If you are considering mobility solutions for navigating the stairs in your home, there are two main options – the traditional stair lift or a modern home elevator.
Both products offer distinct advantages and can be the most suitable solution depending upon your needs now – and in the future. To make things easier, here at Lifton Home Elevators, we have put together a simple and easy-to-read comparison guide for the two options:
- Accessibility
Home Elevators: A modern residential elevator by Lifton can be fitted into many different locations in your property due to the modern modular self-supporting technology that requires a very small aperture for the lift to travel through between floors. These elevators can be placed almost anywhere providing seamless safe and comfortable access from the living room to the master bedroom or from hallway to landing, for example, in as little as 30 seconds.
Stair Lifts: A stair lift is fitted onto your existing stairs and provides a seat for you to use whilst being mechanically moved up or down the stairs. Placement is determined by existing stairs and modifications may be needed if there are turns in your stairway.
Conclusion: Both stair lifts and home elevators improve the accessibility of the home, but elevators provide more flexibility in terms of placement.
- Capacity
Home Elevators: A Lifton residential elevator will have higher weight limits than a stair lift and can transport two to three people at the same time. Should a larger lift be required, the Lifton Trio Home Elevator accommodates wheelchair users and users with walkers. The lift can also be used to transport other items such as vacuum cleaners and laundry baskets to make household chores easier to complete.
Stair Lifts: A stair lift will only transport one person who needs the mobility to get in and out of the stair lift chair. Small items can be held in hand, but larger items could not be safely relocated using the stair lift. Wheelchairs and other mobility devices cannot be transported so duplicates may be needed.
Conclusion: The capacity of a home elevator is greater than a stair lift and is more suitable for more than one person or wheelchair users and users with mobility aids.
- Installation process
Home Elevators: Following a site survey and inspection, at Lifton the company can advise on the exact modifications required to install a residential elevator in your desired location. With no load bearing walls or separate machine rooms required, the Lifton elevator’s innovative design means that installation can typically be completed within one day with minimal disruption.
Stair Lifts: Stair lifts can be installed on your stairs with no structural modifications to your walls and can typically be fitted in one day.
Conclusion: Installation time is comparable for a home elevator and stair lift. Whilst a home elevator installation requires an aperture to be cut into the ceiling, the disruption is minimal and managed within one day.
- Price vs Home Value:
Home Elevators: Home elevators are generally more expensive to install and maintain than stair lifts. Home elevator costs often range from $18,000 to $35,000 or more. However, they have become much more affordable and the resulting increase in popularity means that home lifts can be a great selling point for realtors. Installing an elevator can be a great enhancement and could increase the resale value of your home and make it appeal to a wider market.
Stair Lifts: Stair lifts are usually less expensive, with costs typically ranging from $3,400 to $5,500. A stair lift may increase the value and appealability of your home if the buyer is looking for an accessible home.
Conclusion: Either a stair lift or a home elevator would increase the functionality of your home and could increase its value depending upon the local market and demand. The costs to install a home elevator are greater but the cost to run is comparable as they both operate on mains electricity.
- Design Options:
Home Elevators: Lifton lifts are customizable to fit in with your existing design and décor, meaning that they can be adapted to match your home’s aesthetics. The elevator is designed in chic grey with an elegant transparent outside allowing for natural light and panoramic views. There are a range of bespoke options to ensure that your lift fits in with your home’s look and feel and can be a statement design piece or a discrete installation. Often, lifts are fitted into hallways to welcome visitors and provide a chic boutique hotel like feel to your home.
Stair Lifts: The design of a traditional stair lift has largely remained the same with no big innovations in the past few decades. Design features can be adapted such as upholstery color and design. The chair can be fitted to foldaway when not in use. However, a stair lift does take up space on the stairs which is potentially an obstruction for other people and is a feature designed more for practicality than aesthetics.
Conclusion: Lifton provides a more sleek, elegant statement feature to your home and can be used by all the family and guests, whereas a stair lift would only be used as a mobility aid and could inhibit the space on the stairs for other users.
Summary
Home Elevators are ideal for those seeking long-term mobility solutions to future-proof their home, with higher capacity and accessibility for wheelchair users. Lifton’s range of elevators are easy-to-install, simple to use, and look fabulous in the home, which could add value to the property.
Stair lifts: are more budget-friendly and are suitable for less complex mobility needs due to limitations in capacity and design flexibility. Stair lifts are ideal for just one person, but can take up room on the stairs, and look rather unsightly.
Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs, budget, and home layout so it always advisable to seek a consultation to assess the best options for your specific circumstances now – and in the future.
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