The Complete Guide to Choosing a New Lift for Your Building Everything Developers, Architects, Building Owners and Facilities Managers Need to Know

Selecting the right lift is one of the most important decisions made during the design and construction of a building. A lift is a long-term investment that will serve thousands of passengers over many decades, making reliability, safety, accessibility and lifecycle costs just as important as the initial installation.

Whether you are constructing an apartment development, hotel, office building, healthcare facility, retail centre or industrial premises, choosing the correct lift from the outset can improve passenger experience, reduce future maintenance costs and increase the long-term value of your property.

This guide explains the key considerations when selecting a new lift and how careful planning can help ensure your investment continues to perform for many years.

Start with the Building, Not the Lift

Every building is different.

The most suitable lift for a busy apartment development may not be the right solution for a boutique hotel or commercial office.

Before selecting equipment, it is important to understand how the building will operate.

Questions to consider include:

• How many floors will the lift serve?

• How many people will use the lift each day?

• Will the lift carry goods as well as passengers?

• Are wheelchairs or hospital beds required?

• Will the building expand in the future?

• Are there peak traffic periods?

• What level of finish is expected?

• What maintenance access is available?

The answers to these questions will determine the most appropriate lift specification.

Choosing the Right Type of Lift

Different buildings require different lifting solutions.

Common options include:

Passenger Lifts

Suitable for apartment developments, offices, hotels, healthcare facilities, public buildings and commercial properties.

Designed for comfort, reliability and high passenger usage.

Goods Lifts

Ideal for warehouses, retail stores, restaurants, industrial facilities and commercial buildings where equipment or stock must be transported safely.

Platform Lifts

Designed to improve accessibility where a full passenger lift may not be practical.

Often installed in schools, churches, public buildings, community centres and smaller commercial premises.

Service Lifts

Frequently used in hotels, restaurants, hospitals and commercial kitchens to transport food, equipment and supplies.

Car Lifts

Designed for residential developments, commercial buildings and vehicle storage where efficient vehicle movement is required.

Capacity Matters

Selecting the correct lift capacity is essential.

A lift that is too small can create delays and passenger frustration.

A lift that is unnecessarily large may increase installation and operating costs.

Capacity should always reflect the expected use of the building both today and in the future.

Traffic Analysis

One of the most overlooked aspects of lift design is passenger traffic.

Apartment developments, hotels and office buildings all experience different usage patterns.

Professional traffic analysis helps determine:

• Number of lifts required

• Lift capacity

• Lift speed

• Waiting times

• Passenger handling capacity

• Future growth

Getting this right during the design stage can significantly improve building performance.

Accessibility

Modern lifts should be designed with accessibility in mind.

Considerations include:

• Wheelchair access

• Push-button positioning

• Voice announcements

• Visual indicators

• Handrails

• Door widths

• Lighting

• Mirror placement

• Emergency communication systems

A well-designed lift should be comfortable and accessible for every passenger.

Energy Efficiency

Modern lift technology has become significantly more energy efficient.

Features may include:

• LED lighting

• Standby modes

• Efficient drive systems

• Regenerative technology

• Low-energy controllers

Reducing energy consumption can contribute to lower operating costs over the lifetime of the lift.

Lift Interiors

The lift interior is often the first impression visitors have of a building.

Modern finishes can include:

• Stainless steel panels

• Decorative laminates

• Glass finishes

• Stone-effect flooring

• Luxury vinyl flooring

• LED lighting

• Contemporary ceilings

• Mirrors

• Handrails

• Digital displays

Selecting durable materials designed for heavy commercial use helps maintain appearance for many years.

Reliability Should Be a Priority

The cheapest lift is rarely the most economical over its lifetime.

When selecting a new lift, consider:

• Long-term reliability

• Availability of spare parts

• Ease of maintenance

• Future modernisation options

• Manufacturer support

• Quality of installation

A lift is expected to operate reliably every day for decades.

Choosing quality equipment and professional installation is a long-term investment.

Think Beyond Installation

Many building owners focus entirely on installation costs.

However, the total cost of ownership includes:

• Routine maintenance

• Emergency breakdowns

• Replacement parts

• Energy consumption

• Modernisation

• Equipment lifespan

Considering lifecycle costs from the beginning often delivers greater long-term value than focusing solely on the initial purchase price.

Planning for the Future

Technology continues to evolve.

When selecting a new lift, it is worth considering:

• Future modernisation

• Digital monitoring

• Energy upgrades

• Accessibility improvements

• Interior refurbishment

• Replacement part availability

A flexible design helps ensure the lift can adapt to future requirements without requiring complete replacement.

Working with Experienced Lift Specialists

Installing a new lift requires careful coordination between developers, architects, consulting engineers, builders and lift specialists.

Early involvement allows potential challenges to be identified before construction progresses, helping avoid delays and unnecessary costs.

Professional planning should include:

• Lift specification

• Builder’s work requirements

• Shaft dimensions

• Electrical requirements

• Structural interfaces

• Fire strategy coordination

• Commissioning

• Testing

• Handover

• Ongoing maintenance planning

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a lift specialist become involved in a new project?

As early as possible. Early consultation helps ensure the lift design integrates with the building and avoids costly alterations later in the project.

How long should a new lift last?

A professionally installed and properly maintained lift can provide many decades of reliable service. Routine maintenance and periodic modernisation help maximise its operational life.

Is maintenance required from the first day?

Yes. Every new lift should be placed on a planned preventative maintenance programme immediately after handover to maintain reliability, safety and long-term performance.

Can lifts be modernised in the future?

Yes. Most modern lift systems can be upgraded over time as technology develops or building requirements change.

What is the most important factor when choosing a lift?

There is rarely a single factor. Reliability, suitability for the building, long-term support, maintenance requirements and lifecycle costs should all be considered together.

Why Choose Honest Elevator Company?

Honest Elevator Company provides new lift installation services throughout Ireland, working with developers, architects, consulting engineers, building owners and contractors to deliver practical, reliable lifting solutions for a wide range of buildings.

Our approach begins with understanding how a building will operate, allowing us to recommend the most appropriate lift solution for the project rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

From design support and technical advice through to installation, commissioning and long-term maintenance, our objective is to deliver lift systems that provide safe, reliable operation for many years while supporting the long-term value of every building.

Whether you are planning a residential development, hotel, office building, healthcare facility, retail centre or industrial project, Honest Elevator Company can provide the engineering expertise and ongoing support required to deliver a successful lift installation.

Planning a New Development?

If you’re designing a new building or planning a redevelopment project, involving your lift specialist early can save time, reduce risk and help ensure the finished installation meets the needs of the building for decades to come.

Honest Elevator Company provides nationwide new lift installation, modernisation, maintenance and technical support throughout Ireland. Our experienced team works closely with project stakeholders from concept through to completion, delivering practical engineering solutions tailored to each building’s unique requirements.