How Long Does a Platform Lift Take to Install?
From first survey to handover: the stages of a platform lift project, how long the on-site work usually takes, and what can add time.
The stages of a platform lift project
Enquiry and survey. An installer visits, measures the steps, stairs or floors, and discusses the user’s needs.
Quote and specification. You receive a quote for a lift specified to your site.
Approvals. Building control approval, and listed building consent or planning permission where needed.
Manufacture. Many platform lifts — especially curved incline lifts — are made to measure, so they are built after the order is placed.
Preparation. Any builder’s work, such as a pit, a floor opening, a concrete base or new electrics.
Installation. The lift is fitted on site.
Testing and handover. The installer tests the lift, shows users how it works and hands over the documentation.
Manufacturing time varies by manufacturer, model and season, so ask each installer for their current timescale when you get your quote.
How long the on-site work usually takes
Lift type | Typical on-site installation | What can make it longer |
|---|---|---|
Portable step lift | No installation — delivered ready to use | Nothing on site |
Step lift | Often a day or two | A pit, a concrete base or outdoor groundworks |
Incline platform lift | Usually a few days | Curved rails, several flights or difficult fixings |
Through-floor lift | A few days for the lift itself | Cutting and finishing the floor opening |
Enclosed platform lift or homelift | Several days or more | Shaft, enclosure, multiple floors and finishes |
These are general guides for the installation of the lift itself. Builder’s work, approvals and manufacturing sit on top. Your installer will give you a programme for your project.
What can add time
Approvals. Building control, listed building consent and planning permission all need to be in place before work starts. Consent for a listed building can take a while. See our guides to planning permission for a home lift and a platform lift for listed buildings.
Made-to-measure rails. Curved incline lifts are built for one staircase, so manufacture can’t start until the survey measurements are final.
Builder’s work. Pits, floor openings, bases and making good are often done by a builder before the lift goes in.
Electrics. A new circuit may be needed, especially in older buildings.
Access to the site. Tight entrances, upper floors and busy commercial premises can slow delivery and fitting.
Scheduling around the building. Schools often install during holidays, and shops or restaurants may prefer quiet days or out-of-hours work.
Want a realistic timescale for your project?
Tell us about the steps, stairs or floors and when you need the lift, and we’ll match you with vetted installers who can survey the site and give you a programme. Free to you, with no obligation.
→ Enquire about a platform lift
How to keep the project moving
Get the survey done early. Everything else depends on accurate measurements.
Start approvals straight away. If consent or building control is needed, apply as soon as the design is agreed.
Book any builder’s work in good time so the site is ready when the lift arrives.
Measure the wheelchair before ordering, so the platform size doesn’t need to change later.
Ask for a written programme showing each stage and who is responsible.
Living with the work
Most platform lift installations cause much less disruption than people expect. A step lift or incline lift is usually fitted with little mess, and the stairs can often still be used for part of the job. Through-floor lifts and homelifts involve more building work and some dust and noise while the floor opening is made. Our step lift for home, wheelchair platform lift for stairs and home lifts UK guides cover each type in more detail.
Arrange a survey
The only reliable timescale is one built around your site. A survey is the first step, and it’s free with no obligation. Tell us about your project and we’ll match you with vetted installers who cover your area. Installers pay us only when we refer a genuine enquiry, so our interest is in matching you well.
