Installing an Elevator in Your Home
Added on September 15th, 2016
Home elevators used to be a rarity – an extravagance reserved for only the very wealthy. Why? Not only were traditional elevators expensive, but home elevator installation often required adding a mechanical room, a new breaker box and possibly rewiring an entire home. In other words, installing an elevator in your home was a massive undertaking few could afford.
Fortunately, times have changed and residential elevators have become increasingly commonplace – and installing them no longer requires cumbersome, expensive remodeling. As you will see, the installation process is now relatively simple and affordable.
This is great news for Seniors who looking forward to aging in place and enjoying an independent lifestyle for years to come. Because more Seniors are choosing to live independently in their homes, an increasing number of them are upgrading their homes to accommodate their changing lifestyles. And installing a home elevator is an investment in safety that’s can help reduce the risk of falling that may increase with decreased mobility.
New Advancements Streamlines Residential Elevator Installation
If you are discouraged at the prospects of tearing up your home and emptying your bank account because of a home elevator installation project, prepare to re-think those perceptions.
Thanks to advancements in engineering and construction, installing an in-home elevator no longer has to be an extensive, costly undertaking. New engineering and design features have transformed home elevator installation into a task that can usually be completed in about 24 hours.
Typically, modern elevator installation takes place in the following three phases:
Phase 1
After selecting the elevator model that’s right for you, you and your technician will work together to identify the best place to place the unit in your home to ensure it is convenient for you, while at the same time, it’s structurally sound.
To make the process even more efficient, we suggest you look for professional installers who are familiar with local construction requirements and are willing to file all the necessary paperwork before any work begins. This will help ensure the project is completed on time and in compliance with all local code requirements.
Phase 2
The next part of the process begins when licensed carpenters arrive – usually the day before the installation. They will prep the area, do some initial cutting and construction to create an entryway that will accommodate and support the unit. This typically takes a few hours, but it helps ensure a smooth installation during the third phase of the project.
[Installers making sure that the space between the floors is framed to accommodate an elevator.]
Phase 3
The final phase begins when a crew of professionals arrives at your door (usually the morning after the carpenters complete their work). They will install the track, pulley system, and finally, the elevator. If you select a unit with a self-contained battery, it will eliminate the need for rewiring the electrical system, adding a circuit breaker or installing a room to house the hydraulic lift. In other words, the process is nearly complete.
[Carpenters constructing the railway to support the elevator.]
Once the construction is done, your installation team tests and demonstrates the unit’s operation and – most importantly – remains onsite to ensure you are completely comfortable operating the elevator on your own. Once you are 100 percent comfortable and clear on its operations, the team will clear out any debris and packaging, putting your house back in order.
[Installation professionals put final touches on elevator.]
How Do I Find an Elevator That’s Easy to Install?
Do you still have concerns or questions about installing a home elevator?
Easy Climber has created a free, easy to understand Home Elevator Guide that provides additional details about the ease of use and safety that modern residential elevators offer. In it, you will find answers to most commonly asked questions such as:
- How much does a home elevator cost?
- Are Home elevators really safe?
- How will an in-home elevator improve my quality of life?
Easy Climber’s Home Elevator Guide is a comprehensive overview created to help Seniors find the right elevator for their lifestyle and living space, while also providing them with the information they need to ensure they are getting the best deal – and the most important safety features.