Lift Replacement

Lift Replacement


Recognising the Signs & Planning Your Lift Replacement

Lifts are the engine of most commercial buildings, quietly and reliably moving people and goods day in, day out. Their consistent service may lull us into thinking that they’ll last forever but lifts, like any machine, have a limited lifespan. While modernisation and refurbishment will expand the lifespan of your lift, there will come a time when lift replacement becomes the inevitable next step

At Tower Lifts, we understand that replacing a lift is a significant undertaking. With over 18 years of experience in the industry, we’ve helped numerous businesses navigate this process. In this guide, we’ll explore the telltale signs that your lift might be due for a replacement, discuss the key considerations involved, and outline how Tower Lifts can ensure a smooth and efficient lift replacement for your building.


How Long Can You Expect a Lift to Last?

This is a question our team at Tower Lifts gets asked often, and the answer, unfortunately, isn’t always straightforward. While the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Guide D (2025) suggests a lifespan of 20-25 years for electric traction lifts and 15 years for hydraulic lifts, the reality is much more nuanced.

Several factors influence a lift’s longevity, including:

  • Usage – A lift in a busy office building will naturally experience more wear and tear than one in a smaller residential property.
  • Maintenance – Regular servicing and preventative maintenance can significantly extend a lift’s lifespan.
  • Environment – Exposure to the elements, dust, or corrosive substances can accelerate wear and tear.
  • Quality of original installation – A well-installed lift, will generally have fewer issues down the line.

At Tower Lifts, we prolong the life of existing lifts through comprehensive refurbishment and modernisation. By replacing worn or outdated components with the latest technology, we can often double the expected lifespan, ensuring your lift remains safe, efficient, and cost-effective to operate.


Is it Time for a Lift Replacement? Recognising the Signs

Replacing a lift is a significant investment, and it’s natural to want to prolong the life of your existing equipment. However, there comes a point where the costs and disruptions associated with maintaining an aging lift outweigh the benefits to your budget. Recognising the signs early on can help you plan proactively and avoid unexpected breakdowns and escalating expenses.

Here are some key indicators that your lift may be nearing the end of its serviceable life, and that a replacement lift is something you need to be planning for:

Is it Time for a Lift Replacement? Recognising the Signs

Frequent Breakdowns and Increasingly Unreliable Service

Are you experiencing more frequent service calls and disruptions? Constant repairs can lead to significant downtime, inconvenience to passengers, and escalating maintenance costs. This is a major sign that your lift is struggling to keep up with demand.

Difficulty Sourcing Replacement Parts

As lifts age, finding compatible replacement parts becomes ever more difficult and time-consuming. This can lead to extended downtime, higher repair costs, and increased reliance on potentially less reliable refurbished components.

Costly Component Installation Due to Outdated Design

Modernising older lifts can sometimes require extensive engineering work to install new components. If the initial design of your lift makes modernisation impractical or prohibitively expensive, replacement may be the more cost-effective solution.

Safety Concerns and LOLER Compliance Issues

Regular LOLER inspections are mandatory. If your inspections consistently flag concerns about outdated components or non-compliance with current safety standards, it’s a clear indication that your lift needs attention. Ignoring these issues could jeopardise passenger safety and lead to legal complications.

Poor Energy Efficiency and High Running Costs

Older lifts can be significantly less energy-efficient than modern systems. If you’re noticing a steady increase in your energy bills, a new, energy-efficient lift could offer long-term cost savings and reduce your building’s environmental impact.

Limited Functionality and Accessibility Issues

Modern lifts offer improved accessibility features, capacity, and speed. If your existing lift is no longer fit for purpose, replacement can enhance accessibility and improve the flow of people throughout your building.

The Lift Replacement Process – An Efficient Transition with Tower Lifts

The Lift Replacement Process – An Efficient Transition with Tower Lifts

Replacing a lift will always be a significant undertaking, but with the right partner, it can be a smooth and efficient process. At Tower Lifts, we provide a comprehensive lift replacement service that goes beyond simply installing a new lift. We guide you through every step, from initial assessment to final commissioning, ensuring minimal disruption to your building and its occupants.

Here’s how we manage your lift replacement project:

  1. Initial Consultation and Needs Assessment – We begin by gaining a clear understanding your requirements, including building type, passenger traffic, accessibility needs, and aesthetic preferences. We will conduct a thorough site survey to assess the existing lift and its infrastructure.
  2. Developing the Specification – Based on our assessment, we’ll develop a detailed specification outlining the recommended lift type, capacity, speed, and features. We’ll also consider energy efficiency, noise reduction, and any specific design requirements you may have.
  3. Managing the Tender Process – We’ll manage the tender process, obtaining competitive quotes from reputable lift manufacturers and ensuring all proposals meet your specifications and comply with industry standards.
  4. Lift Removal and Disposal – Our team will safely and efficiently remove your old lift, taking care to minimise disruption to your building. We’ll handle the responsible disposal of all components, including the responsible management of any hazardous materials.
  5. Installation and Project Management – We’ll oversee the entire lift installation process, coordinating with all necessary trades and ensuring the project stays on schedule and within budget. Our project managers will keep you informed throughout the process, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
  6. Testing, Commissioning, and Handover – Once the new lift is installed, we’ll conduct rigorous testing to ensure it meets all safety and performance standards.

Beyond Installation – We offer a range of maintenance and modernisation services to ensure your new lift continues to operate at peak performance for years to come.


Why Choose Tower Lifts for Your Lift Removal Needs?

Lift removal is a complex undertaking that requires specialised engineering expertise. When it comes to a process that demands both precision and safety, you need a partner you can trust. Here’s why building contractors, property managers, and business owners choose Tower Lifts for their lift removal needs:

  • Unmatched Expertise – We have a proven track record of safely and efficiently removing a wide range of lifts, from standard passenger lifts and goods lifts to complex bespoke systems. Our experienced team possesses the knowledge and skills to handle any lift removal project, regardless of scale or complexity.
  • Safety is Our Priority – As an ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001, LiftCert, and UKAS-approved company, we adhere to the highest safety and regulatory standards. We prioritise the well-being of our team, your staff, and your building occupants throughout the entire removal process.
  • Efficiency and Minimal Disruption – Our lift removal process is designed to minimise disruption to your building and keep the project on schedule. We work closely with you to plan and carry out the removal with precision and efficiency.
  • Environmental Responsibility – We are committed to sustainable practices and responsible disposal. All components are recycled or disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
  • Industry-Leading Standards: Our accreditations and memberships demonstrate our commitment to excellence:
    • ISO 9001:2015Supporting our dedication to quality management systems and continuous improvement in all aspects of our operations.
    • ISO 45001 Demonstrating our commitment to managing occupational health and safety risks, ensuring a safe working environment for our team and your staff.
    • UKAS – LiftCertVerifying our competence and compliance with industry best practices, giving you confidence in our technical expertise and adherence to safety standards.
    • LEIA As a member of the Lift and Escalator Industry Association, we adhere to industry recommendations and best practices.

Ready to speak to a Tower Lifts about a lift replacement? Call us today for a lift replacement consultation on 01525 601099

Tower Lifts London lift team can design and install a varied range of lifts throughout the UK including:

Domestic Lifts Food Lifts Bespoke Platform Lifts Service Lifts Platform Lifts Goods Lifts Scenic LiftsHeavy Duty / Car LiftsPassenger LiftsDumbwaiter LiftsMRL Lifts Fire liftsResidential Lifts low-Headroom Lifts