handle more traffic can be more sensible if your building is expanding or undergoing renovations. Additionally, a new lift can offer the capacity and dependability required if you foresee an increase in building occupancy or usage.
Check the warranty
Both the manufacturer and the installer will provide a warranty period for the installed or refurbished lift. Lift performance should be tracked here to address teething problems and make sure that any larger problems can be resolved under the terms of the contract.
Although the typical warranty time in the lift industry is 12 months, lift contractors are becoming more willing to bargain for longer coverage durations. Given the cost of a replacement, it’s critical to make sure the lift will continue to function safely and dependably for many years to come.
Looking for expert lift maintenance?
As we have explained, it is difficult to say how much it will cost to fix an elevator due to so many factors which will determine the overall cost. However, we hope this guide has helped you determine whether fixing an elevator or installing a new one is the right choice for your building.
We are experts in lift installation, maintenance, and modernisation for all types of commercial and residential facilities throughout the United Kingdom. We are convinced that with over 25 years of experience, we can provide you with a high-quality service that matches your individual demands and expectations.
Get in touch with us today to find out more about our modern lift services or to request a free, no-obligation quote with us, based in London and Essex!
How much does it cost to fix an elevator FAQs
How long do elevators last?
Elevators should last 15 to 25 years if they receive regular maintenance. However, lifetime will vary depending on elements including design, usage, environment, and frequency of maintenance.
Why do elevators break down so often?
There are several reasons why lifts can malfunction, including wear and tear, electrical problems, or mechanical difficulties. Age, misuse, and poor maintenance are a few more factors that might cause problems.
What is an elevator maintenance agreement?
By providing a set price for each service, a lift maintenance agreement functions as a sort of insurance that shields property owners against the inconsistent and unexpected expenses of lift maintenance, repairs, and servicing.