HOW LONG SHOULD YOUR BUILDING’S LIFT LAST?

Planning ahead to avoid disruption and protect building value

If you’ve ever noticed lift doors that hesitate, rides that feel a little rougher, or residents mentioning slower trips, it might be your building’s way of saying: “It’s time to pay attention.” Like any essential asset, lifts have a lifecycle; and understanding this helps you plan upgrades before problems disrupt daily life.

The typical lift lifecycle

Typically, a well-maintained lift in Australian residential and commercial buildings will provide dependable service for much of its design life, though factors like usage, environment, and service quality influence how soon wear and tear appears.

A lift that has reached its later years doesn’t suddenly stop working. More often, small issues start appearing more frequently so planning for modernisation before these issues escalate ensures your building stays safe, reliable, and cost efficient.

5 warning signs to watch for

The early signs of lift ageing are often subtle but become more obvious over time. Look out for:

1. Slower performance – Longer wait times or sluggish trips between floors.
2. Unusual sounds or movement – Increased noise or vibration during rides.
3. Frequent breakdowns – More regular “out of service” notices disrupting use.
4. Rising costs – Higher repair bills and difficulty sourcing replacement parts.
5. Resident concerns – Feedback about comfort, safety, or reliability (lift mis-leveling, skipping floors, dropping landing calls).

When modernisation becomes necessary

Modernisation usually becomes necessary when one or more of the following triggers appear:

• New safety standards require updates.
• Persistent faults cause regular downtime.
• Energy consumption is noticeably higher than modern alternatives.
• The lift’s condition begins to affect property value or tenant satisfaction.
• Spare parts become unavailable or difficult to source.

For body corporate committees and facility managers, this isn’t just about fixing equipment; it’s about protecting both the wellbeing of residents and the long-term value of the building.

How to plan ahead for a smooth transition

Rather than waiting for urgent repairs, scheduling a lifecycle assessment every 5-10 years can help your committee or facilities team make more proactive decisions. It allows you to budget for modernisation in advance and set realistic timelines to minimise disruption for residents.

Taking this approach doesn’t just extend the life of your lift – it also safeguards the comfort, safety, and confidence of everyone who relies on it daily. As lifts approach 20 years of service, modular modernisation offers a smart, sustainable way to maintain performance efficiently. By planning upgrades well, you gain a clearer understanding of your lift’s condition, costs, and options — helping you future-proof your building and avoid unwanted surprises.

For more insights on modernisation solutions and maintenance planning, visit our website.

Article Contributed by KONE Service and Modernisation Team.