Lift Modernisation
Breathe New Life
Into Your Lift
A lift modernisation project typically involves upgrading the key components of an existing lift, such as the control system, motor, doors or interiors. Our consultants navigate you through the project management process from start to finish, ensuring your project is cost-effective, compliant with industry regulations and standards, and future-proofed.
Independent Lift Modernisation Consultants Across the UK
If not executed properly, a lift modernisation project can become significantly costly, complicated and disruptive. That’s where a lift consultant becomes a smart investment. We’re here to help you make the right choices, avoid overspending and achieve the best possible outcome.
We evaluate your existing lift system to determine exactly what needs upgrading. We then provide you with our expert advice and recommendations from an independent perspective. Our consultants oversee the modernisation of lifting equipment by retaining serviceable components considered to be in good working order, and upgrading any aged, worn, obsolete and non-compliant parts with new equipment.
Working directly with lift contractors on your behalf, we ensure all work undertaken is carried out to the highest standards, and in the event of unexpected problems, we use our industry knowledge and experience to rectify them swiftly.
Navigate BY ILECS
Our Six-Stage Process for Leading Lift Modernisations
Our Navigate by ILECS service provides a full, end-to-end consultancy for lift modernisation projects. We help you evaluate existing lifts, specify modernisation works, tender contractors and oversee the project through to completion.
01.
Consultation & Site Survey
In an initial consultation, we review your lift modernisation goals and you’ll be introduced to one of our expert lift consultants, who will ask specific questions to gather a clear understanding of your needs and requirements and identify any budgetary controls. An on-site survey will be undertaken so that we can issue you our findings and expert recommendations.
02.
Preparing a Specification
We will collaborate closely with you to develop a comprehensive strategy and write a specification that aligns with your vision and objectives and complies with applicable industry requirements, regulations and standards. We’ll then identify and recommend a selection of lift contractors from our approved contractor list who are well-suited and experienced to execute the required project.
03.
The Tender Process
Our final specification is professionally tendered to the selected lift contractors, and a deadline is given for the return. We analyse all tender submissions thoroughly and present you with a tender analysis report for your review and consideration. Post-tender meetings will be held with prospective contractors to answer any questions, clarify any outstanding issues, and facilitate the next steps in the selection process.
04.
Implementing
the Project
At this stage, we will recommend a preferred contractor, confirm their selection, and place the order on your behalf. A pre-start meeting will be held to cover all project details, timelines, CDM requirements and specific requirements to ensure alignment with all parties. Once the work begins, we will manage the project with regular site visits to monitor progress, address any issues, and ensure adherence to timelines and standards, keeping you fully updated.
05.
Witness Testing
& Snagging
As we approach the project’s final stages, we will conduct a pre-witness test site visit to ensure everything is ready for the full witness test to be conducted to confirm that the lift system and its components meet the specified functionality and performance standards. We will address any outstanding snagging items found from our witness test with the contractor and ensure they are completed to our satisfaction. Additionally, we will carefully review the operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals to ensure they include clear instructions for the ongoing care of the lift equipment.
06.
Completion & Ongoing Support
Upon finalising the project, we will issue a certificate of completion. We are committed to remaining actively engaged throughout the defect liability period and beyond. This proactive involvement will allow us to swiftly address and resolve any potential issues that may arise, ensuring that all concerns are managed effectively and in a timely manner.
Discover the Difference of Lift Consultant Expertise.
We’re here to help navigate the technical and regulatory complexities of lift modernisation. If you have an upcoming project, you’ll benefit from our guidance.
Get in touch today to discuss your project with a member of our team and find out how ILECS can help you.
client testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it…
Service FAQs
Find the answers to your frequently asked questions about lifts and escalators in our comprehensive FAQs page. As independent lift and escalator consultants we regularly get asked the following questions:
What is included in a lift design service, from concept design to final handover?
It commonly includes feasibility and concept layouts, performance definition, interface coordination, detailed specification and schedules, tender support, design reviews during delivery, site and quality support as required, and assistance through testing, commissioning, snagging, and handover documentation.
When should I instruct lift design services for a new installation, modernisation, refurbishment, or replacement?
You should instruct lift design services early when scope is complex, risks are high, interfaces are tight, or decisions on shaft sizes, layouts, performance, or access must be locked in. It is especially useful for new installations and major replacements, and also valuable for complex modernisations and refurbishments with multiple interfaces.
How do you define the right lift performance for a building, capacity, speed, car size, and controls?
Performance is defined from building usage, occupancy, peak demand, and service expectations. This informs capacity, speed, number of lifts, car size, door type, and control strategy. Where needed, traffic modelling or a traffic analysis can validate options and prevent long waits and congestion.
What design deliverables will I receive, specification, drawings, interface schedules, and design risk information?
Deliverables typically include design intent information, layouts and key dimensions, performance and interface schedules, specification and pricing schedules for tender, and design risk information to support CDM. The exact outputs depend on project stage and procurement route.
How do you coordinate lift and escalator design with the wider design team, architect, structural, and M&E?
Coordination is done through clear interface schedules, workshops, and design reviews, aligning openings, loads, power and ventilation, fire and access constraints, and builder works. Early coordination reduces clashes, redesign, and delays during construction.
How do you ensure the design meets current standards, accessibility requirements, and fire safety needs?
By designing to the relevant lift and escalator standards as well as wider building regulations, aligning with building access requirements, and coordinating with the building fire strategy and design team. Compliance is managed through specification, interface definition, and review of contractor proposals against the required criteria.
How do full design duties help reduce project risk, variations, delays, and whole life cost?
A coordinated design clarifies scope, reduces interface gaps, and improves tender comparability. This lowers the risk of variations, programme slippage, and rework, and helps achieve a solution that is easier to maintain, more reliable, and better aligned to whole life value.
What information do you need to start full design duties, surveys, existing drawings, usage patterns, constraints?
Useful starting information includes existing drawings and surveys, lift or escalator details if applicable, occupancy and usage patterns, access and working hour constraints, structural and M&E capacity, fire strategy considerations, and any known site hazards. The better the baseline data, the faster design can progress.
Do you support testing and handover, witness testing, snagging, certification, and O&M manuals?
Yes, support can include reviewing commissioning plans, completing witness tests where specified, managing snagging and close out, and checking that handover packs are complete, including certifications, declarations, O&M manuals, logbook information, and any required safety file content.
What is a lift installation project, and what does it involve?
A lift installation project covers planning and design, defining performance and interfaces, preparing specifications and tender documents, appointing a contractor, coordinating building works and services, installing the lift equipment, and completing testing, commissioning, and handover documentation before the lift is brought into service.