A home elevator is the perfect example of a home mobility solution which is transforming lives. Here we look at how to find the right residential elevator for your needs, which type of home elevators are available to buy, installation and maintenance advice, safety considerations and some commonly asked questions.
What is a Residential Home Elevator?
A residential elevator is a compact, quiet, capsule-shaped home lift, designed specifically to move people and objects around your home but most importantly, designed to blend into your home surroundings.
Home elevators not only provide smooth and easy access to different levels of your home and add a sense of luxury, but can also add value to your home.
Types of Home Elevators
Home elevators can be built differently in terms of how they are powered. Types of elevators include hydraulic, traction, pneumatic, and cable-driven elevators. Understanding how each type operates and its specific suitability for different applications is crucial for making an informed choice.
At Lifton Home Elevators our lifts are self-supporting using two rails along which the lift travels and power is generated from a discreet motor in the lid and a plug and play operation using a standard domestic plug.
This approach to design and build offers consumers a highly versatile home elevator not only in terms of where it can be located, but also in terms of saving space as it doesn’t require an engine room or even a supporting wall.
Choosing the Right Home Elevator
Whilst operational functionality is key when choosing the best residential elevator, homeowners also want a home lift that understandably looks great too.
Many manufacturers offer customization options, allowing you to select materials, finishes, and even cab configurations that harmonize with your home’s overall decor.
In terms of size, you can choose from a 2-3 person home lift, an elevator that has a Thru-Car such as the Lifton Trio Home Elevator or a specific home designed with wheelchair users in mind.
Ease of use
Every elevator for the home should be easy to operate. As it is something you will be using at home, it needs to save you time and you should not be grappling with confusing instructions.
The Lifton Home Elevator, for example, has a minimalistic control pad and two remote controls to call the lift to whichever floor is required.
When travelling in the elevator, it is recommended to have a telephone so you have a line of communication should you ever need it.
Typical Home Elevator Applications
There are a number of different home lift applications to choose from. The most popular location for a home elevator is from living room to main bedroom. Cupboard to cupboard is an option if a homeowner prefers to have their lift discreetly out of sight.
The Lifton residential elevator, for example, travels along vertical rails and does not need to be fixed to a horizontal surface but do not worry if you have a vaulted ceiling as there are subtle solutions which can be made to overcome pitched roof installations. If you are looking for a home elevator solution to move between your garage and the ground floor of your home, it will require the addition of a simple shaft.
Unique to Lifton Homelifts is its Thru-Car concept. If your home is configured in such a way that a user would need to enter the lift from one side and exit from the other, the Thru-Car option is the perfect application. The Thru-Car is also ideal for wheelchair users as it removes the need for reversing or maneuvering when you arrive at your destination stop.
Installation and Maintenance
Having a professional company install the elevator is essential when looking at how you configure it into a room in your home. When researching a business look for customer testimonials and certifications and even awards to demonstrate that they are a credible and trustworthy organization.
Any respectable residential elevator company should visit you in your property and make suggestions on placement of the product as well as funding options and they will ask who will be using the lift and what for and come up with a bespoke solution to suit your specific needs.
A Lifton home elevator includes a back-up battery which lowers your lift slowly to the ground in the event of a power-cut and has a range of safety sensors which detect obstructions. The lift also includes pre-installed LED lighting to allow for safe use day and night as well as a half-height or full height door.
Costs of Home Elevators
The costs associated with home elevators can vary significantly based on different factors.
At the time of your site visit, your project team should discuss with you the price of the elevator itself, installation fees, and any additional architectural considerations – such as if you have a particularly old property where additional care is required.
At Lifton, you will always be given a cost which includes the cost of the whole project from start to finish with no hidden extras. This helpful link provides more information about home elevator costs.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Home elevators must comply with specific legal and regulatory standards.
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets accessibility guidelines for public and private buildings.
Homeowners should be aware of these guidelines and ensure that their elevator installation meets ADA requirements.
Additionally, local building codes can vary from state to state and municipality to municipality, so it is essential to understand and adhere to these regulations as well.
Popular Home Elevator Brands
Several reputable manufacturers produce home elevators, each offering distinct product lines.
Understanding the options available from these manufacturers can help you make an informed decision.
At Lifton Home Elevators, we focus on the luxury end of the market and we pride ourselves on our workmanship, quality and design as well as our 1-2-1 personal service.
Real Estate Value and Resale Considerations
The installation of a home elevator can have a significant impact on the value of your property.
A well-maintained, attractive residential elevator can increase the resale value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
When marketing your home with an elevator, be sure to highlight its benefits, emphasizing the many benefits it offers including accessibility, convenience, how it provides a homeowner with access all areas, day and night whenever it is required – including providing a useful provision for visiting relatives who might struggle with the stairs.
A touch of Luxury
Why walk, when you can ‘climb’ up smoothly and in comfort between the floors of your home with a Lifton Home Elevator?
The sense of luxury is just as much associated with a superior experience as its price tag and at Lifton our craftsmanship and quality are second-to-none.
The company prides itself on minimizing its environmental impact as well, including the Lifton’s ability to plug straight into a standard plug socket, using no more energy than a regular household appliance.
About Us
Lifton Home Elevators is a leading brand of residential elevators in the United States and beyond, has gained a reputation for its innovative designs, exceptional quality, and commitment to providing stylish and accessible mobility solutions for homeowners. The range of lifts seamlessly integrates into any home décor, offering a blend of elegance, functionality, and safety.