Lift Installation

Choosing the right lift installation partner in London shapes the safety, reliability and long-term cost of your vertical transport for decades. London Lifts has been designing and fitting passenger lifts, platform lifts and goods lifts for commercial and residential clients across the capital since 2006. Our LEIA-member engineers manage every stage, from initial site survey through to final commissioning and BS EN 81 handover.

This page covers the types of lift we install, the installation process, and what you can expect at handover. For a no-obligation survey of your building, call 0800 000 0000 or use our contact form to arrange a visit.

Passenger Lift Installation

Passenger lifts are the most common installation type in London's commercial offices, residential blocks and retail buildings. We install traction lifts and hydraulic passenger lifts, matching the technology to your building's structural constraints, floor height, usage volume and energy budget. All units comply with the Machinery Directive and are commissioned to BS EN 81-20 and BS EN 81-50 standards.

Our installation team coordinates directly with your main contractor or building manager to confirm shaft tolerances, electrical supply requirements and access arrangements. We work efficiently to minimise disruption to your building's occupants during the installation phase.

After commissioning, our engineers carry out a full functional test before handing over the lift documentation pack, which includes as-built drawings, test certificates and user instructions. Request a free passenger lift survey.

Platform and Goods Lifts

Platform lifts are widely used in London's listed buildings, split-level offices and retail premises where full shaft construction is not practical. They travel at low speed and are covered by a different regulatory regime to passenger lifts, but must still conform to BS EN 81-41 (for inclined platform lifts) or the Machinery Directive. Our engineers assess your specific access requirement and specify the correct platform lift type.

Goods lifts serve kitchens, warehouses, document stores and retail stockrooms. We install both powered goods lifts and dumbwaiters, specifying load capacity and car dimensions to match your operational requirements. All goods lifts are supplied with the required Declaration of Conformity and LOLER inspection arrangements in place from day one.

Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Lifts

Machine-room-less lifts place the drive machinery inside the shaft hoistway, removing the need for a separate plant room above the shaft. This makes MRL technology popular in London's new-build residential and commercial developments where every square metre counts. MRL units also offer improved energy efficiency compared with older geared traction systems.

We install MRL lifts from leading manufacturers and can advise whether MRL or conventional traction better suits your shaft design and budget. MRL installations follow the same BS EN 81-20 standard as conventional traction lifts and are subject to the same LOLER inspection regime. Book your first LOLER inspection at the same time as your installation survey.

The Installation Process

Site Survey

Every installation begins with a detailed site survey carried out by one of our senior engineers. We measure the proposed shaft opening, confirm floor heights, assess the structural loading capacity and check electrical supply arrangements. The survey report forms the basis of our specification and quotation, so nothing is left to assumption.

Shaft Preparation

In retrofit projects, the shaft is often constructed by your main contractor to our specification. We supply a full builders' work drawing detailing pit depth, headroom clearance, shaft dimensions and fixings. Our engineers carry out a pre-installation inspection of the completed shaft to confirm it meets the specification before any equipment is brought on site.

Installation and Commissioning

Our installation engineers work to a structured programme, beginning with guide rail erection, followed by car assembly, drive machinery, control panel wiring and safety devices. Once the mechanical installation is complete, we carry out a full commissioning procedure: adjusting travel speed, door timing, levelling accuracy and safety device trip points. The lift is then handed over with a complete documentation pack ready for your LOLER inspection.

BS EN 81 Compliance and Handover

All London Lifts installations comply with the relevant parts of the BS EN 81 series. For passenger lifts, this means BS EN 81-20 (safety rules for the construction) and BS EN 81-50 (testing). At handover we provide the Declaration of Conformity, as-built drawings, commissioning test records, maintenance instructions and a log book for future service entries.

We also coordinate the first statutory LOLER thorough examination, which must take place before the lift enters regular service and then at six-monthly intervals thereafter. Our LEIA membership confirms that our engineers are competent to carry out this examination. Read more about LOLER inspections for new lifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Lift Installation Take?

Lift installation timescales depend on lift type and shaft complexity. A standard MRL passenger lift in a prepared shaft typically takes three to four weeks from installation start to commissioning. Hydraulic lifts with pit excavation and traction lifts in new shafts may take longer. We confirm a detailed programme at the point of quotation.

Do You Handle Planning Permission for Lift Installations?

Lift installation in existing buildings may require Building Regulations approval and, in listed buildings, Listed Building Consent. We advise on the approvals required for your specific project. Our survey report provides the technical information your architect or planning consultant will need to prepare the submission.

What Are the Pit and Headroom Requirements for a Passenger Lift?

Standard passenger lifts to BS EN 81-20 require a minimum pit depth of 1,000 mm below the lowest landing level and a minimum headroom of 3,500 mm above the highest landing. Exact dimensions depend on the lift model and drive type. Our site survey confirms whether your building can accommodate these dimensions and identifies any design adaptations needed.

Can You Install a Lift in a Listed Building?

Yes. We have experience installing platform lifts and smaller passenger lifts in London's listed buildings where structural intervention must be minimised. Platform lifts are particularly suitable as they require smaller openings and shallower pits. We work with your heritage consultant and local planning authority to confirm the permitted installation approach.

Do New Lifts Need a LOLER Inspection Before Use?

Yes. Under LOLER 1998, a lift must be thoroughly examined by a competent person before it is put into service for the first time. Our engineers can carry out this initial examination as part of the commissioning process, issuing the required written report and confirming the lift is safe to use. Subsequent inspections are then required every six months.