Controls and drives
Controller and drive upgrades based on equipment condition, with associated programming, interfaces and testing included in the agreed scope.
Lift modernisation in London & Kent
Independent condition surveys and targeted lift refurbishment for managing agents, freeholders and facilities teams.
Durant Lifts is a family-run lift contractor. We assess the equipment, explain the priorities and scope minor modernisations around the building’s needs.
What can a targeted modernisation include?
Renew the components that need attention while retaining serviceable equipment where appropriate.
The survey establishes what can be retained, which parts are compatible and what testing the proposed work needs.
Doors and operators
Door operator and associated door equipment improvements where wear or repeated faults affect reliable operation.
Car fixtures and finishes
Car interiors, lighting, buttons and indicators, coordinated with the lift’s condition and the building’s requirements.
Repair, modernise or replace?
Start with a diagnosis and condition assessment, then compare the work each option actually requires.
Repair a defined fault
A specific component may need repair or replacement while the rest of the lift remains serviceable. Investigate recurring faults before deciding on a wider upgrade.
Modernise selected systems
Targeted refurbishment may suit a lift with serviceable core equipment but ageing controls, doors or fixtures. Define compatibility, parts support and the work needed to return it to service.
Assess full replacement
Compare replacement where the overall condition, parts availability or building requirements make retaining the existing equipment less practical. The recommendation needs evidence from your lift.
A survey that helps you make a decision
Give the property team a clear basis for scope, budget and timing.
Share the lift make, age and type, recent fault and repair history, examination reports, known parts issues and access restrictions. Tell us what the building needs to improve, from reliability to the condition of the car.
We review the installation and explain the practical upgrade options. The written recommendations identify priorities and any further investigation needed before a final scope can be agreed.
What the proposal should make clear
- Which equipment will be retained, repaired or renewed.
- The proposed works, interfaces, assumptions and exclusions.
- Budget guidance and the basis of the quotation.
- Parts lead times, site access and expected lift downtime.
- Testing, handover records and ongoing maintenance needs.
Plan around an occupied building
For London residential blocks and commercial buildings, the programme matters alongside the specification. We discuss access, working hours and the effect of taking a lift out of service before agreeing the work.
A single-lift building needs particular attention to residents and other users who rely on it. Where a site has several lifts, assess whether work can be sequenced.
- Agree the likely outage and communicate it to building users.
- Allow for delivery, storage and safe working access.
- Confirm any building works or third-party interfaces.
- Plan testing and return to service as part of the programme.
Repair and refurbishment in practice
Examples of how the condition of the equipment shaped the work.
These published case studies show repairs to specific components. Each modernisation starts with its own survey and specification.
Drive refurbishment in Greenwich
Recurring faults on a residential traction lift led to drive refurbishment, reprogramming and mechanical brake adjustment. The case file shows the diagnosis, components and lift back in operation.
Rope replacement at Arthur Stanley House
A nine-stop passenger lift needed nine suspension ropes replaced. Durant completed the targeted repair before the customer’s two-week deadline.
Related services
Maintenance, repairs, and inspections to support long-term performance.
- Lift maintenance contracts for planned servicing and compliance.
- Lift repairs for breakdown response and safe reinstatement.
- LOLER inspections for thorough examination coordination and remedial planning.
- Emergency call-outs for critical faults and trappings.
- Lift fault finding for diagnostics and recurring issues.
Lift modernisation questions
Scope, disruption and the information needed for a proposal.
What lift modernisation work does Durant provide?
Durant provides lift condition surveys, targeted minor modernisations and refurbishment planning across London, Kent and the South East. Depending on the survey, the scope can include controllers, drives, door operators, car interiors, fixtures and lighting.
Does an ageing lift always need full replacement?
No. A defined repair or targeted modernisation may be appropriate where the retained equipment is serviceable. The decision depends on condition, fault history, parts availability, compatibility and the building’s requirements.
What information do you need before a modernisation survey?
Send the site address, lift make and type, approximate age, recent fault history, repair and examination reports, and any access restrictions. Explain the problems you want the work to address.
Will we receive written recommendations and budget guidance?
Yes. We provide written recommendations with priorities, risks and upgrade options. Scope, assumptions, exclusions and any further investigation should be clear before you commit to the work.
How much will the work cost and how long will the lift be unavailable?
Cost and downtime depend on the surveyed condition, selected components, parts lead times, access and testing requirements. We discuss the programme and provide budget or quotation guidance for the proposed scope rather than a standard figure for every lift.
Do you provide lift modernisation surveys in London?
Yes. We serve London, Kent and the South East from our Chatham base, working with managing agents, freeholders and facilities teams on lift condition and targeted upgrades.
Get Started
Plan your next upgrade
Get a clear survey report with practical recommendations.