A favorite add-on to both brand new and pre-existing residences, a residential elevator adds value and comfort to the property. For elderly and handicapped property owners and their families and visitors, a home elevator significantly increases mobility. Although pricey, it is a much less expensive alternative than relocating to a single-story house.
Manufacturers recognize the need to balance style with functionality. That is why they offer numerous modification options, giving homeowners the ability to choose a model and design that conforms to their preferences in addition to their needs.
In many residences, there is little need for a bulky, commercial-sized elevator. A capacity of two or three riders will almost always be enough. For wheelchair-bound homeowners, the cab should be large enough to fit their requirements. Because it is an integrated fixture in a house, if visible, it should also show a certain degree of style rather than being solely functional with no attractive elements.
There are several designs available, both in regard to type and modification possibilities. Common options involve vintage birdcage designs, elegant wood-paneled interiors, units with accordion-style doors and panoramic, all-glass cabs. There are also elevators that are compact enough to fit into a closet, and if preferred, no one but the homeowner might ever know that a lift is concealed behind the door.
An in-home lift should be integrated with the building's original design. Part of the value it adds is in its ability to match the structure and decor. The property owner and manufacturer should collaborate to create a design that works as required without sacrificing form.
The type and aesthetic materials chosen are dependent on the framework and design of the home. Based on the kind of elevator installed, along with the customizable features selected, an elevator may cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 or more.
Residential elevator prices range widely for a number of reasons; type, cab and shaft dimensions, the layout of the home and the setup process weigh the most on price. Retrofitting a current home is usually more expensive than installation during building. Lift types can include:
* Hydraulic
* Electric or traction
* Tube-style pneumatic
* Overhead winding drum
* Stairway chair lift
A common misconception is that a home elevator is just for elderly or disabled residents. While it is extremely beneficial in transporting people between floors, residential lifts are advantageous for other reasons. Once installed, homeowners often find a virtually endless list of functions for this handy, functional device, and best of all, they bring value to the home in case the owners ever need or choose to sell.
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If you're interested in
residential elevator installation, online marketing strategist Stephen Daniels recommends Symmetry. With 30 years of experience, their national network of licensed contractors can help you select and install a custom elevator to fit your taste, needs and budget.
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