Accessibility problems in the home can be mitigated or perhaps eliminated altogether with the installation of a home lift. If you’re on the fence about getting a stairlift or you don’t think it will meet your needs, a house lift is something to consider.
Even though their price tag is substantially more than that of a stairlift, many people find that the added convenience is more than worth it. There are a few things to think about before rushing in and making a buying decision on a home lift, though.
We’ve summarised a few of the most crucial ones below:
Requirements For Buildings And The Different Types Of Home Lifts
If you are considering about purchasing a home lift, the first thing you will need to think about is whether or not the house or property you now reside in meets the specifications for such a lift. There are a few distinct types of residential lifts, with the through-floor lift being the most common and frequently the most affordable option.
These provide service to buildings that are only comprised of two levels: the ground and the first. They provide an elevator to the next floor through a hole (aperture) in the floor or ceiling and can be installed in virtually any room.
Additionally, there are platform home lifts and residential lifts, both of which are significantly larger, more expensive, and need some kind of lift shaft to be constructed. Due of the cost, the various through floor lifts are typically what we refer to when we talk about home elevators.
The Cost
It’s important to evaluate the long-term costs associated with installing a home lift before making the investment. To begin with, a home lift can provide peace of mind that mobility will remain available between all levels of the house even if the primary user’s condition deteriorates and becomes more severe.
Additionally, a home lift is usually a lot less expensive to build than making major structural changes to your house to accommodate other solutions. The installation of a through-room lift is again contrasted with more intrusive home renovations like residential elevators or substantial customised stairlifts.
Finally, if travelling between floors of your property has become problematic, it might also be far less expensive and stressful than changing house.
It is essential to keep in mind that through-room lifts may frequently be resold once they have served their purpose, meaning that there is value in them even after many years have passed, which contributes to how cost effectively they are utilised.
Is It Possible to Meet the Needs of the User Through Other Means?
If you are considering purchasing a home lift, it is likely that you have already looked into various other potential alternatives. If this is not the case, however, you should make it a priority to investigate stairlifts, as they might provide the user a superior alternative.
Having said that, home lifts are a fantastic method to retain mobility throughout the house for users who are physically challenged, as well as for individuals over the age of 50 who may be having some difficulty with certain aspects of their mobility around the home.
What location should the home lift be in?
There are a number of considerations that should go into the design of your home elevator. Providing the level above has sufficient space and depth, a through-floor elevator can be installed virtually anywhere.
First, take a look at the space in the room or rooms where you plan to install it. Is there sufficient space for the user to be able to reach the lift, particularly if they are confined to a wheelchair? Is there a possibility that it might obstruct any of the room’s essential characteristics, such as the entryway, windows, or other components?
If you need a certain kind of lift, like one linking your garage to the rest of the house, you just need to make sure that it’s built in an easy-to-access spot with plenty of space to spare. Lifts are best placed in a corner because they don’t obstruct any movement through the room.