Installing a lift in your home is more than a luxury for many; it’s a critical investment in accessibility, safety, and long-term value. But when it comes to choosing a home lift, homeowners often feel overwhelmed by the technical options, safety requirements, and cost considerations.
At Arrival Lifts, we’ve helped countless families across Surrey, Kent, and Greater London navigate exactly this decision. Here’s our detailed, step-by-step guide to help you choose the right home lift with confidence.
If you’d like to explore custom options or book a survey, you can reach us by calling 0208 544 4888 or via email at enquiries@arrivallifts.com.
Our experts at Arrival Lifts believe every home deserves a lift that’s safe, stylish, and built to last, not just installed, but supported for years.
Why Choosing The Right Home Lift Matters
A home lift isn’t just a convenience; it’s part of your daily life, impacting mobility, property value, and long-term maintenance. Choosing poorly can lead to frequent breakdowns, high running costs, or even safety risks.
When you work with Arrival Lifts, you tap into over 25 years of experience, fair and honest quotes, and bespoke service tailored to your home.
Step 1: Assess Your Needs And Goals
Define Your Purpose
- Are you installing the lift to support ageing in place, cater to mobility needs, or simply as a convenience?
- How many floors does your home have, and how frequently will the lift be used?
- What is the size and layout of the lift shaft, or do you need a retrofit?
Estimate Usage
Higher usage (daily use by multiple family members) may require a more robust solution and more frequent maintenance.
Consider Future Needs
Think long term: Will mobility needs change? Would you want to modernise or upgrade later? Our modernisation services can help you update components like controllers or lighting when the time comes.
Step 2: Understand Home Lift Types
There are several types of home lifts, each suited for different needs. Here are common options:
Traction Lifts: These are classic lifts with a motor, counterweight, and cables, smooth, reliable, and ideal for more stops and higher load capacity.
Hydraulic Lifts: These use hydraulic power for lifting; they require a pit or pump room, but are often quieter and smoother in motion.
Platform / Through-Floor Lifts: Perfect for short vertical rises, such as ground to first floor in a house. They’re compact, space-efficient, and often more cost-effective.
Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Lifts: These don’t require a separate room for machinery, making them ideal for retrofit homes with limited space.
We have introduced different lift types on our site, including platform lifts and passenger lifts.
Step 3: Prioritise Safety And Compliance
Regulatory Compliance
In the UK, lifts must meet relevant safety standards. At Arrival Lifts, we strictly follow regulatory guidance and ensure that all installations comply with industry regulations.
Safety Features To Look For
- Door interlocks and locks
- Emergency lowering mechanisms
- Safety brakes and overload protection
- Key control options or remote monitoring
Ensuring these features are in place is essential for long-term safety.
Step 4: Plan Your Budget
One-Off Costs: This includes design, installation, structural work (shaft and pit), and the lift unit itself. Our bespoke installation services mean we tailor everything to your site and budget.
Running Costs: Consider energy use, maintenance, and potential repairs. With regular maintenance and servicing from our team, you can reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Modernisation Vs Replacement: If you already have a lift, modernisation (upgrading drive systems, controller, cabin finishes) can offer great value.
Step 5: Get Expert Advice And A Survey
Designing and installing a lift is a technical task. We recommend booking a free site survey. In our installation process:
- We assess shaft space, structural needs, and power supply.
- We provide tailored options, backed by decades of experience. With over 25 years in the business, we know the pitfalls to avoid.
- We give a precise quote (no surprises) and potential maintenance plan.
Step 6: Consider Maintenance & Long-Term Support
Choosing how to maintain your lift is as important as choosing the lift itself.
- Regular servicing: We recommend a frequency based on your lift type and usage.
- Preventive maintenance can catch wear and tear before it becomes costly downtime.
- When you choose us, you gain 24/7 support for emergencies.
- If priorities change, modernisation is a flexible, phased way to upgrade later.
Step 7: Think About Aesthetics & Customisation
A home lift should feel part of the house, not an afterthought.
- Cabin finishes: materials, lighting, controls
- Door styles: manual vs automatic
- Accessibility options: audio announcements, braille buttons, keycard access
- Sustainability: regenerative drive systems or energy-efficient components to reduce consumption
Step 8: Make Your Decision And Take Action
Once you have all the information:
- Compare the costs, lift types, and safety features.
- Review the quote from your survey.
- Ask about maintenance plans and modernisation possibilities.
- Confirm installation timeline and project scope.
Conclusion
Choosing the right home lift is a big decision, but you don’t need to do it alone. By following this guide to choosing a home lift, you can make informed decisions based on safety, cost, aesthetics, and long-term support. At Arrival Lifts, we bring over 25 years of experience, a family-run approach, and dedicated engineers who care about your home as much as you do.
Let us help you make mobility in your home seamless, safe, and stylish. Get in touch with us by calling 0208 544 4888 or enquiries@arrivallifts.com to start your journey.
FAQs
Q1: How much does a home lift cost?
A: It depends on the lift type, number of stops, structural work, and finishing. After a survey, we’ll provide a tailored, transparent quote.
Q2: Do I need a pit or machine room?
A: Not always. Machine-room-less (MRL) lifts or through-floor platform lifts often eliminate the need for a separate machine room.
Q3: How often should my home lift be serviced?
A: We generally recommend servicing residential lifts at least twice a year, depending on usage.
Q4: Can I modernise (upgrade) an existing home lift rather than replace it?
A: Yes. Modernisation can involve upgrading the lighting, controller, or motor, often at a lower cost than full replacement.
Q5: Do you offer 24/7 support for lift breakdowns?
A: Yes. Our engineers are available round the clock, and we aim to respond quickly in the south-east.