13 Questions to Ask Your Lift Maintenance Company Before Signing a Contract
Choosing the right lift maintenance company in Singapore is crucial for keeping your lifts safe, reliable and compliant. However, with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what to look for.
Asking the right questions can save you time, money and potential headaches down the line—and this article is meant to help you do just that.
Questions About Certifications & Compliance
1. Are you a BCA-Registered Lift Contractor?
Engaging a Building and Construction Authority (BCA)-registered lift contractor is a legal requirement for lift maintenance in Singapore. To verify this, access the BCA's online directory of registered lift contractors. This check confirms the lift maintenance company has met Singapore’s lift servicing requirements.
2. Are Your Lift Technicians Qualified & Certified?
Most lift owners in Singapore understand the importance of hiring a BCA-registered lift maintenance company. However, it's equally critical to verify the certifications of the technicians employed by the company.
For instance, at Hin Chong, all technicians hold the Certificate of Competency (CoC) in Lift Maintenance for Lift Specialists. This certification, jointly introduced by the BCA and ITE, serves as an industry-standard measure of competency for lift maintenance professionals.
3. Do You Have Any Other Certifications That Prove Your Professionalism?
For added clarity, ask if they’ve undergone audits or assessments validating their adherence to safety and operational standards. For instance, Hin Chong has obtained bizSAFE Level 3, which means that our work processes comply with the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations.
4. Can You Provide Evidence Of Your Certifications?
Requesting documentation of certifications ensures transparency. A reputable lift maintenance company in Singapore should readily provide such proof for your review. You should also confirm if the company maintains current certification by checking expiry dates.
Questions About Expertise & Experience
5. What Types Of Lifts Do You Have Experience In Maintaining?
Understanding the lift types a maintenance company has worked with helps assess their suitability. For property managers and lift owners in Singapore, this ensures compatibility between the company’s technical capabilities and your lift system requirements.
Request detailed examples of the lift brands and models they have serviced. Lift maintenance companies in Singapore are required to keep thorough records, so they should be able to provide this information without difficulty.
6. Can You Provide References or Case Studies?
Ask to review information on comparable projects they’ve handled, particularly those involving similar lift systems or building types. Besides that, be sure to evaluate any documented lift maintenance case studies, which should highlight improvements in lift performance.
Questions About Lift Maintenance Services
7. What's Your Scope of Work for Lift Maintenance?
Lift maintenance contracts should detail out the range of services provided. Ensure it specifies:
Routine lift maintenance inspection protocols
Parts replacement criteria
Emergency lift breakdown and lift mantrap processes
Annual inspections required for regulatory compliance in Singapore. The BCA requires such inspections for Permit-to-Operate (PTO) renewal processes.
8. What's Your Approach Towards Coming Up With a Maintenance Control Plan (MCP)?
The MCP guidelines by BCA Singapore is a framework aimed at improving lift safety and reliability. It takes a proactive approach to lift maintenance in Singapore by addressing the underlying causes of lift breakdowns.
The MCP adopts a life cycle approach to lift maintenance, prioritising not only routine inspections but also the timely replacement of critical components to minimise lift breakdowns. When evaluating lift maintenance companies, it is essential to ask about their understanding and implementation of the MCP.
9. What's Your Response Time for Lift Breakdowns & Lift Mantrap Situations?
Verify if the company offers 24 hours emergency services and request clear commitments on lift emergency and mantrap response times. Ensure these are documented in the contract.
10. What's Your Approach Towards Sourcing of Spare Parts for Older Lift Models?
Ask about the company's specific strategy for sourcing replacement parts, particularly for older lifts that may no longer have manufacturer support.
Reliable lift maintenance companies in Singapore often work with supplier networks or maintain stock for common high-wear components. Request confirmation on their catalogues' compatibility with your lift brand and model. Inquire about alternatives when original parts can't be sourced. For instance, do they use refurbished or re-engineered components, or rely on direct manufacturer contacts?
At Hin Chong, we utilise non-proprietary systems, and that means your future lift maintenance options remain flexible and unrestricted.
11. How Long Do You Keep Lift Maintenance Records For?
Confirm if the company adheres to BCA regulations on record-keeping, which require detailed documentation of each maintenance task. A good lift maintenance company maintains logs for a minimum of 5 years, ensuring easy access for compliance audits or accident investigations.
Questions About Pricing & Contracts
12. Are There Any Additional Costs I Should Be Aware Of?
Some lift maintenance contracts in Singapore may exclude specific services, such as the cost of sourcing obsolete parts. For example, older lifts often require custom-manufactured components, which providers might charge separately.
You should also verify if the contract includes provisions for regulatory requirements such as yearly BCA-mandated inspections.
Emergency repairs are another critical aspect to check. Does the price include urgent response services, or are they billed separately?
13. What Are The Terms And Conditions Of Your Contracts?
Ask about termination clauses. Can the contract be terminated with notice, or are exit fees applicable? For example, some providers have a notice period, while others charge penalties for early terminations.
Clarify payment terms, including timelines and late payment implications. Ask if flexible payment setups exist to accommodate unforeseen financial constraints. Also, confirm whether providers ensure continued lift servicing in Singapore during payment disputes, avoiding disruptions to regulatory maintenance schedules.
Work with a BCA-approved Lift Contractor for Lift Maintenance
Choosing the right lift maintenance company in Singapore is essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and compliance of your lifts. By asking these questions, you’ll gain valuable insights into a provider’s capabilities, professionalism, and commitment to service excellence.
If you’re looking for a reliable BCA-registered contractor, Hin Chong is here to help. With decades of experience and a reputation for quality, we’re committed to keeping your lifts in top condition while meeting all regulatory standards.
