Things to Consider When Buying Affordable Residential Elevators

Choosing the right residential elevators for your mobility involves sorting through many options. Transform your life without moving homes with the affordable home elevator only at Ascend Residential Elevators and Lifts.

When you have a disability or when your mobility is limited for whatever reason, it can be quite useful to have a home elevator installed.

A home elevator, or residential elevator, is a small elevator that is intended for private homes rather than commercial buildings.

Home elevators are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, as they provide a number of benefits for those with mobility issues and even for those who simply want a more convenient way to move between floors in their homes.

6 Things to Consider Before You Buy a Residential Elevators

There are many considerations to make when deciding to install a residential elevators. If you’re thinking about installing a home elevator, here are some things to keep in mind — and more tips to help you get the best value for money.

1. Your Needs

Residential ElevatorsThe first thing you need to consider is what your specific needs are. Do you need an elevator for medical reasons? Or do you simply want to avoid having to use the stairs?

Your needs and preferences can dictate what kind of home elevator model is best suited for you. There are certain home elevator models that are specifically designed for medical use — for example, those with wheelchair lifts — while others are designed for general use and can be used by anyone in the family.

You can also opt to have a customized residential elevators made for you. Custom residential elevators can be designed to fit any space and can include features like automatic doors and temperature control.

2. Load Capacity

Load-bearing capacity is another important consideration. Most residential elevators have a weight limit of around 750 pounds, but some home elevator models can accommodate more.

If you think you might need a heavier-duty elevator — for example, if you plan to use it to transport large items or furniture between floors — then make sure to check the weight limit before making your purchase.

3. Placement and Space Requirements

The next thing you need to consider is where you want to place your home elevator and how much space you have available.

Residential elevators come in a variety of sizes, from small and compact designs that can fit into a closet to larger models that take up more space.

Consider both the overall footprint of the elevator as well as the space required for the doors to open and close. You should also take into account any special features that you may want, such as a wheelchair lift, which will require additional space.

Some residential elevators may need a separate machine room, while others can be self-contained and can save space. Be sure to check the space requirements of the models you’re considering to make sure they will fit in your home.

It’s also important to consider the placement of the residential elevators in your home. The most common place to install a residential elevators is in a central location, such as near the staircase or in the foyer.

You also need to consider which part of your living space is wheelchair accessible if you’re considering a home elevator for medical use.

You may also want to consider installing your elevator in a less obvious spot, such as in the garage or in a hallway. This can help to keep the residential elevators out of the way and make it less of an eyesore in your home.

4. Installation Time and Cost

Installing a home elevator can be a complex and costly process, so it’s important to factor in the cost of installation when making your decision.

Some home elevators come as pre-assembled units that can be installed relatively easily, while others will need to be custom-built on-site.

If you’re handy and have some basic carpentry skills, you may be able to install a small and simple home elevator on your own. However, most people will need to hire a professional installation team like Ascend, which can add to the overall cost. We will discuss home elevator costs in another section.

You will also need to factor in construction costs and any building permits needed if you’re installing in a shared living space. If you’re building a new home or adding an addition, it’s usually best to have the elevator installed during construction. This can save you money on installation costs, as the contractor will already have access to the necessary wiring and plumbing.

5. Maintenance Requirements

Elevators require regular maintenance, such as oiling the moving parts and checking the batteries, to keep them running smoothly. Some residential elevators also come with a warranty that covers repair and replacement costs for a certain period.

Before you purchase a home elevator, be sure to find out what the maintenance requirements are and whether there is a warranty available. This can help to keep your costs down in the long run.

6. Safety Concerns

As with any mechanical device, there is always a risk of injury when using a residential elevators. However, modern home elevators are designed to be safe and reliable.

There are a few safety features you should look for when choosing a home elevator, such as an emergency stop button, automatic doors, and overload sensors. These features can help to prevent accidents and injuries.

You should also make sure that the home elevator you choose is certified by a recognized safety organization, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This certification means that the elevator has been tested and meets safety standards.

10 Types of Residential Elevators

There are several different types of home elevators to choose from, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks:

1. Traditional Elevator

This is the most common type of home elevator, and they use a counterweight and pulley system to move the elevator car up and down the elevator shaft.

Traditional elevators are typically more expensive than other types of elevators, but they are also very reliable and require less maintenance.

In addition, glass elevators are traditional elevators that have a glass enclosure. They are more expensive than other types of elevators, but they offer a unique look and can provide a panoramic view of the home.

2. Wheelchair Lifts

Wheelchair lifts are designed to transport people in wheelchairs between floors. They can be installed inside or outside of the home and typically cost less than traditional elevators.

Wheelchair lifts are a good option for people who only need occasional use of an elevator, as they are not as reliable as other types of elevators and require more maintenance.

In addition, a stair lift is a type of wheelchair lift that is installed on the stairs instead of an elevator shaft. They are less expensive than traditional elevators, but they can only be used on straight staircases.

3. Dumbwaiters

Dumbwaiters are small elevators that are typically used to transport food and other small items between floors. They are less expensive than traditional elevators, but they can only accommodate a limited amount of weight.

4. Cable Drum Elevators

Cable drum elevators are similar to traditional elevators, but they use a cable and drum system instead of a counterweight and pulley system.

Cable drum elevators are typically more expensive than traditional elevators, but they are more compact and require less maintenance.

5. Hydraulic Elevator

Hydraulic elevators use a hydraulic piston to move the elevator car up and down the elevator shaft. They are typically more expensive than traditional elevators, but they require less maintenance and are more energy-efficient.

6. Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator

Pneumatic elevators use air pressure or vacuum to move the elevator car up and down the elevator shaft. They are the most expensive type of home elevator, but they are also the most compact and require the least amount of maintenance.

7. Screw Drive Elevator

Screw drive elevators use a screw and nut system to move the elevator car up and down the elevator shaft. They are less expensive than hydraulic or pneumatic elevators, but they require more maintenance.

8. Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Elevator

MRL elevators do not require a separate machine room, as the machinery is located in the elevator shaft. They are more expensive than traditional elevators, but they save space and require less maintenance.

9. Shaft-Less Elevator

Shaft-less elevators do not require an elevator shaft, as the elevator car moves on a rail system. They are less expensive than MRL elevators, but they are not as reliable and require more maintenance.

10. Inclined Platform Lift

Inclined platform lifts are designed to transport people with limited mobility up and down stairs. They are less expensive than traditional elevators, but they require more maintenance and can only be used on straight staircases.

Benefits of Getting a Residential Elevator

As we mentioned, residential elevators offer a number of benefits, the main ones being the following:

1. Convenience and improved accessibility

If you live in a multi-story home, an elevator can make it much easier to get around. If you have someone in your family with disabilities or limited mobility, an elevator can make it much easier to get around the house.

2. Increased Property Value

Elevators are generally considered a luxury item, so having one installed in your home can increase its value. This is especially true if you live in an area where multi-story homes are common.

3. Greater safety

If you have young children or elderly family members living in your home, an elevator can make it much safer for them to get around. It can also help you avoid potential accidents, such as slips and falls, by giving you a way to avoid stairs altogether.

4. More independence

If you have mobility problems, an elevator can give you a greater sense of independence by allowing you to move around your home without assistance.

5. Increased privacy

If you have an in-home elevator, you won’t have to share it with your neighbors or other residents in your building. This can be a great perk if you value your privacy and you live in a shared residential building.

How to Know It’s Time for Elevator Installation in Your Home

There are a few key signs that indicate it may be time to start thinking about adding an elevator to your home. If any of the following apply to you, then it’s probably time to start doing some research:

1. You or a family member has mobility issues

If you or someone in your family has difficulty climbing stairs, then an elevator can make it much easier to get around your home. This is all the more essential if you live in a multi-story home.

2. You frequently have guests with mobility issues

If you frequently have guests with disabilities or mobility issues, an elevator can make it much easier for them to get around your home.

3. You live in a multi-story home

If you live in a multi-story home and don’t have an elevator, then it may be time to consider adding one. This is especially true if you have young children or elderly family members living in your home.

How Much Do Residential Elevators Cost?

The cost of a residential elevator depends on a number of factors, such as the type of elevator, the size and layout of your home, and the features you need — among many others.

Generally speaking, however, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $30,000 for a basic model. If you want a more luxurious model with premium features, you could end up paying upwards of $70,000 or more.

You also need to factor in other associated costs, such as construction and installation costs for models needing a dedicated power line or a separate mechanical room.

Making Your Home Elevator Fit Your Budget

As we mentioned, home elevators can be expensive, so it’s important to make sure that you choose one that fits your budget.

Some elevator types are typically less expensive than others. For example, hydraulic elevators are typically more affordable than traction elevators. Additionally, some elevator models come with basic features while others come with luxury features that increase the price tag.

To get a better sense of how much you can expect to pay for a home elevator, we recommend getting in touch with a reputable elevator company like Ascend Residential Elevators and Lifts.

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for affordable home elevators in Texas, Ascend is the best choice for you. We also offer flexible financing options with our partnership with LightStream.

Why You Should Hire Us!

Ascend is one of the best residential elevator installer, maintenance, and repair providers in Texas. We have been serving the Dallas-Fort Worth TX area for many years, and our team has the experience and expertise to get the job done right.

What separates us from other elevator companies is our dedication to customer service. We understand that each customer is unique, and we take the time to listen to your needs and concerns before recommending a solution.

We also believe in delivering quality products and services at a fair price. Aside from residential elevator installation, we also offer maintenance and repair services. We also offer a wide range of elevator products and services to fit any budget, and we’re always happy to work with you to find a solution that fits your needs and your budget.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

FAQ

Which type of elevator is best for my home?

The type of elevator that is best for your home depends on a number of factors, such as the size and layout of your home, your budget, and the features you need.

Some types of residential elevators are typically more expensive than others. For example, hydraulic elevators are typically considered a more affordable option than traditional elevators. Pneumatic vacuum elevators, on the other hand, are more pricey but they require the least amount of maintenance.

For homes with tighter spaces, small residential elevators are the best choice for you. Residential lift elevators are also a good choice for those who want an elevator that blends in with their home’s design and décor.

How often do home elevators need maintenance?

Most home elevators need to be inspected and maintained on a yearly basis. However, some types of elevators, such as hydraulic elevators, may only need to be serviced every few years.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to ensure that your elevator is operating safely and efficiently.