For an existing lift, start with the task in front of you: routine care, a fault, an improvement or an assessment.
Routine maintenance.
Planned maintenance provides scheduled visits to look after the equipment. The agreed scope, frequency and contract cover matter as much as the package name.
Forge offers Standard, Intermediate and Comprehensive packages. Standard covers agreed planned visits, consumables such as cleaning materials and lubricants, reduced labour rates and priority over non-contracted clients. Intermediate adds included call-out charges; repairs remain chargeable. Comprehensive cover is tailored after a dilapidation report. Intermediate and Comprehensive require at least six visits a year.
Fault finding and repairs.
A breakdown visit starts with the reported symptoms and the condition found on site. The outcome may be a repair during attendance or a proposal for further work, parts or investigation.
Forge accepts one-off repairs without a maintenance contract. We also assess control boards and drives for in-house electronic repair case by case. Not every fault or component is suitable.
Modernisation and new equipment.
Modernisation improves an existing installation; new installation is a different project. Not every lift company offers both. Ask which retained and replacement components are included, alongside downtime, handover and future maintenance.
Our modernisation page explains Forge’s approach to existing equipment. A targeted upgrade should have a defined purpose, rather than simply being described as “bringing the lift up to date”.
Inspections, tests and examinations.
These terms describe different work. A condition inspection helps inform repair or investment decisions. Supplementary tests address a specified need for additional evidence. A thorough examination follows its own assessment and reporting process.
At Forge, inspections and supplementary testing are separate from LOLER examinations arranged through independent providers. HSE’s lift-owner guidance explains the examination responsibilities.
Compare the scope, not just the price.
- Confirm the provider supports your lift type and site.
- Check what servicing, call-outs, labour and parts are included.
- Ask how urgent calls are handled and what response is actually agreed.
- Request clear records of findings, completed work and follow-up.
- Clarify who organises examinations and acts on their reports.
Our guide to choosing a lift service company takes these questions further.