Client
Duration
Apr 1, 2026
Independent Access Restored at a Split-Level Coastal Property with a Vertical Platform Step Lift
A South West England homeowner regains safe, independent wheelchair access between driveway level and their first floor balcony entrance with the installation of an outdoor vertical platform step lift — matched by Platform Lift UK and installed by a vetted specialist.
About the project
The Challenge
The client — a homeowner at a split-level coastal property in the South West of England — contacted Platform Lift UK after finding that the significant level change between their driveway and their first floor balcony entrance had become impossible to navigate independently. The property sits on a sloping coastal site, with the main living accommodation at first floor level accessed via a balcony with decorative iron railings. The driveway sits at a considerably lower level beneath, with the level change too significant and the available space too limited to accommodate a conventional ramp of compliant gradient.
The homeowner used a wheelchair and required a solution that would allow them to travel independently between the driveway and the balcony entrance without assistance. The existing layout of the property — with a garage at ground level directly adjacent to the lift position — meant that the available footprint for any access solution was tightly constrained.
A through-floor home lift was considered but ruled out as the installation would have required significant internal structural works to the property. A ramp was not feasible given the height of the level change and the limited horizontal space available. An outdoor vertical platform step lift was identified as the most appropriate solution — compact in footprint, self-supporting, and capable of overcoming the full height of the level change without any major structural alteration to the property.
The homeowner submitted an enquiry through the Platform Lift UK website, describing the property layout, the level change, the access requirement, and the outdoor coastal environment in which the lift would need to operate year-round.
Challanges
The Solution
Platform Lift UK assessed the enquiry and matched the homeowner with a vetted lift specialist covering the South West region with specific experience in outdoor vertical platform step lift installations at residential properties with significant level changes.
A free survey visit was arranged within five working days of the initial enquiry. The surveyor visited the property, assessed the available footprint at driveway level and the upper balcony landing, measured the full height of the level change, confirmed the ground conditions for the base installation, and assessed the coastal environment to ensure the lift specification would be appropriate for year-round outdoor use in an exposed coastal location.
The vertical platform step lift was selected for several reasons specific to this installation. The lift's compact footprint allowed it to be installed within the tight space available between the garage entrance and the boundary wall without obstructing the driveway or the garage access. The stainless steel frame and toughened glass enclosure panels were specified for their resistance to corrosion and weathering in the coastal environment — particularly important given the property's exposed location and proximity to the sea. The anti-slip chequer plate platform floor was confirmed as appropriate for outdoor use in wet conditions.
The installation required a concrete base at driveway level to provide a stable foundation for the lift column. The lift column was fixed to the base and to the balcony structure at the upper level. The glazed enclosure panels were fitted to three sides of the platform, with the entry gate at the lower level allowing the homeowner to board from the driveway and the upper gate opening onto the balcony at the upper landing level — arriving flush with the balcony floor for a smooth, level transition with no step or gap.
Controls were installed on the platform itself and at both the lower driveway level and the upper balcony level, allowing the lift to be called or sent independently from either level. Battery backup was confirmed as a standard feature — ensuring the lift would return to the lower level safely in the event of a power failure.
The installation was completed over two days by the vetted installer's trained engineers. The concrete base was poured and allowed to cure on day one. The lift column, platform, and enclosure were installed and commissioned on day two. The homeowner was given a full demonstration of all controls, safety features, and emergency procedures before the engineers left the property.
Summary
The Outcome
The installation delivered an immediate and significant improvement in the homeowner's daily independence. Access between the driveway and the first floor balcony entrance — previously impossible without assistance — was restored fully and independently. The homeowner could now travel between the driveway and the balcony entrance without any reliance on other household members or carers for this part of their daily routine.
The stainless steel and glazed specification proved well-suited to the coastal environment. The materials showed no signs of corrosion or deterioration in the months following installation, and the lift continued to operate reliably through wet and windy coastal weather conditions.
The compact footprint of the installed lift left the driveway and garage entrance fully accessible alongside it — an important practical consideration given the limited space available at the property. The decorative iron railings of the first floor balcony were retained in full on both sides of the lift, maintaining the appearance of the property facade.
The homeowner noted that the installation had exceeded their expectations in terms of both the quality of the installation and the smoothness of the process from initial enquiry to completion. From the initial enquiry through Platform Lift UK to completed installation took six weeks — including the survey visit, concrete base preparation, manufacturing lead time, and two-day installation.
A LOLER inspection and annual service agreement was arranged with the installing company at the time of installation — ensuring the lift remains safe, legally compliant, and reliable for years to come in its demanding outdoor coastal environment.
The homeowner confirmed they would recommend the Platform Lift UK matching service without hesitation, citing the speed of the process, the independence of the advice, and the quality of the vetted installer as the key factors in a stress-free and successful project.
PROJECT DETAILS SUMMARY
Lift type: Outdoor vertical platform step lift Property type: Split-level two-storey coastal residential property Location: South West England Installation setting: External — driveway to first floor balcony Frame specification: Stainless steel — coastal grade Enclosure: Toughened glass panels on three sides Platform surface: Anti-slip chequer plate Controls: Platform controls and remote call stations at both levels Key features: Battery backup, coastal-grade stainless steel frame, toughened glass enclosure, anti-slip platform, upper and lower call stations Installation time: Two days Lead time from enquiry to installation: Six weeks Ongoing maintenance: Annual service and LOLER inspection contract Matched by: Platform Lift UK — free independent matching service
CALL TO ACTION
If your property has a significant level change that prevents independent wheelchair access — whether at the front entrance, rear garden, or between split levels — Platform Lift UK can help. We match homeowners across the UK with vetted outdoor platform lift specialists at no cost and with no obligation. Submit your enquiry on the Platform Lift UK website today and receive a free no-obligation survey from a vetted installer covering your area.
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