Buying·3 pages

Lift Contractor Comparison Checklist

Use this scorecard alongside three to five contractor proposals. The fields are the ones that actually predict performance — not the ones every brochure already answers.

Every lift maintenance contract looks similar on paper. The differences live in the exclusions clause, the engineer ratio and the small print. Score each contractor 1–5 on each line; the lowest total is rarely the best long-term answer.

1. Resourcing & response

Engineer-to-lift ratio in your service area (target: 80–120)
Location of two nearest engineers — postcode, not region
Distinction between 'response' (call-handler) and 'attendance' (engineer onsite)
Average attendance time, by month, last 6 months — written, not verbal
Out-of-hours definition and pricing structure

2. Scope & exclusions

Comprehensive vs semi-comprehensive — fully enumerated, not narrative
Major-component cover (motor, controller, ropes, ram) — included or excluded
Number of routine visits per year and visit duration
Defect-clearance scope (which Category B/C items are included)
Schedule of works template — request a sample for a similar building

3. Compliance & quality

LEIA membership status verified directly with LEIA
ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 — UKAS-accredited or self-certified
Cyber Essentials (relevant if BMS / IoT integration)
Engineer qualification mix (NVQ Level 3, manufacturer training)
DBS check coverage (essential for healthcare, education, public sector)

4. Contract terms & commercials

Notice period (3 months is industry standard — beware longer locks)
Annual price-review mechanism (CPI-linked or fixed)
Termination-for-convenience clause for the client
Liability caps and insurance levels
Reference contacts — three minimum, in similar buildings, contactable directly

Next step

Want us to walk you through your existing contract, or score competing proposals? We do this regularly for property managers who would prefer a second opinion before signing.

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