Project Details
Introduction
This is a small residential condo in Singapore with fewer than 25 households, served by a single 5-storey building with a duplex lift system comprising 2 passenger lifts. When one of the lifts broke down in early 2024, the situation quickly escalated into a prolonged crisis that left residents dependent on a single ageing lift for close to a year.
Hin Chong was brought in through a recommendation from an existing client whose managing agent also managed the estate. We conducted a thorough evaluation of both lifts and recommended a full lift modernisation as the most viable long-term solution, given the extent of deterioration in both systems.
The Challenge
Problem
When the first passenger lift broke down in early 2024, the existing lift contractor quoted a repair cost so high that the estate's limited funds could not cover it. The lift was left unrepaired for many months. Residents had no choice but to rely on the single remaining lift, knowing full well that it too was deteriorating rapidly.
The estate council deliberated for months without reaching consensus, each time deferring the decision. Frustration among residents eventually reached a breaking point, which finally compelled the council to take concrete action. The managing agent recommended inviting third-party contractors to evaluate the situation and propose alternatives.
That was how we came to be involved. We inspected both lifts and provided an honest, non-biased assessment. The broken-down lift had reached a beyond-repair stage - continued repairs would only allow it to function in a sub-optimal condition at escalating cost. The second lift, while still operational, was deteriorating rapidly and was at risk of breaking down at any time.
Our findings were consistent with what the council had already been told by their existing contractor when the first lift failed. The council asked if we would be willing to help the estate resolve the issue given their limited funding. We agreed to work out a mutually acceptable arrangement so that the modernisation could finally proceed - nearly 12 months after the first lift broke down.
Solution
We proposed and carried out a full lift modernisation for both passenger lifts, covering the following scope:
- Lift Control System: Complete replacement of electrical and electronic components including controllers, drive units, buttons, display indicators, and wiring
- Lift Driving System: Replacement of mechanical components including the main motor, main wire ropes, and overspeed governor
- Lift Interior Refurbishment: Replacement of cracked floor tiles with vinyl flooring, installation of a new contemporary ceiling, and chemical polishing of the stainless-steel panels
The modernisation was carried out sequentially, starting with the broken-down lift. Each lift took 4 weeks to complete. Given that this was a low-rise building with straightforward lift systems, the project was completed without any difficulties.
Key Results and Outcomes
The modernisation delivered meaningful improvements for the estate:
- Reliability restored: Both lifts now operate with modern, readily available components, eliminating the breakdown issues that plagued the estate
- Breakdown frequency greatly reduced: New control and driving systems mean the lifts are far less susceptible to the failures that left residents stranded
- Repair costs eliminated: The estate no longer faces the exorbitant repair costs quoted by the previous contractor for obsolete components
- Lift lifespan extended: The modernised systems are expected to serve the estate for at least another 20 years
- Interior aesthetics enhanced: The refurbished lift interiors have improved the overall feel of the building
Upon completion and successful handover, the council expressed their delight and gratitude for helping them overcome this longstanding issue. We take great pride in receiving such positive feedback from our clients.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Hin Chong's commitment to working with estates of all sizes, including those with limited budgets. This estate's situation was not unusual - many small estates in Singapore face similar challenges with ageing lift systems and limited funds. What made the difference here was our willingness to find a workable arrangement and deliver a complete solution rather than a temporary patch.
If your estate is facing similar lift issues, we encourage you to reach out for an honest assessment. An independent evaluation can help your council make informed decisions about the best path forward.
