Residential elevators are a great way to help seniors, people with disabilities and the mobility challenged get around their homes more easily. Residential elevators can be installed in new homes or existing structures.
Elevator costs vary depending on the size of the elevator, where it’s being installed, what kind of elevator you’re having installed and whether or not there are any obstacles that need to be overcome while installing it.
The average cost of residential elevators ranges from around $25,000 – $35,000 depending on how many floors your home has and other architectural factors. This pricing should include taxes, permits, shipping and installation.
The Different Types Of Residential Elevators
Residential elevators are a convenient, cost-effective way to save space on your floors and give you access to more of your home. That being said, there are a few different options for residential elevators that can make them more or less desirable depending on your needs.
- Traditional residential elevators are, as their name implies, the most common type of elevator and are often seen in older buildings. They typically have an enclosed cabin that’s large enough for several people to ride comfortably at once, with room for storage and seating along the walls. These elevators are perfect if you want something that is both familiar and reliable; however, they can be difficult to retrofit into existing structures.
- Shaft-less residential elevators are a newer concept that has been picking up steam in recent years. As their name implies, these lifts don’t require a shaft or any sort of enclosure around their cabin—it’s lowered straight down through the floor. These elevators save money in both installation and long-term costs.
Every person is different and their living spaces are too. In the end, it’s up to you to decide which residential elevator design is best for your home. Some models are better suited for specific types of houses or dwellings, and no one model will have something that beats out all of the rest. But armed with this information, you should be able to confidently continue your research and decide what features are most important to your everyday life and design.
Other Costs To Consider
Your residential elevator cost is not just the price of the elevator. There are many additional expenses to consider when either installing or upgrading your current elevator. Here are some additional costs to think about:
Type of Drive System (geared counterweight, hydraulic, winding drum): There are two main types, geared counterweight and hydraulic, with winding drum being a less-common option. Geared counterweight elevators use cables and counterweights to move the car, while hydraulic elevators use hydraulics to move the car up and down the shaft. Winding drum elevators use cables and drums to move the car up and down the shaft.
Travel Distance/Number of Stops: Travel distance and number of stops are another important factor. Over 50 feet of travel is allowed by elevator code, but the longer it takes to get from one floor to another, the more expensive your elevator will be. The number of floors you’re traveling between will also affect the price. Residential elevators are generally installed in homes with two to six floors.
Car and Landing Configuration: When an elevator is installed for a home, the option of having one or two doors on the car can make a big difference in the cost of construction. The number of doors on the car is determined by the layout of the floor plan and where the elevator shaft will be located. Additional costs are incurred when there are more than two sets of doors on a single car.
Gate and Door Options: We can provide a variety of door and gate options. For example, we can install an accordion style gate that expands as the car arrives at your floor or a more industrial-looking sliding gate for urban settings. If you’re looking for something more decorative, we also offer a number of decorative panel options for the interior walls of the cab. Finally, if you’d like to make it easier for wheelchair users and power chair users to get in and out of the elevator car, we can install fully automatic doors with easy access controls.
Elevator Cab Finishes: Residential elevators are often equipped with interiors that can be customized to match the rest of the home’s decor. In addition to standard melamine, wood and glass cab finishes, many elevators also include the option to add decorative millwork to the elevator cab.
The Takeaway
Residential elevators can be a great addition to any home, especially if you are looking for assistance getting up and down the stairs, or just want to add a little extra appeal to your home. iRise Elevators offer mobility, access, and peace of mind, three things that all homeowners will enjoy. Contact us today to learn more!
