Learn About Lifts

Home Lift FAQs

• How do I check if my home lift supplier is properly licensed in Australia?

  Ask your supplier for their lift contractor licence number and verify it through your state or territory’s work health and safety regulator. In New South Wales, for example, licences can be checked through SafeWork NSW. A legitimate supplier will provide licence details upfront and welcome verification.

  Lift Shop’s licences and independent certifications are published on our website with direct look-up links for authentication. We’ve held our licences continuously since 1996 and maintain full compliance with Australian Standards.

• What is the difference between hydraulic and electric traction home lifts?

  Hydraulic lifts use an electric pump to push fluid into a cylinder, raising the cabin. Electric traction lifts use a motor and counterweight system with steel ropes or belts. The key differences are noise, energy use, pit depth, and space requirements.

  Our A-Series hydraulic lift operates at 0.30 m/s on single-phase 32A power and suits retrofits with its compact footprint. The C-Series and E-Series electric traction lifts are quieter (under 50 dB), require no machine room, and draw less energy per trip. Read our full comparison for detailed specifications.

• Do hydraulic home lifts smell of oil?

  No. Modern hydraulic home lifts use sealed systems with biodegradable oil that produce no noticeable odour during normal operation. The oil-smell association comes from older commercial lifts that used open hydraulic systems with industrial fluids.

  Our A-Series hydraulic lifts have been installed in Australian homes since the early 2000s with no oil odour and minimal wear over time. The sealed pump unit sits in a separate cabinet, and the hydraulic fluid is contained within a closed circuit. Visit our A-Series page for full specifications.

• Can I build a lift shaft now and install the lift later?

  Yes. Building the shaft during construction and installing the lift later is a smart approach that reduces future costs and structural disruption. We provide shaft drawings and specifications so your builder can construct a compliant, future-ready shaft now.

  To future-proof properly, you need to confirm the internal shaft dimensions for your chosen series and door type, ensure adequate pit depth (from 150 mm depending on the model), provide correct headroom, and run power to the shaft location. See our shaft construction guide for full requirements.

• What is In-Cabin Self-Rescue (ICSR) and when would I actually use it?

  In-Cabin Self-Rescue (ICSR) allows you to move the lift to the nearest floor and exit safely during a power failure — without waiting for outside help. We introduced ICSR in 2007, and it is fully compliant with Australian Standards and approved by WorkCover NSW.

  Unlike public lifts where a technician is minutes away, home lifts are in private residences where help may take considerably longer. ICSR adds a third option beyond calling for help or automatic lowering: move yourself to safety and get out. It is a free inclusion on every Lift Shop lift.

• Is a home lift safer than a stairlift for older adults?

  A home lift provides a fully enclosed cabin with automatic doors, overload sensors, emergency communication, and In-Cabin Self-Rescue — features that a stairlift cannot match. Stairlifts travel on an open rail along the staircase with no enclosure or door interlocking.

  For older adults or anyone with mobility concerns, a home lift eliminates the need to transfer on and off a seat at each level. We include ICSR, a GSM emergency phone, and power-failure descent as standard. Explore our full range to find the right model for your home.

• How much does a home lift cost in Australia?

  A home lift price depends on the series you choose, number of stops, cabin size, door type, finishes, and site conditions. Every project receives a detailed, fixed-price quote.

  We offer three series to suit different budgets and requirements. Each quote includes supply, standard installation, testing, and handover. We lock your price for 12 months. See our detailed cost breakdown for more information.

• What Australian standards apply to residential home lifts?

  Residential home lifts in Australia must comply with AS1735, the Australian Standard for lifts, escalators, and moving walks. The key parts relevant to home lifts include AS1735.1, AS1735.12, and AS1735.18.

  Our lifts are engineered to meet and exceed AS1735.18 requirements. We also comply with EN81-41 and relevant National Construction Code provisions. Learn more about our safety and compliance approach.

• What’s the realistic timeline from site measure to installation?

  Installing a home lift typically takes 4–6 months from site measure to handover. This includes design finalisation, Italian manufacturing, shipping, and on-site installation. We handle everything from initial design through to testing and handover.

  Timelines depend on project complexity and site readiness. Read our buyer’s guide for a full overview.

• What information should I gather before asking for a quote?

  Before requesting a quote, gather your shaft dimensions, number of floors, power supply location, preferred door type, and any access constraints such as narrow hallways or heritage restrictions.

  If you have plans, bring them along. Visit our buyer’s checklist for all considerations.

• Why does ‘Italian manufactured’ matter vs ‘European designed’?

  ‘Italian manufactured’ means the lift is designed and built end-to-end in Italy with full quality control. ‘European designed’ may mean it was built elsewhere.

  Our lifts are made in Italy and have been installed in Australia since 1996. Learn more about our heritage.

• How long does a home lift take per floor — does speed really matter?

  Our lifts travel between 0.30 m/s and up to 0.60 m/s. A typical single-floor trip takes only seconds.

  Speed matters more in larger homes or high-use environments. Explore our full range to compare specifications.