Elevators have been installed in homes since the late-1800s. Traditionally home lifts might have been viewed as luxury items only for the super wealthy. However, today, they can be an option for any property owner since advances in lift technology have made lift installations far more affordable for those on budgets. Home lifts can be fitted into relatively small spaces, so your house might be able to accommodate a retrofit even if you don’t think you have sufficient space. However, choosing the right lift installation comes with a lot of factors to think about. If you’re planning to add a home lift, here are the essential considerations to work through as you make your decision.
1. Budget
Although modern lifts can be more affordable, they do range in terms of size and technology, and so it’s still important to consider how much you’re going to spend when choosing a lift for your home. The total cost including installation could range between $25,000 to $30,000 and up to $100,000 or more. Your final cost will depend on the size of your lift, type of lift technology, number of floors, installation requirements, labour costs, cab customisations, and other factors.
It almost goes without saying the more extensive the prep work and the more extra features you add, the bigger your budget will need to be. High-end finishing, fixtures like brass fittings, and using glass can all increase the price. A retrofitted lift is likely to be more expensive than incorporating a lift into a new build.
2. Space and number of stops
Modern residential elevators can fit into compact areas, but you still need enough space to accommodate the whole installation, including the electrical equipment. So how much space do you have for your home lift? As a general guide, a home lift shaft might take up only 1.5 metres by 1.5 metres, for a capacity of four to six people. This is no larger than an average closet and certainly more space efficient than a stairway. For a bigger lift, you might need at least 20 to 25 square feet of space available. Ideally this should be close to a stairway or in the corner of the area. Also consider how many stops your lift will have and whether it will need to travel through all floors of your property or just several.
3. Purpose
Evaluate you and your family’s future in the house and your lifestyle as you decide on a lift installation. Consider why you’re installing a lift in your property, as this can help inform where you’ll have it installed and the type of lift you choose. A home lift can allow seniors to age in place and maintain their independence for longer. In turn, this saves you a significant amount of money on nursing-home and assisted-living expenses, which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars a year.
Stairways are common areas for falls and injuries. A lift can also be invaluable for residents with disabilities and mobility issues as it prevents stair-related falls and ensures greater accessibility and safety. A home lift can also reduce dependence on caregivers. At the same time, having a lift at home can be convenient for busy young parents with children in strollers and car seats, allowing easy movement up and down multifloor properties. Also, given the proliferation of online shopping and home deliveries, a lift makes it much easier to take heavy, bulky items up to the higher floors.
4. Resale value
Installing a home lift can mean it eventually pays for itself when the time comes to sell, potentially adding as much as 10% to your market value. Lifts are in-demand home additions due to their ability to facilitate greater mobility, independence, convenience, and utility. The most basic models can lift a lot of weight, so they’re a highly economical improvement pre-sale, especially with ageing populations. Just as you might plan to age in place for longer, prospective buyers may have this in mind when they see your property comes with a functioning lift.
Aesthetically, lifts can add a sense of prestige and luxury to the home. Their energy efficiency also adds to the appeal for potential buyers. Rather than being power intensive, most modern lifts are energy efficient, which reduces the overall power draw and total energy costs of the property.
5. Installation time
The installation process can be a little disruptive, so you’ll want to plan for it. The time required can vary depending on your lift type, number of floors, and whether it’s a retrofit or for a new build. An accessibility lift might take two weeks; a hydraulic lift, four weeks; and a traction lift six weeks. Preparation work such as installing electricity might add weeks to this timeframe, taking it up to eight weeks or more.
6. Type of lift
Think about the design of the cab’s interior and the kind of finishes, lights, handrails, and fixtures (such as touch screens or manual buttons) you’d like to incorporate. In addition, you might want to consider the technology type of your lift. Common types of home-lift technology include traction drive, hydraulic drive, and pneumatic vacuum drive systems. You could also opt for winding drive or cable-driven lifts.
Each technology type comes with its own advantages and potential limitations, and what’s right for you will depend on your goals. For example, some technologies might require less overhead space while others are quieter and offer faster travel speeds. Speak to your lift installer for advice on the best type of lift for you3
7. Safety and servicing
You wouldn’t want to end up with a lift that doesn’t meet safety regulations. Ask your lift installer about local safety and building regulations that apply and make sure your installation will satisfy these. These could include having a battery backup system, emergency phone line and lighting, extra door sensors, and emergency evacuation features. Also ask about ongoing maintenance requirements; generally your lift will need to be serviced at least once a year. This will help you plan for ongoing serving costs.
Conclusion
A lift in your home can be a wonderful, cost-effective investment, enhancing safety, convenience, and accessibility while boosting your property value. For people with mobility issues or those who plan to age in place, the cost of a lift installation will most likely be less than caregiving services, assisted living, or a nursing home. In choosing the right lift for you, review your budget, space, number of stops, and why you’re having it installed. Also find out about the best type of lift technology, how long installation will take, and your ongoing maintenance commitment. Finally, don’t forget to ensure your lift meets all the relevant safety and building codes.