MODERNISING LIFTS WITHOUT STARTING FROM SCRATCH

Extend your lift’s life with less disruption and smarter upgrades

Following on from Part 1 How Long Should Your Building’s Lift Last? When a lift begins to show its age, many committees and building owners assume the only option is a full replacement. It’s an understandable reaction as lifts are essential to daily life, and no one wants to compromise on safety or comfort.

However, replacement isn’t always necessary (or even the smartest choice). If the lift’s overall structure is still in good condition, modular modernisation can be a faster, less disruptive, and more cost-efficient way to keep your building moving.

Why full replacement isn’t always the answer

Full replacement has its place, particularly when a lift has reached the very end of its lifecycle or when structural issues make ongoing use unsafe.

However, in many cases, the core of the lift e.g. the shaft, the guide rails, and other structural elements, remain perfectly sound. What usually causes problems are the mechanical and electrical components that age faster: controllers, motors, doors, and safety systems.

That’s where modular modernisation comes in. By upgrading only the parts that need attention, you can extend the service life of your lift by ~20 years without the cost and disruption of tearing everything out and starting again.

What modular modernisation involves

At its core, modular modernisation is about being targeted and efficient. Instead of treating your lift as a single unit, it recognises that different components age at different rates.

Example: The MonoSpace® Upgrade

To bring this to life, consider a common modular pathway – the KONE’s MonoSpace® Upgrade. Depending on the building, this might include:

• New control systems and drives to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
• Upgraded safety equipment such as emergency phones, safety switches, and compliance devices.
• Energy-efficient machinery that lowers running costs and reduces environmental impact.
• Enhancements to ride comfort through smoother leveling and better door operation.
• Modern aesthetics with updated fixtures and displays that refresh the look and feel of the lift interior.

The benefits at a glance

Modular modernisation delivers key benefits such as reduced downtime, improved safety, and extended equipment life. Here’s a breakdown of what gets upgraded and what it means for your building:

What’s upgraded	What this means	Benefits
Upgraded technology	New controllers, drives, and electrification replace obsolete parts	Less downtime
Faster Installation	Pre-engineered modules cut modernisation time — no full replacement needed	More uptime
Safety First	Emergency phones, rope slack switches, uncontrolled car movement, and other safety items are replaced	Peace of mind
Energy Efficient	New machines use less power	Lower costs & greener footprint
Smooth Ride	Improved leveling and door operation	Comfortable journeys
Smart Monitoring	24/7 remote monitoring & predictive maintenance	Fewer breakdowns
Modern Look	Stylish new signalisation	Better aesthetics
Longer Lifespan	Extends lift life by ~20 years or more	Cost-effective & sustainable

When should you consider modular modernisation?

Modular modernisation is most effective when a lift is showing signs of age but is not yet at end-of-life. If you’re seeing increasing downtime, rising costs, or resident dissatisfaction, but the lift’s overall structure is still sound, this approach can bridge the gap. It offers the benefits of an upgrade without the expense and disruption of full replacement.

Planning for success

Like any building project, the success of modular modernisation depends on careful preparation. Committees and facility managers can set themselves up for success by reviewing maintenance records to identify recurring problems, commissioning a lifecycle assessment to pinpoint which parts need attention, and communicating clearly with residents about timelines and benefits.

A smarter way forward

Modular modernisation is about more than replacing equipment – it’s about ensuring your building continues to serve residents reliably, safely, and sustainably. By just targeting the areas that need attention, you can extend the life of your lift, manage budgets more effectively, and minimise disruption for those who depend on it every day.

Learn more about modular elevator upgrades for your building here.

Article Contributed by KONE Service and Modernisation Team.