Lift Modernisation or Replacement? A Staged Approach for an Irish Apartment Building

When an older lift becomes unreliable, building owners are often told they have only two choices: continue repairing it or replace it completely. In practice, a properly planned modernisation can provide a third option—targeting the obsolete or unreliable systems while retaining equipment that remains serviceable.

A recent HEC assessment at an apartment development illustrates how this decision can be approached.

The problem

The building had an older hydraulic passenger lift that was no longer operating. Following a power interruption, the existing controller lost its PLC memory and the incumbent maintenance provider was unable to restore normal operation.

The immediate problem was electrical and control-related, but the decision could not be made in isolation. The lift also required a wider review of its fixtures, safety devices, accessibility provisions and long-term component support.

The options considered

Three principal options were assessed.

1. Continue with short-term repairs

Attempting to repair or reprogramme the existing controller might have produced the lowest immediate cost. However, this would still leave the building dependent on ageing and increasingly difficult-to-support control equipment. Where a controller has become obsolete or its software and replacement components are no longer reliably available, repeated repair expenditure may only postpone the same decision.

2. Complete lift replacement

A full replacement was estimated at approximately €70,000 to €80,000 plus VAT, depending on the final specification and building works. Replacement would provide an entirely new installation but would also involve the greatest cost, the longest programme and considerably more disruption to residents.

The existing hydraulic equipment and lift structure were not automatically unsuitable simply because the controller had failed. Replacing everything would therefore have meant removing serviceable assets along with the obsolete elements.

3. Staged modernisation

The recommended approach was a staged modernisation, beginning with the systems required to return the lift to reliable and compliant operation.

Stage 1 was priced at approximately €16,250 plus VAT and included:

• Replacement or comprehensive rewiring of the lift controller

• New landing and car operating buttons and indicators

• Electrical and safety-circuit improvements

• Required stop controls and related health-and-safety items

• Testing and recommissioning

A separate lift-car interior refurbishment was available from approximately €3,650 plus VAT.

A more extensive modernisation, including the principal hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems, was estimated at approximately €35,000 plus VAT.

Why the staged approach made sense

The staged option concentrated the initial investment on the equipment preventing the lift from operating. It also created a planned route for further upgrades rather than forcing the management company into the cost and disruption of immediate full replacement.

The advantages included:

• A substantially lower initial cost than complete replacement

• Retention of hydraulic and structural equipment that remained serviceable

• Improved availability of replacement control components

• New fixtures and clearer passenger information

• The ability to plan cosmetic and secondary upgrades separately

• Less disruption to residents and building operations

• A documented route toward a wider modernisation if required later

Modernisation is not automatically the right answer

A staged modernisation should not be used to disguise serious defects or retain equipment that has reached the end of its practical life. Before recommending it, the condition of the complete installation must be considered.

HEC reviews:

• The controller, drive and electrical systems

• Hydraulic pump, valve, ram and associated pipework

• Landing and car doors

• Suspension and guiding equipment

• Safety circuits and emergency communication

• Levelling and ride performance

• Availability of replacement components

• Accessibility requirements

• Fault history and previous repair expenditure

• The expected remaining life of retained equipment

If the lift structure or major mechanical equipment is unsuitable, full replacement may provide better long-term value. The recommendation should come from the condition of the installation, not from a standard sales package.

Indicative costs require a survey

The figures in this case were prepared for one specific installation and should not be treated as a fixed price for every lift. Lift size, number of floors, door arrangement, controller type, hydraulic condition, access, builders’ works and the required finishes can all change the scope and cost.

For many older hydraulic lifts, however, the comparison is worth making. A condition-based modernisation can restore reliability and extend the useful life of the installation without automatically replacing every component.

Planning a lift modernisation

Before approving a repair, modernisation or replacement, ask for:

• A written condition assessment

• A clear list of equipment being retained and replaced

• Confirmation of inclusions, exclusions and builders’ works

• Realistic lift downtime and programme

• Details of component support and warranties

• Testing, certification and handover requirements

• A comparison of immediate cost and long-term operating value

HEC provides lift condition assessments, staged modernisation proposals and complete lift upgrades throughout Ireland. To discuss an unreliable or obsolete lift, contact sales@hecl.ie or call Dublin on 01 291 6225 or Cork on 021 234 0222.

All prices above are indicative, exclude VAT and relate to the assessed installation at the time the proposal was prepared.