Factors that Affect the Cost of a Lift
Contents |
Introduction
The price of lifts can vary significantly, whether they are residential or commercial. From lift dimensions to the building work required to fit the lift, there are a wide range of elements that can impact on the total cost.
Factors that influence price
Size of cabin
The size of the cabin can influence its final price. Typically, smaller cabs can be more cost-effective, as they will occupy less space and require less building work, although that is not always the case.
Type of lift
Choosing one type of elevator above another can incur additional costs. A hydraulic lift is likely to have a different price than a platform lift, for instance. It is crucial that anyone seeking to install a lift, be it in a home or in a commercial property, is aware of any necessary requirements to make the right decision when it comes to type.
Lift doors
The doors chosen for a specific lift will also have an impact on its price. Automatic-powered doors, for example, will have a higher cost than non-automatic.
Level of automation
The automation required for the lift itself is another influencing factor. From the doors to operating controls, a higher degree of automation will typically mean a higher price.
Number of stops
While an lift can go up and down several storeys, each one will require building work and adjustments to ensure the lift is working properly. So, each additional storey will impact on the final price.
Travel distance
The overall distance that a lift will travel will impact on the height of the shaft. The longer the distance, the larger the shaft will be, which means the higher the cost.
Building dimensions
When it comes to installing lifts, the features of the property itself, be it a residence or a commercial building, are also important. A tall building will require more stops which, in turn, will be more expensive.
finishes
The cabin finishes can be customised to fit personal or building specifications. Different finishes will have different costs, so each choice will influence the final price. Be it walls made of glass or wood, for example, or decorative motifs, the personalisation options are limitless.
Labour
A crucial factor when installing lifts is the cost of the construction work. Labour will add more expenses, so it’s important to take it into consideration before purchasing a lift – depending on what is needed (work hours, for example), individuals and business owners may pay more or less for such services.
Construction work
Adding to the labour needed to install a lift, it’s also important to consider the work that will have to be done for this to happen. Some of the buildings factors that should be considered, since they will add extra costs, include; the size of the pit that will have to be dug, any electrical requirements, the possible creation of a structural wall, and the potential addition of a lifting beam.
Conclusion
There are many factors that influence the cost of a lift, and most depend on the elevator’s features and what is needed to install it. The cost of home lifts will also likely differ from the total price of commercial elevators, as they have different characteristics. For example, commercial elevators, such as ones installed in retail businesses or skyscrapers, often require more than a couple of stops, while home lifts tend to only have one or two.
Find out more
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Different Types of Commercial Lifts and Their Uses
- Different Types of Service Lifts and Their Uses
- A Brief History of Lifts Over the Years
- Considerations When Installing a Residential Lift
- The World’s Fastest Lifts
--Nathan Massey 09:00, 22 Feb 2018 (BST)
Featured articles and news
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.