Having an upstairs lift is something that elevates access and comfort in a multi-storied home or any other premise.
Key steps in the process, starting with a preliminary consultation with the client, up to fine-tuning the lift operation, guarantee the safe operation of the lift.
This article discusses each phase of the installation, enabling homeowners to be adequately prepared to make the right decisions.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The first process in lifting system installation is that you are supposed to consult a professional lift installer.
This stage is when the installer identifies a customer’s requirements, the staircase’s design, and the risks involved. This assessment commonly comprises an axillary assessment and a conversation about the user’s bodily motility.
The installer will also discuss with the client the most appropriate type of lift for the space, which may be a straight lift, curved lift, or specially designed lift.
Customisation and Design
The second step derived from the initial evaluation is to modify the lift shaft to match the staircase’s exact dimensions and design.
This process is quite simple where the stairs are straight. Nonetheless, a more complex design is required for a curved or spiral staircase since the railings will not run straight from top to bottom.
All the railings are manufactured to fit the staircase with great precision, matching the shapes present on the staircase. However, it is important to confirm that the lift can run and work in the recommended manner from top to bottom of the staircase.
Preparing the Installation Site
The actual installation process commences with preparing the site for the new structure. One preparation work includes removing any obstacles on the staircase and confirming the structural adequacy of the stairs to take the lift.
The staircase or nearby areas may need slight adjustments to allow for the installation of the lift railings and other parts. As mentioned previously, cleaning the area before the installation process enhances the work’s overall efficiency.
Installing the Railings
The actual installation process starts with the installation of the railings. For straight staircases, this is achieved by fixing a straight track along the stairs.
For straight staircases, the directors install a straight track along the stairways or stairs. For curved staircases, they install railings made according to the client’s specifications.
The railings have to be fixed to the staircase to ensure that the lift has a firm and adequate path to travel on.
This means that this step should receive considerable attention, as the alignment and leveling of the railings impact the lift’s performance and, certainly, safety.
Attaching the Lift Carriage
Next, after the railings have been installed correctly, the lift carriage is anchored onto the sides of the rail. The carriage contains the seat, the motor, and the control systems.
In this process, much attention has to be paid to placing the carriage on the railings in the correct manner and then to its ability to run on the track upward and downward after installation.
The installer will also connect the power source, such as a battery system or a direct electrical connection, at this point to prepare the lift for operational testing.
Testing and Calibration
Once the lift carriage is mounted, the subsequent stage is the most intensive test and adjustment.
To the customer, this is usually done through several tests of the lift to ensure it functions as designed and is safe to use. This testing comprises the check of the speed, braking system, and safety sensors.
This stage includes all work required to align the lift to safety standards or fix problems that may arise during the fabrication stage.
Having a trial is important when it comes to locating or finding issues that might cause the lift to have issues in the future so that they can be corrected before it is in standard use.
User Training and Demonstration
After a lift has been installed and properly regulated, the installer educates the user on its proper use and operation.
This briefing provides information on how to ride in the lift, open/close the safety doors, and follow some rudimentary instructions on how to operate the lift, use the safety features, and undertake basic maintenance duties.
The installer will also explain what to do in the event of an emergency power failure. It is very important to ensure that the user is satisfied and confident about using the lift before you let him go.
Final Adjustments and Inspection
The fifth and last process in the installation process is to conduct a final inspection and apply the final tweaks.
The installer will also take the user through a brief tour of the alarm system and ensure the user has no complaints.
They will also check that all parts and subprocesses are installed in place and that the lift is running perfectly.
The final inspection is vital to check and confirm if the lift is fit to be used on a daily basis by probably adhering to all safety measures.
Conclusion
Installing an upstairs lift is quite a complex process as it involves evaluating the space and the user in order to provide the most suitable solution.
Starting from the initial conversation between the client and the company and continuing through the final stage—inspection of the building and the lift—all the processes aim to create a safe, convenient, and efficient product.
Also Read: The Cost of Installing an Upstairs Lift
