Tower Lifts Checklist For Choosing the Right Type of Lift

As the UK’s leading designer of bespoke lifts we spend a good deal of time talking to clients about their unique requirements. This is an important part of the design process because we not only need to understand our clients’ needs, we also want to know how passengers will use the lift and what value it will be to them. Once we can see the lift from both the client’s and the passenger’s perspective it’s easier to design the perfect solution.

What Do We Need to Know When Designing a Lift?

There are three main factors when considering the design of a lift. First, we will consider who will be using the lift, when they will use it and how often. Second, we’ll turn our focus to the building in which the lift will be housed; we need to know what the architectural restrictions are when designing the lift. Finally, we work with clients on the look of the lift, the safety features and the DDA requirements.

1. User-Focused Questions for Lift Design

Over the years, Tower Lifts has designed bespoke lifts for shopping centres, heritage houses, schools and apartment blocks. In each case the design begins with us asking 5 simple questions:

• How many people will use this lift?
• Why will people use this lift?
• Who will use the lift?
• Will the lift be used throughout the day, or will usage be heavy at particular times?
• Will the lift carry goods as well as passengers?

This information will help to determine whether a goods lift, platform lift or passenger lift is necessary, how many lifts will be required and the best location for it. Passenger profile is important as it helps us to know whether to include specialist features.

2. Building-Focused Questions for Lift Design

Our design and installation team love challenges, so determining just what the problems are that they need to overcome within any particular building is very much a part of the creative process:

• How old is the building?
• Are there any building alterations planned?
• What space is available for a lift installation?
• How far does the lift need to travel?
• Is there an existing pit shaft/room for a pit shaft?

When designing a bespoke lift, the age and condition of the building will determine whether it’s possible to install a traditional passenger lift, requiring a lift shaft, or a platform lift which doesn’t require a shaft, and runs on either hydraulic or electric controls.

3. Accessory-Focused Questions for Lift Design

The way a lift looks can have a profound effect on whether or not it is adopted and used regularly by the target passengers. Safety and DDA compliance is also crucial to build in to the design:

• Does the lift need to integrate into the existing décor?
• What customisable features (flooring, doors, cabin finish) are required?
• Is this a fire-fighting lift?
• Will passengers with limited mobility or vision be using the lift?

At Tower Lifts we always place the safety of passengers at the heart of all we do, and we will discuss the safety features early on. If the lift is in a public building it will need to provide access for passengers with disabilities, and we can consider a range of features to enable this.

For any platform lift service, contact our team today on 01525 601099.

Lift Maintenance and Servicing

Once the lift is installed, it’s crucial that it is kept a peak performance in order to maintain the quality of service it offers regular passengers. We offer all our clients a comprehensive package to ensure that their lift is regularly serviced and maintained.

If you’re thinking of having a bespoke lift designed, why not call us today on 01525 601099 to find out more about our design and installation services?

Tower Lifts carry out design and installation on a varied range of lifts throughout the UK including:

Domestic Lifts • Food Lifts • Bespoke Platform Lifts • Service Lifts • Platform Lifts • Goods Lifts • Scenic Lifts • Heavy Duty / Car Lifts • Passenger Lifts • Dumbwaiter Lifts • MRL Lifts • Fire lifts • Residential Lifts • low-Headroom Lifts