Home lifts, home elevators, and residential lifts are all terms we use interchangeably for a similar phenomenon but with different nuances and micro-details. These usually depend on the contractor, the specific service you’re soliciting, and your reason for installation, since the latest innovative technologies provide you with many possibilities.
A world full of microscopic differences makes the blurry world of home lift installation much more definite. Let’s dive in and explore all there is to know about it.
Types of Elevators to Choose From
You can choose the type of elevator you want after getting an assessment done by your contractor.
Pitless Elevators
A pitless elevator saves room in the building, although you’ll have to be strict with maintenance since the safety can be a bit lax in this design.
Hydraulic Elevators
A hydraulic elevator uses fluid pressure to move, but only goes 150 ft per minute. Yet it is extremely safe and reliable for use in homes and is touted for its security.
Vacuum Elevators
A vacuum elevator runs on air pressure, but has a smaller load capacity than its peers.
Traction Elevators
The traditional traction elevator remains the most popular one for home use. It is much more consistent and much faster, with a speed of 500 ft per minute, surpassing all the other kinds by far.
Choosing a Type
The proper way to choose a type is to determine how much money you’re willing to spend and how much space your home can afford to surrender.
In case of less space, you can install a shaftless elevator, which moves through your floors by removing parts of the floor to make space for it. It is usually popular in homes without enough space for a proper elevator, though it only has a speed of 20 ft per minute.
If you’re on a budget, residential elevators are a great idea! They are significantly cheaper than commercial ones, as they only cost a fraction of the price.
Safety Regulations for Home Elevators
The most frequent forms found in residential areas are automatically operated and up to code with the latest safety guides as approved by the city. They don’t need to be maintained as much as other elevators, only requiring a checkup every six months or so (compared to the strict monthly maintenance commercial ones have to undergo).
They are, however, smaller than commercial elevators, and because of their safety guidelines, they are not regulated to move as fast as their commercial counterparts. The safety of these elevators also depends on the efficiency of the technicians and the laws surrounding commercial and residential elevator safety in the country.
Advanced Sensors
We are graced with the most robust technology available to help curb as many accidental injuries as possible. For example, you can use advanced sensors that identify the presence of people in the elevator to prevent any unintended downward movement or collisions.
Contractor Warranty
Many contractors guarantee total safety and even tout elevators as the safest form of travel in the modern era if the safety codes are up-to-date and maintenance is never skipped. These companies have made multiple video messages to educate the public on the proper use of machinery without endangering themselves.
Eco-friendly and Futuristic
Many companies are also moving towards sustainable energy and ensuring their machines are energy efficient. Not only are these elevators eco-friendly, but sleek and elegant as well! They are making their designs smarter with glossy control panels and a polished interior to match the aesthetics of the residents who choose to install them in their homes for a sense of luxury and futurism sprinkled in their aesthetic.
Property Value
The newest home elevator business trend is installing a home elevator in your home to drive up the property value and raise the market price. In cities where real estate is a highly sound investment, adding luxury home elevators can make your home go from cozy to costly. People who want to bask in such luxury usually get them installed to make their homes feel like five-star hotels.
Additionally, it is a sign of quiet luxury (which is the rage these days) to have modern machinery in your home that requires constant upkeep and a lot of zeroes to install. It is a symbol of wealth, which makes it very valuable in certain social circles, where appearances and status are your golden ticket in and out.
Ceiling track lifts are another option, but these are usually less popular with people for their unorthodox way of operation.
Limitations
Although the pros generally outweigh the cons when it comes to home elevators, there are still some important limitations to be considered before installation. A home elevator can travel up to 50 feet vertically in your home but needs a certain amount of space.
A contractor can assess your home to check if the installation can be done. If the space is very limited, do not worry-there are a variety of options that can be customized to your specific needs.To sum up, home elevators are extremely beneficial for any home and will surely make getting from one floor to another easier and far more exciting.
