Please find a list of our most frequently asked questions below relating to lifts and their installation. If you have additional questions, please contact us directly and we’d be happy to help answer them for you.
The average cost of a residential lift servicing 2 levels including installation can range from $45,000 up to $60,000. This does not include building costs, which will vary depending on the work required to accommodate a lift into your property. Commercial elevators usually cost more as they must meet higher building code and accessibility code requirements.
Depending on the type of lift the installation time varies. This can be as little as 3 days for a small compact type lift, and up to 10 days for a larger Hydraulic home lift.
Lifts can be supplied that take one person up to 9 persons. The average home lift comfortably takes 2-4 people, but this is ultimately depending on its size.
While many people think of building a lift with panel walls in plain Stainless Steel, a home lift supplied by Shotton Lifts can be customised in a wide range of colours and finishes, including laminates, glass, or even raw MDF ready for wallpaper.
Additional features may include handrails, strip lighting, automatic dialling phones, special ceilings and feature doors. You can read more about our lift colours & finishes here.
Locally manufactured lifts such as those supplied by Shotton Lifts can be supplied in short lead times of 12 -14 weeks or less in special circumstances.
The current lead time for an imported lift can be up to 25 weeks from signing of contracts.
Hydraulic elevators are a well known system used in thousands of lifts across the globe.
Hydraulic lifts work on a basic principle of oil going into a cylinder to raise the lift and oil being released to lower. This is all operated by hydraulics and valves, a pump and motor, switches and safety gear and a controller, which is the brains of the system.
Finally, hydraulic lifts are usually cheaper than other traction lifts, so if budget is key, then this could help you make your decision.
This varies, however usually as little as 1260 mm x 1330 mm up to 2000 mm x 2000 mm, plus any building works related to a shaft. Specific drawings are available to suit your requirements. Location can be internal or external with appropriate building works.
There is no one answer to this question, as every situation is different. The building works scope is usually based on where the lift is to be located, the number of levels, the existing structure and the demolition or reconstruction required.
Existing void spaces across multiple levels are usually ideal, as limited demolition and structural work are required. Each case needs to be carefully reviewed by a qualified and licensed building contractor. It’s also best to check if building approvals are required from your local council. Lift companies are not usually licensed or practicing builders, so take care the advice being offered is from the appropriate source.
There is a social myth that hydraulic lifts are smelly. Smelly hydraulic lifts are not the case, and it requires a situation where poor maintenance or no maintenance has occurred to create a problem where a hydraulic oil smell will permeate the car.
Oil is a vital component in the operation of a hydraulic lift to operate the hydraulic cylinder that moves the car. Shotton Lifts uses a high-quality Hydraulic fluid containing anti-wear zinc additives in all our products. Cheaper low-grade oil can heat up under extended usage, and the heating of the oil can release an odour. We design our lifts to complement the home environment and architectural surroundings, so we want our products to be harmonious with these environments.
A persistent smell of oil could be an indication of an oil leak, which should be attended to by a technician. A technician should replace the worn seal to ensure it operates to maximum capacity. When you notice a new oil smell in your lift that has never been present, it is an excellent indicator to make a service appointment.
Shotton Lifts offers scheduled routine maintenance options that contain complete inspections of the lift mechanism, fluid levels and replacement if required and checks of oil seals, electrical and safety features. Regular maintenance will highlight any issue that may occur with your lift and eliminate any potential source of a persistent smell.
Most lifts produce very little odour, which would be unable to overpower a deodorant or perfume the inhabitants wear. Even electric lifts can emit a slight ozone odour. A professionally manufactured and well-maintained lift should not create any issues regarding smell.
