There’s nothing quite as frustrating as having to deal with a broken down lift in a tall building. Not only is it majorly inconvenient to people’s lives - it may make employees late for work if their office is on a high floor, for example - but it can also pose major accessibility limitations to those with mobility issues. Needless to say, whether it's in a block of flats or an office building, it is integral that a faulty lift is inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
Fortunately, there are a host of
elevator companies across the UK that are capable of helping clients with a variety of lift-related issues. But with lift repair services being such a saturated market, it’s important to ensure that you source the right organisation for this task - after all, the safety of your residents or staff depends on it. Choosing an incompetent lift engineer could also result in making a small breakdown - which should generally require a quick fix - ten times worse. This could result in the need for a complete lift replacement, which will be costly and much more time-consuming.
And so, how do you go about finding the right lift engineer for you and the requirements of your lift? If you’re not sure where to start, here are some key considerations that you should factor into your decision process. By asking these questions, you can rest assured that your lift will be up and running again in no time.
Why Is Finding the Right Lift Repair Service So Important?
All types of elevators - whether they are traditional or modern lifts - are susceptible to general wear and tear over their lifetime. Consistent
lift servicing performed by a qualified lift engineer guarantees that the mechanical components are kept in great working order for many years. In fact, not only will lift repair services increase the longevity of a lift, but will also ensure that the cab is safe to use and prevents any sudden or dangerous breakdowns from occurring. Though it may be tempting to cut corners, especially in the present economic climate, remember that investing in frequent, high-quality maintenance from a reputable elevator company saves a substantial amount of money in the long run.
Choosing the Right Elevator Engineer
What Type of Maintenance Do They Provide?
Whilst you might think that all lift maintenance generally works in the same way across the board, there are actually some key differences between traditional and modern lift repairs. On one hand, traditional maintenance increases the lifespan of the lift being serviced, thus reducing the frequency of call-outs required. During a traditional maintenance visit, the lift engineer will take the time to fully inspect, test and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimum performance.
On the other hand, modern lift repairs cover visual checks of the lift’s operation, relying on the lift owner to spot any issues. We would suggest opting for a traditional approach to lift repair services - in doing so, lift engineers will get to know your lift in order to accurately identify any problems before they become any bigger.
Are the Lift Engineers Fully Qualified?
Lift engineering is a highly skilled job, and it is crucial that lift engineers are trained to industry standards with all of the necessary qualifications. It would be irresponsible at best and potentially dangerous at worst to employ anyone other than a skilled professional to perform lift repairs. Property owners should also never attempt to repair their own lift, as this can put users at risk and may do more harm than good to the lift’s condition. It’s a good idea to ask any prospective elevator companies about the qualifications of their lift engineers to ensure that they are capable of performing the job. Any quality elevator company will be happy to provide documentation that proves that all of their lift engineers are fully qualified.
Is the Company Accredited?
All UK elevator companies must be Safe Contractor and Construction Line approved, and it’s of the utmost importance that you check for this certification before hiring anyone. Most elevator companies will have their accreditation
listed on their website, but if not you can contact them to find out.
Do They Have Experience Working With a Range of Lifts?
A competent lift engineer will have vast experience of working on a range of traditional and modern lifts, control systems and other applications. From servicing a single lift or a mix of passenger and platform lifts, dumbwaiters and goods lifts, to escalators and moving walkways - an experienced lift engineer will be able to tailor their services to the specific requirements of your lifting equipment, regardless of size, make or model.
What is Their Response Time?
Technology can be unpredictable, and you never know when you might need emergency lift repair services. This means that you should not only choose an elevator company that is within a reasonable distance of your property, but that also offers 24/7 call-outs in the event of an emergency. You don’t want to be stuck with a faulty lift at an inconvenient time and have to wait till business hours commence to get in touch with a lift engineer. Furthermore, elevator companies based locally enable them to better understand the area. Your service provider should be able to replace elevator engineers when one is unavailable without causing any disruption.
Do They Provide Lift Refurbishment and Modernisation Services?
The age and condition of your lift can determine the frequency of maintenance work that will be required. As your lift equipment ages and the technology becomes more outdated, the more attention it will need. You should employ a lift engineer that can point out any issues that your lift has or may experience in the future due to age and use, and who can suggest any necessary
refurbishment or modernisation services that will help to prolong its life. You also need someone who can offer unbiased advice on when it’s time for a new
lift installation.
What’s Included in the Lift Repair Service Contract Cost?
When choosing between elevator companies, you have to do more than just compare fees. Make sure that you clarify exactly what is included in your lift repair service contract, and if there may be any additional costs. Are the costs of lift repairs and replacement parts included? When do billable hours start? What is the turnaround for obtaining parts from the original manufacturer, and do they use proprietary parts or keep stock of components?
On top of this, the level of lift servicing you require will be dependent on several factors, not just the cost. Is the lift in heavy use? How old is the lift? If your company only operates during business hours, do you still require 24-hour support? Can the elevator company cope with large-scale operations or projects?
On the surface, a cheap contract fee may indicate that there will be more substantial repair charges throughout the lift’s lifespan. This is precisely why it pays to check upfront, and sometimes spending more on repairs to begin with can cost you less over time. Make sure to always discuss your lift-specific requirements before entering into a service contract.
Are There Any Client Reviews?
The reliability of an elevator company can be easily gauged by reading through some of the reviews that previous clients have left. After all, clients have no reason to lie and tend to be brutally honest in their feedback - elevator companies that choose to not display their reviews should be approached with caution. Fortunately, any reputable company will be proud to provide evidence of authentic feedback from previous customers when asked.
Reliable Lift Repair Service in Scotland
With over a century of experience in providing trustworthy and efficient lift services in a variety of domestic and commercial establishments across Scotland, ADL Lift Services are considered to be one of the leading elevator companies in the country. More than just a manufacturer, we are highly capable of installing, maintaining and refurbishing industry-standard commercial lifts. Whether you need 24-hour emergency lift cover, a routine lift service or any other lift-related maintenance, we are here to help. Our team of qualified lift engineers are unparalleled in their industry experience and customer service, and we’ll always do our best to tailor our services to the requirements of your building - no project is too big or too small! Based in Motherwell, ADL Lift Services can provide nationwide services via our vast network of staff who work remotely. To find out more about our services, or to arrange a site visit with a member of our team,
contact us today.
