Home elevators provide assistance to those with limited mobility, create ease of access between floors, and serve as a design element to enhance the beauty of the home. Whether your home elevator installation is for new or existing construction, you should identify the optimum location for the elevator in consultation with an architect, builder and elevator contractor. As you look for the best place to install a home elevator, here are a few factors to consider.
New Home Elevator Installation
If you are building a new home, placement of the elevator hoistway and machine room, if required, should be integrated into the design early in the process. An elevator can be used as a focal point near an entryway or in the center of the house, incorporated into a room or hallway, or placed beside an existing stairway. As you define the location, consider details such as elevator configuration. Your elevator can be designed to accommodate the layout of the home in either a same-side, 90 degree or straight-through configuration. Your design team should plan the structural and electrical requirements so that these elements are properly incorporated during construction. Should you decide to plan your home to add an elevator at a later date, stacked closets can be incorporated to create a natural place for the installation.
Retrofitting a Home Elevator
Retrofitting a residential elevator presents a different set of considerations, as the elevator will need to be fit into your existing home, typically with as little site modification as possible. A standard elevator requires approximately 25 square feet of space. The elevator drive system utilized may impact the floor plan. For instance, if the model requires a machine room, additional space is needed. Most elevators require a pit of approximately 8 inches. In addition, the shaftway must have adequate structural support, which may have to be constructed during the retrofit.
Spaces around the stairway are often easily adapted to accommodate a home elevator. Other places that work well include closets, hallways, dens and living rooms. If your garage can accommodate the installation of a hoistway without affecting parking, garage installations allow safe, quick access from the car to the interior of the home. Of equal importance is where the elevator opens onto the upper floor. Many people find a landing in or near a bedroom to be convenient.
Professional Home Elevator Installation
A home elevator is a complex system that must be installed properly to accentuate its aesthetic qualities and to meet safety codes. Although it may be tempting to undertake a do-it-yourself home elevator retrofit, a professional home elevator contractor has the expertise to evaluate a space, discuss the advantages of the various residential elevator drive systems with you and install the unit according to local safety codes. Symmetry Elevating Solutions custom-designs and builds each residential elevator it installs to meet your specific requirements.
Considering a retrofitted installation in my house to accommodate an individual member of the family. Need advice about placement and costs.
Ron T
Thank you for your interest in Symmetry Elevating Solutions. We have emailed you the information for the dealer in your area. They will be able to answer any questions you may have on a home elevator installation.
I want to know about installation of lift area for 6 person .
Thank you for your interest in Symmetry Elevating Solutions. A member of our team has reached out for additional information. Please contact customerservice@symmetryelevator.com or find a representative nearest you by completing the Find a Dealer form.
Please send contact info for a dealer near me.
Thank You
Hello Mike. Thank you for your interest in Symmetry Elevating Solutions. We have emailed you the dealer for your area. If we may be of further assistance please contact us at customerservice@symmetryelevator.com.
Is 5ft length and 2.5 ft width enough for 250kg lift
As a rule of thumb, a residential elevator will need approximately a 4.5′ x 5.5′ floor space. Contact your local Symmetry representative, who will be able to assess your circumstances and provide guidance on how to proceed.
I would like information on retro-fitting an elevator at my home. Is there a local contractor to the State College, PA area?
Thank you for your interest in Symmetry Elevating Solutions. You should have received the contact information for your local dealer. Please reach out to customerservice@symmetryelevator.com if we may be of further assistance.
We are considering installing an elevator in our raised bungalow. Is there a dealer in the St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada area?
Thank you for your interest in Symmetry Elevating Solutions. You should have received the contact information for your local dealer via email. Please reach out to customerservice@symmetryelevator.com if we may be of further assistance.
How much area is required for lift for 4 persons? Is 5.6 x 6 feet ok?
Thank you for your interest in Symmetry Elevating Solutions. A member of our team has reached out for additional information. Please contact customerservice@symmetryelevator.com or find a representative nearest you by completing the Find a Dealer form.