Key Takeaways
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Lift designs often evolve after appointment, especially in complex or constrained buildings
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Contract amendments allow projects to progress without the delays of re-tendering
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Early agreement on finishes and materials prevents fabrication and programme risk
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Vesting agreements can help secure capital spend before financial year-end deadlines
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Accurate procurement data underpins commercial certainty and long-term support
Introduction: Why Accessibility Lift Designs Change Mid-Project
Accessibility lift projects frequently develop as surveys progress, coordination improves, or user needs become clearer. Structural constraints, architectural sensitivity, or revised compliance interpretations can all require a change to the original lift specification.
Rather than causing disruption, these moments can be managed efficiently through clear commercial mechanisms that protect programme, budget, and long-term operability.
This article explains how contract amendments, staged payments, finish coordination, and vesting agreements are used to keep bespoke accessibility lift projects moving forward with confidence.
This guide draws on over 30 years of Sesame Access experience managing contract variations on complex accessibility projects across UK heritage buildings and architecturally sensitive environments.
Common Scenarios Architects and Consultants Ask About
What happens when structural surveys reveal unexpected complexity?
How do we handle lift specification changes once a contract is already in place?
Our budget year ends soon but installation is later, what are our options?
Can manufacturing start before every finish decision is finalised?
These are common, practical questions on real projects. Addressing them early avoids delay, cost escalation, and procurement uncertainty.
How can a contract amendment prevent delays when a lift design changes?
When a lift design evolves after appointment, the fastest and lowest-risk route forward is usually a formal contract amendment rather than a full re-tender.
A contract amendment allows teams to:
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Retain design knowledge already developed
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Preserve agreed commercial terms and discounts
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Avoid restarting procurement and approval cycles
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Maintain continuity through to manufacture and installation
This approach is particularly effective on bespoke solutions such as the Wellington Lift or the Buckingham Listed Building Lift, where design development is intrinsic to achieving a compliant, discreet outcome.
Traditional Re-Tender vs Contract Amendment Approach
| Approach | Timeline Impact | Cost Impact | Design Continuity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full re-tender | Significant delay | Higher professional fees | Loss of design momentum |
| Contract amendment | Minimal disruption | Controlled, transparent uplift | Full continuity retained |
This comparison highlights why amendments are often the preferred route on complex accessibility projects.
How are additional design hours handled without stalling progress?
As lift designs develop, additional engineering and coordination time is sometimes unavoidable. Rather than disputing historic estimates, successful teams focus on agreeing the revised scope and prioritising remaining approvals.
Clear documentation and accurate data are essential. This aligns closely with best practice outlined in
https://www.sesameaccess.com/knowledge-hub/lift-procurement-data-accuracy
where early precision reduces downstream risk.
How do staged payments support bespoke lift manufacture?
Bespoke accessibility lifts are typically paid in stages linked to real progress, such as design completion, pre-manufacture, manufacture, and installation.
If a specification changes mid-project, a catch-up valuation can realign payments with work already completed. This ensures transparency, supports manufacturing schedules, and keeps cashflow aligned with delivery.
Long-term support considerations are equally important. Early commercial clarity supports future servicing and maintenance strategies, as explored in
https://www.sesameaccess.com/knowledge-hub/bespoke-platform-lift-maintenance-15-years-support
How can vesting agreements help manage CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and funding deadlines?
When clients need to commit capital expenditure before financial year-end but installation will follow later, a vesting agreement can provide commercial resilience.
A vesting agreement confirms that:
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Lift components have been manufactured or are in production
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Ownership transfers once paid for
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Assets are identifiable and protected
This allows funding to be secured without increasing risk, positioning Sesame Access as a partner in CAPEX management rather than simply a supplier.
Why do finishes and materials affect programme and cost?
Finish decisions are not purely aesthetic. Choices such as electroplated brass trims or matte black architectural finishes directly influence fabrication sequencing, lead times, and handling requirements.
Late changes to visible elements can disrupt manufacturing flow, which is why early coordination of finishes on solutions like the Windsor Lift is critical to maintaining programme certainty.
Product Integration Summary
Different lift contexts demand different commercial and technical responses:
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Internal architectural stair integration often prioritises finish coordination and design continuity, as seen with the Wellington Lift
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External or semi-external access solutions focus on protection, durability, and staged manufacture, such as the Windsor Lift
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Highly constrained or sensitive buildings benefit from early amendment strategies, as with the Buckingham Listed Building Lift
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if our lift design changes after we’ve signed the contract?
A contract amendment is typically issued to capture the revised scope without restarting procurement.
Our structural survey uncovered new constraints, do we need to re-tender?
Usually not. Amendments allow the design to evolve while protecting programme and budget.
We need to spend budget this financial year but installation is later, what can we do?
A vesting agreement may allow early payment with legal protection.
Can lift manufacture begin before all finishes are finalised?
Yes, provided critical interfaces are confirmed and finish decisions are scheduled appropriately.
Do finish changes always increase cost?
Not always, but specialist treatments should be confirmed early to avoid disruption.
How are extra design hours agreed fairly?
By clearly defining the revised scope and documenting remaining deliverables.
Will a contract amendment affect long-term maintenance support?
No, early clarity supports stronger long-term servicing and maintenance planning.
Who owns the lift if it’s paid for but not yet installed?
Under a vesting agreement, ownership can transfer before installation.
Is this approach suitable for listed or sensitive buildings?
Yes, particularly where bespoke coordination is required.
Does this slow down approvals?
In most cases, it accelerates them by avoiding unnecessary re-procurement.
How does accurate procurement data help?
It reduces ambiguity, prevents disputes, and improves delivery certainty.
Can this approach work on public-sector projects?
Yes, when structured transparently and documented correctly.
Call to Action
If you’re navigating design change, funding deadlines, or procurement complexity on an accessibility lift project, an early conversation can save significant time and risk.
Book a Teams meeting with a Sesame Access Project Manager:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/book-a-meeting