Start with the proposed upgrade.

A modernisation planning survey helps define changes to an existing lift. Start with the result you want: renewing ageing equipment, addressing repeated interruptions, improving the passenger experience or planning investment across several installations.

We assess the installation against those objectives and discuss the options that need consideration. Tell us which matters are essential, what you would like to improve and whether the project has a budget range or decision deadline.

The assessment can consider equipment that may be retained, components proposed for renewal and interfaces with the existing installation. Retention is an option to assess, not a promise that existing parts will suit every proposed change.

Use this survey for planned upgrades. If you first need an overall picture of the lift’s current state, a condition survey may be the appropriate starting point.

Turn objectives into a planning brief.

Agree the output before the visit: planning findings, a proposed work scope or information for an appointed consultant. Confirm whether pricing is included. A survey does not automatically produce a full design, tender specification or fixed project programme.

The findings can identify observed constraints, options to develop and questions requiring further investigation. Discuss access, likely disruption, building works and interfaces with other contractors. Distinguish work needed to address an identified concern from optional improvements.

Illustrative scope and output

This example shows how an upgrade brief could be defined. It is not a completed project or a standard package.

  • Objective: A facilities team is considering renewing an older lift’s controls while retaining suitable equipment.
  • Agreed scope: Review the existing arrangement, available drawings and records, proposed interfaces, access and building-use constraints.
  • Useful output: Planning findings, equipment requiring further assessment before retention is confirmed, work interfaces and information needed to develop the proposal.

Agree the next stage and its boundaries.

We record what was assessed, the information available and any limitations. We discuss which decisions the survey supports and which still depend on investigation, design or third-party input.

Agree responsibility for design, building works, specialist testing and coordination with other contractors. These tasks are not automatically included in the survey. Access restrictions and the lift’s operating condition may also limit the assessment.

Forge can discuss a modernisation proposal from the findings. If you need independent project advice, our lift consultant guide explains that separate role.

This survey is not a LOLER thorough examination or blanket compliance certification. Forge does not carry out LOLER examinations in-house; we can arrange an independent third-party provider or make an introduction. Examination arrangements remain separate from the upgrade planning brief.

Prepare your enquiry

What to send us.

  • Site postcode, lift IDs and the equipment you are considering upgrading.
  • Project objectives, essential requirements, budget range if set and desired timing.
  • Available drawings, service history, examination reports and previous proposals.
  • Access constraints, building-use needs and possible periods of lift unavailability.
  • Any appointed consultant, contractor or examiner and the information they need.

Existing reports and photographs taken from safe, accessible areas are useful. You do not need to open equipment or enter a lift shaft to make an enquiry.

Discuss an upgrade survey

Related support