Elevator Installation Process: What to Expect with Canny Residential Elevators
From first consultation to final inspection — your guide to a seamless residential elevator installation in New Zealand.
At Canny, we take pride in delivering residential elevator installations that are safe, reliable, and compliant. Whether you’re planning a new build in Auckland or elsewhere in NZ, or retrofitting a lift into an existing home, our installation process is designed to be smooth, transparent, and stress-free.
Our Step-by-Step Installation Workflow
Here’s how Canny ensures your home lift is installed to the highest standards:
Stage | What Happens | Why It’s Important |
1. Initial Consultation & Needs Assessment | We meet with you (in person or virtually) to understand your home layout, elevator usage expectations, and any existing structural constraints. | Ensures the lift is designed to fit your home, match your needs, and comply with local building regulations. |
2. Site Survey & Technical Planning | Our engineers measure, assess foundation, floor-to-ceiling heights, electrical supply, safety standards, and access paths. | Proper planning avoids costly surprises, delays, or code compliance issues down the line. |
3. Design & Customisation | Choose the cab style, finishes, controls, lighting, safety features, door types, etc. We also get the required permits and ensure compliance with New Zealand building codes and safety regulations. | Personalised design makes the elevator fit your home’s aesthetics, while compliance ensures safety & legal approval. |
4. Fabrication & Component Testing | Key parts are manufactured or sourced, then pre-tested. We also plan the timeline for installation. | Pre-testing ensures quality, avoids faulty parts arriving on-site, keeps project on track. |
5. Installation on Site | Our experienced technicians prepare the shaft or opening, install rails, hoist mechanisms, electrical wiring, and safety systems. We coordinate with other trades if needed. | On-site work is where planning turns into reality; precision here ensures safety, levelness, smooth ride, and long-term reliability. |
6. Final Inspection & Safety Validation | We test the lift under load, carry out safety checks, and get sign-offs from relevant building authority or certifier. | Validation ensures your elevator is safe, legal, insured, and ready to use. |
7. Handover & Demonstration | We walk you through its operation, maintenance needs, emergency procedures, and provide your warranty & support plan. | Helps you feel confident using your new home lift, understand how to keep it working optimally. |
What You’ll Appreciate About Our Process
- Full compliance with New Zealand safety and building standards
- Transparent timelines & costs so there are no surprises
- Quality craftsmanship — attention to finish, smooth operation, durable materials
Dedicated communication — we keep you informed at each milestone
Your Installation Timeline
01 Site Check & Consultation
Timeframe: 1 Week
We start with a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team visits your property (or reviews your plans) to assess feasibility, discuss your needs, and walk you through the best elevator options for your space.
What we do:
- Assess space and floor layout
- Check power availability
- Discuss your design and accessibility needs
- Answer any technical or consent questions
02 Custom Design & Engineering
Timeframe: 2 Weeks
Once confirmed, we customise the elevator’s specifications to suit your home — from car size and door style to finishes and lighting. We’ll also begin preparing documents for building consent.
What we finalise:
- Car design and materials
- Shaft dimensions and site fit
- Consent-ready drawings
- Lift configuration (e.g. 2-5 stops)
03 Manufacturing
Timeframe: 40 days
Your elevator is manufactured with precision at Canny’s global facility, using world-class engineering and strict quality control. All components are triple-checked before shipment.
Highlights:
- Assembled to your exact specs
- Quality-tested and packaged
Ready for fast shipping to NZ
04 Delivery & Site Prep
Timeframe: 4 Weeks
We coordinate delivery with your builder or project manager. If retrofitting, we’ll prep the site with minimal disruption. Shaft and electrical prep should be completed before installation.
Typical requirements:
- Power supply in place (230V)
- Shaft built to approved specs
- Access path for delivery
05 Installation
Timeframe: 2 Weeks
Our certified installers handle the entire setup — from placing the lift frame to configuring the control system. Most installs take 3–5 days, depending on complexity and home access.
What’s included:
- Lift frame & motor system
- Door installation
- Interior fitting and finishes
Test runs and fine-tuning
06 Handover & Compliance Sign-Off
Once installation is complete, we’ll walk you through your new elevator. A certified inspector signs-off the lift to confirm it meets all NZ Building Code requirements.
You receive:
- Final compliance certificate
- User guide & safety briefing
Ongoing service schedule
Checklist: What You’ll Need
Power Supply
A standard 230V single-phase power source is required.
Council Consent
We assist in preparing and submitting the documentation needed to meet New Zealand building consent requirements.
Shaft Dimensions
Your shaft must meet minimum internal clearance specs. We’ll guide your builder with exact drawings.
Access for Delivery
Ensure clear access for equipment delivery and installation (including adequate width for components).
Structural Support
Floors and walls around the shaft may need reinforcement, especially in retrofits. We provide detailed guidance early in the process.
NZ Building Code Compliance
Every Canny Residential Elevator is:
Installed by certified lift technicians
Signed off by a licensed building professional
Fitted with safety features like UPS backup and motion sensors
Fully compliant with AS/NZS elevator and mobility standards