The Why's and How's of Residential Elevators

The Why's and How's of Residential Elevators

Are residential elevators worth your consideration?  Maybe so.  Ask yourself these questions:  Does your current residence have multiple levels of living space ?  Do you find yourself wishing for an easier transition between these levels even on the rare occasion when you are NOT hauling the groceries or the laundry from level to level ?  Or are there simply areas of living space at your home that can no longer be enjoyed because of disability? Take just a minute to imagine the smooth ride of an elevator from the garage level to the kitchen level in about 20 seconds!  If you have a multi-level home with this type arrangement, this thought has no doubt entered your mind! And let’s face it although we all wish for eternal youth and perfect health, the simple fact is that 36% of us may experience the need for an easier means of egress between levels of our home in the future due to partial and permanent disabilities.  Do you agree that the simple term “elevator” is most always associated with a commercial environment and seems to be “too extravagant” or certainly “too expensive for my modest home ?”  Let us share with you some simple facts regarding residential elevators that are designed for residential duty use to clear the air of the myths that elevators are for commercial use or “houses that are as big as hotels.” Did you know that home elevators have become a standard design element in nearly 40% of new homes as small as 1600 sq. ft. in many regions of the United States ?   According to the American Institute of Architects, the median age of U.S. dwelling unit ownership: “our beloved Baby Boomers” are showing an ever increasing desire to incorporate elevators in their newly constructed homes and in retro-fit installations. Significant recent technological advances are providing smooth operating elevators at a surprisingly affordable price and home designers are scoring high marks with these cost effective solutions for homeowners.  Residential elevator design has evolved recently to provide designers with great flexibility that incorporates the system seamlessly within standard frame and masonry construction types found in most home construction.  There are ultra-compact designs that can fit into a 34” x 34” shaft area.  These compact units do require an additional electrical panel and mechanical device area of 16” wide x 6” deep that is generally concealed in the same shaft area and quite simply provide the user with maintenance free use. There are elevators that can be installed inside or on the home's exterior.  There are also self-contained models. Where new construction allows for the larger hydraulic drive mechanical unit, the designer enjoys the freedom with multi-stop systems for increased design with its installation requirements that allow the system to be transported flexibility.  The hydraulic system has become attractively streamlined through standard door widths and assembled in limited height areas as low as 8’-0” high.  The previous designs that incorporate pit design with mechanical access are all but a thing of the past!  Another of the many benefits of the residential elevators offers the user is speed control, ease of level finish adjustment, and virtually silent operation.   Perhaps your dream of an elevator in your home is not such a stretch after all!  If you're interested, begin your research today into the world of residential elevators.