How to Choose: Lift Modernisation vs Lift Maintenance

Maintaining a reliable lift system is essential for the safety and convenience of building occupants. In Singapore, lift owners often face the challenge of deciding between lift maintenance and lift modernisation to keep their systems in optimal condition.

In general, lift maintenance focuses on routine upkeep, while lift modernisation involves upgrading to meet the latest safety, efficiency, and aesthetic standards.

We hope to help you understand the nuances between both and choose the right approach for your lift with this guide.

What is Lift Maintenance?

Lift maintenance refers to the regular inspection, servicing, and repair of lift components to ensure safe and efficient operation. It’s a legal requirement in Singapore under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management (Lift, Escalator and Building Maintenance) Regulations 2016, or BMSM Regulations 2016 for short.

Key lift maintenance tasks include:

• Mechanical Checks: Ensuring landing doors, brakes, and ropes are functioning correctly.
• Safety System Inspections: Verifying the performance of lift intercom, emergency alarms, and overspeed governors.
• Cleaning and Lubrication: Keeping components free from debris and reducing wear and tear.
• Electrical Tests: Checking the controller (the brain of the system), wiring, and safety switches for faults.

Routine lift maintenance helps prevent lift breakdowns, extend the lifespan of your lift, and ensure compliance with Singapore’s lift regulations.

What Is Lift Modernisation?

Lift modernisation upgrades an existing lift’s technology, safety features, and aesthetics to align with current standards. It’s particularly beneficial for older lifts that may no longer meet the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)’s safety requirements or perform reliably.

Lift modernisation typically includes:

• Control System Upgrades: Installing advanced systems for smoother operation and improved energy efficiency.
• Safety Feature Improvements: Adding or upgrading emergency communication systems, door safety mechanisms, and fire-resistant materials.
• Energy-Efficient Solutions: Incorporating regenerative drives and LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption.
• Aesthetic Enhancements: Updating lift interiors with sleek panels, modern lighting, and user-friendly control panels.

Lift modernisation ensures your lift remains competitive in terms of safety, performance, and design.

Key Differences Between Lift Maintenance & Lift Modernisation

Objective

• Lift maintenance: Routine lift servicing to maintain reliable lift operation.
• Lift modernisation: Lift upgrading to improve performance, safety, and design.

Scope

• Lift maintenance: Repairs, lubrication, and inspections.
• Lift modernisation: Replacing obsolete lift systems and features.

Frequency

• Lift maintenance: Ongoing and scheduled regularly—usually every month or every 3 months (for home lifts, vertical platform lifts, or stairlifts).
• Lift modernisation: Periodic investment. The BCA recommends lifts that are >15 years old to undergo modernisation.

Cost

• Lift maintenance: Lower, recurring expenses.
• Lift modernisation: Higher upfront investment with long-term savings (eliminates hidden costs of old lifts).

When Should You Opt for Lift Maintenance?

Lift maintenance is the best choice when:

• The lift is relatively new: Routine lift servicing keeps it in peak condition.
• Minor repairs are needed: Small issues can be addressed without significant upgrades.

Partnering with a BCA registered lift contractor like Hin Chong ensures quality lift servicing that minimises lift breakdowns and extends the lifespan of your lift.

When Should You Consider Lift Modernisation?

Lift modernisation is ideal when:

• Frequent lift breakdowns occur: Despite regular lift maintenance, the lift’s performance continues to cause disruption to building operations.
• Obsolete technology is in use: Older systems may lack essential safety and efficiency features. Spare parts for older models are also scarce and expensive, increasing the price of lift maintenance.
• Energy consumption is high: Modern lifts use energy-efficient motors and drives, reducing operating costs.
• Aesthetics need improvement: Updating interiors enhances the property’s value and tenant / resident satisfaction.

Besides reducing lift maintenance costs in the long run and improving the satisfaction of building occupants, modernisation will help to future-proof your lift system for years to come.

How to Make the Right Decision

Choosing between maintenance and modernisation depends on your lift’s condition, usage patterns, and budget. Here’s how to decide:

1. Conduct a professional assessment: Engage a BCA registered lift contractor or a Lift Specialist Professional Examiner to evaluate your lift’s performance.
2. Consider building needs: Account for tenant / resident expectations, lift usage, and energy efficiency.
3. Weigh costs and benefits: Compare the long-term savings of modernisation against the short-term costs of maintenance.

Both lift maintenance and modernisation are essential for ensuring safety and reliability of your lift systems. Maintenance keeps your lift operational and compliant, while modernisation upgrades it to meet the demands of modern technology. The right choice depends on your lift’s age, condition, and operational needs.

At Hin Chong, we provide professional consultation and services for both lift maintenance and modernisation. Feel free to reach out to us for a free lift assessment and to explore the best options for your lift—we’re happy to help.