5 Things to Consider When Designing a Lift

Are you planning on adding a lift to your building? There are many things to look at when designing a lift for your space, but whether it’s a home lift or a commercial one, there are five particular things to consider as you make your decision.

1. Cost

How much will the lift cost? Even if you want to have the most elegant lift in the world, you are still bound by your budget, so this is the first thing to consider. Plan how much you can put into a lift and then talk to a lift manufacturer to see how much you can actually get for the price.

2. Safety

The security of everyone who uses the lift must be considered. While you may be able to find a very low-cost lift installer and lower cost lifts, it’s important to ensure they have the necessary safety features. Each lift should have, at the very least:

-                   Cabin telephone or intercom for emergencies

-                   Alarm system for emergencies

-                   Secure brake system

-                   Backup for power failures

Talk to the installer about which options are available.

3. Lift Size

How many people do you intend to have in the lift at one time? Some lifts hold just one person, while others are designed for multiple people. The size will be directly affected by this amount and that will also affect the price.

In a home, where you will likely only have one or two people at a time in the lift, you can opt for fairly small spaces. In a commercial building or an apartment building, you need to ensure the lift or lifts can carry enough people to make it worth it. You want to avoid having multiple people waiting at any given time.

4. Drive System

What drive system will the lift use? There are several options, including the winding drum system and the counterweight chain drive. You’ll need to make sure you have the right option for your space. Keep in mind that the winding drum requires its own machine room that will house the drive itself.

5. Backup

You’ll also need a backup system in case the power fails. It’s essential to have a backup to avoid trapping people on a floor or in the lift. A generator that automatically starts up can be helpful to ensure you stay safe and have the ability to move around the building as needed. This is particularly important if there are people with mobility issues who will be unable to take the stairs if there’s power outage.

Designing your lift requires thinking about all areas of the lift and how it will work. Talk to ADL Lift Services to learn more about what to expect from a lift service.