Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home Lift

A home lift is a major purchase for a home. These questions will help you compare suppliers on more than price and appearance.

Home lift buying guide: is it right for your home?

• Where could the lift go, and what would change in the rooms around it?
• What space, overhead height and floor work does it need?
• Will it suit a wheelchair or walker now or later?
• Do I need approvals for this installation?

What will it really cost?

• What does the quote include and exclude?
• Who is responsible for building and electrical work?
• What are the servicing costs after the warranty?
• Is the quoted price fixed, and for how long?

Read our guide to home lift costs.

Is it safe and compliant?

• Which Australian standard does this lift comply with?
• Who installs it, and what licences do they hold?
• What happens if the power fails while someone is inside?
• What emergency communication is included?

Request the compliance documents for the exact model and installation, together with the installer's relevant licence and insurance details. A brochure claim or an image of a lift is not a substitute for those documents.

Who will support it?

• How long has the company been operating?
• Does it make the lifts or resell them?
• Who services the lift, and how quickly can they respond?
• Can another company service it if needed?
• How are parts supplied?

Record the supplier's answers in the proposal. Ask for service availability for your postcode, the contact route for a fault, and any response-time commitment in writing rather than assuming a national or round-the-clock service.

Can I see one?

• Can I see the lift working, in a showroom or a home?
• Can I speak with a past customer?
• Can I see similar completed projects?

Ask which model can currently be viewed and arrange an appointment before travelling. Request permission-cleared examples and references for comparable installations; distinguish real completed work from architectural illustrations.

Bring these to your consultation

Write down your answers to how you use your home and who will use the lift. Then book a consultation and ask us every question on this list.