How is a lift installed, step by step?

Installing a lift is a decision that must be taken as a whole, one that also entails legal aspects related to the installation: What permits do you need to start the works? What happens if your neighbours disagree? How are the installation costs allocated in that case? To answer these questions – and a few more – we thought about you and made this video. In it, our legal adviser, Ana García-Zarco, answers some of the most frequent questions.

At ILS, we know that the decision to install a lift in a residential building is not one that can be taken lightly. Many variables come into play, with one of the most contentious being getting the majority of owners to agree to install lifts in the building. Other questions have to be considered, such as legal aspects, the work, etc. Below, we detail the process of installing a lift in a residential building from start to finish. Don’t miss it!

What do you need to consider before installing a lift?

One of the most important steps when considering how to install a lift is to search for potential subsidies. In other words, it is important to find out if there are subsidies in your Autonomous Community. Since the aid varies depending on the Community and the City Councils, it is best to ask the local sales representative, who knows first-hand what subsidies might be available. The sales technician makes a no-obligation visit to the building with one of our architects to study the various options the building offers. Then, after settling on the most suitable solution, he will issue a budget for the full turnkey lift installation (licences, civil works, etc.) or only to install the lift. 

As for where to install the lift or the steps to take to install a lift in a residential building, it is necessary to check the space available, since a lift can be installed inside or outside the building. Whatever your circumstances, and even though it will depend on municipal ordinances and the possibilities offered by the building itself, don’t worry, we can always find the right solution for every building.

Although it is a long and laborious process, the installation of a lift brings more security and accessibility to all the residents and increases the value of the building, and thus of its homes. If you or your neighbours want to know everything that is involved in the process, don’t miss this article.

If you need a guide to help you, or arguments to convince your neighbours, this is it.

What steps do you have to take to install a lift? 

1. It all starts with a call to the installation company to request a quote. If you are interested in starting the process, you can call us on 419 9888.
2. After that call, you make an appointment in your building with the sales manager and the architect. The viability of the project is checked, as are the options available to you, and the budget for each item is drawn up.
3. Key moment! The time comes to present the project to the other residents and propose the financing.
4. Once the installation contract is signed, the work begins in earnest.
5. The time has come to request the works licence. The architect will be responsible for monitoring it and for complying with any requests that may be made by the municipal inspector. 
6. You can consider requesting a subsidy if the filing period is open. Our team will inform you in this regard and facilitate the process.ç
7. Finally, the much-anticipated works licence is approved. Depending on the location or district you are in, the time to receive a licence can vary from several months to more than a year. 
8. At this point, the architect, the safety coordinator and the project manager assigned the work in a technical meeting. The construction processes are defined – considering the necessary safety measures for both workers and residents – and critical processes are identified with the relevant specific protection measures.
9. It is time to meet with the residents at what we at FAIN call the launch meeting. At this meeting, led by the Works Manager assigned, we present the work plan and explain the entire process and the installation details. Also at this meeting, the users take advantage of the opportunity to choose both the finishes and the materials to be used in the lift. 

What is the work process like? We monitor the installation of the lift closely

You will soon be able to enjoy the convenience of having a lift in your building! Are you curious about what the team of professionals in your building will be doing? Keep reading!

1. The team meet for the work layout meeting and then the pit is dug. 
2. They reroute any hidden installations if necessary, such as drainage pipes, gas lines and electrical installations. Keep in mind that since these are old buildings, there are usually no plans for installations and until the pit is dug, we won’t know for sure what we might find. 
3. Lift structure installed. 
4. At this point, the final measurements of the structure are confirmed and the lift is ordered from the factory. This way, we can guarantee that the cab will be as large as possible for the space available.
5. If required by the building type, the building’s stairs are reconstructed. 
6. The lift shaft has to be surfaced, works areas closed off and new lighting installed. 
7. If necessary, a false ceiling is installed, along with tiling and flooring.
8. The installation manager is responsible for checking hooks and the guide attachments.
9. We then proceed to schedule the unloading of the lift material. 
10. Almost there! It’s time to install the electrical and mechanical parts of the lift. The front of the lift shaft also has to be closed off.
11. The relevant painting work is done. 
12. The maintenance and telephony contracts are drawn up and signed. 
13. A few final tests of the programming of the lift telephone…
14. We take care of getting the Directorate General of Industry to approve the installation.  
15. Lift placed in operation!
16. While you enjoy the first few trips, we deliver the project to the representatives of the works committee and sign the completion certificate. The architect prepares the final work certificate and delivers it to you. 
17. After the entire process, all that’s left is to enjoy a cocktail with the residents and friends to give the lift the welcome it deserves.

At FAIN, we specialise in guiding residents who want to campaign for the installation of a lift in their building, provided it is feasible. We have a team of lawyers to advise you and answer all your questions. And of course our team of experts will analyse the characteristics of the building to offer the best solution in each case. If your neighbours are environmentally conscious and want to reduce their electricity costs, you should know that there are many alternatives today that are far more ecological and efficient than traditional lifts. Proof of this is the ION Green, which is supplied by the power generated by the lift’s own motion, or the ION Solar, which, in addition to offering the advantages of the ION Green, works with renewable energy thanks to its solar panels.

If you need advice, our sales manager can schedule a free visit to evaluate the installation of a lift in your building. Contact us and we will advise you with no obligation!