In multilevel homes, installing either an elevator or a chairlift can be an option. Although both are often expensive additions to a home, they can serve to increase the total value of the property and make it more accessible for residents. Since the expense of installing either an elevator or a chairlift can be daunting, breaking down the cost of each gives potential buyers a better understanding of what influences prices and which option will be best for their house and budget. There are a number of different reasons that a chairlift or an elevator might be installed in the home, but the biggest of all is accessibility. Some homeowners face an injury, accident or simply old age that means stairs are no longer an option. In these cases, having an elevator or a chairlift reduces pain and ensures that homeowners can remain in the home they know and love despite any physical ailments. Aside from issues of mobility, both elevators and chairlifts can increase the total value of a structure.
Built-in mobility options like these can help the property stand out to a greater range of buyers who might not otherwise consider a two-story or taller house. Finally, it is worth noting that having an elevator in the home doesn't have to be entirely practical. Although expensive, an elevator can add a feeling of luxury to a home and push it to a higher level of overall appeal. In homes where elevators are the best choice, there will be the option of selecting between hydraulic elevators and pneumatic elevators. Hydraulic elevators are the most popular option, and they are also the most expensive to construct and maintain. Hydraulic elevators run by using a hydraulic arm that physically lifts and lowers the elevator cab itself. This kind of elevator is relatively quiet, at least compared to the cable elevators in larger apartment buildings. It is often large enough for multiple passengers or two wheelchairs to fit side by side. A pneumatic elevator is a relatively new option that is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its affordable cost, minimal maintenance and speed of installation.
The cabs of pneumatic elevators are made from glass, which lends a contemporary look to the home and can provide a view as passengers ride up or down between floors. Although there is technically a third option for elevators, cable-operated elevators are generally too large, too noisy and too expensive to consider for a private residence.Get A Pro Out Today! On average, it will cost $20,000 to add an elevator into the home. This may seem like a substantial amount of money, but it covers a range of different steps from the purchase of the elevator to the extensive amount of installation required as well as the necessary steps to ensure that the elevator is secure. The first expense will be the cab itself, which is the area where passengers will ride. The height of the cab can range from just over six feet up to 12 feet, but the larger the cab the more expensive it will be. The gates, or entry doors that open and close at each level, will also be responsible for some of the cost. Another major cost will be either the hydraulic arm or the pneumatic system as well as a safety feature that slowly lowers the elevator should the system fail for any reason.
Additional costs will include the electronic panels, the phone installation for emergencies and an inspection proving the elevator meets safety standards set by the National Safety Codes for Elevator Safety. Of course, professional installation will also be a significant cost to consider. Thankfully, elevators needed for medical reasons may qualify for tax deductions, which will reduce their total cost. Along with the major features mentioned above, there are some optional additions or circumstances that can raise the price. They include, but are not limited to, the following: Vertical shaft created by an architectPermits for construction and installationCarpentry work for a custom jobUpscale features or materialsHigher ceilings or access to more than two floors Also called stair chairs and stairway lifts, a chairlift is a motorized chair attached to a railing that can go up or down stairs in a matter of seconds. Generally, this will be a much more affordable option than an elevator, and the average price is often somewhere between $3,000 and $4,000.
The two major types of chairlifts are straight chairlifts and curved chairlifts. Just like their names indicate, the best type of chairlift will depend on the shape of the staircase in the home. The length of the needed track, extra curves on the stairs and the seat style will all influence total price.Hire an Elevator/Stair Lift Professional Most chairlifts come already constructed, so there is not as much labor needed as with elevator installation. However, the track of the chairlift will have to be adjusted to fit the existing staircase, professional installers will be needed to handle any construction and electrical wiring. Permits will also be needed before installation can begin. The more customized a chairlift is, or the more curves present in the staircase, the higher the installation price will be in total. Along with the shape of the staircase and the quality of the chairlift seat, armrests and track, there are several ways that the price of this addition can be affected.
Some of the biggest factors to be aware of are site complications, which might include large stone steps or unusual rises, the length of the distance between the chairlift and an available electrical outlet, how accessible the stairs are to begin with and whether the stairs are indoors or outdoors. Help us improve this article Was this page helpful? 5 - Extremely Helpful 4 - Very Helpful 2 - Somewhat Helpful 1 - Not Helpful » Wheelchair Lifts for Homes Wheelchair Lifts for Homes Residential porch lifts are a simple, affordable solution for creating easy home access. Even a few steps can be a large barrier to someone with limited mobility. Freedom Residential Wheelchair Lifts are designed for indoor or outdoor use to provide a safer home environment and a better quality of life. 28" Home Wheelchair Lifts 52" Residential Porch Lifts Name (A - Z) Name (Z - A) Price (Low > High) Price (High > Low) Model # (A - Z)
Model # (Z - A) 28" Straight Left Access Wheelchair Lift 28" Straight Right Access Wheelchair Lift 28" Adjacent Left Access Wheelchair Lift 28" Adjacent Right Access Wheelchair Lift 52" Straight Left Access Wheelchair Porch Lift 52" Straight Right Access Wheelchair Porch Lift 52" Adjacent Left Access Wheelchair Porch Lift 52" Adjacent Right Access Wheelchair Porch Lift 53" Straight Left Easy Ride Residential Wheelchair Platform Lift 53" Straight Right Easy Ride Residential Wheelchair Platform Lift Home Lift Systems Made Easy Freedom's residential wheelchair lifts for home use have a weight capacity of 750lbs, accommodating a person in an electric scooter or someone in a wheelchair. Wheelchair platform lifts vertically transfer you from your porch to your yard, allowing you to go anywhere you desire. Our wheelchair lifts are an economical solution to home accessibility. Available with a maximum lifting height of 28” or 52”, we can help you select from our home lift systems to suit your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Residential wheelchair lifts for home use: Do outdoor lifts for wheelchairs usually cost less or more than installing a ramp? Most often the wheelchair lift price is lower that the cost of installing a ramp. The cost of a ramp depends on the height of the rise. A ramp must be at least 12” long for every 1 inch of rise. Which means even if you only have a 10” high porch, your ramp would need to be at least 10 feet long. There is a lot of skilled labor involved in building a ramp, so the cost can be quite high when you consider the amount of material and the time it will take. The Freedom wheelchair lifts take up significantly less space, and can be installed in a few hours, if the site is prepared. Customers have found that wheelchair porch lift prices are significantly lower than the quotes they’ve received for having a ramp installed. How quickly can I receive the residential porch lift? Production time for the residential porch lifts depend on the model, configuration and optional add-ons.
The factory often has one of the standard 52” straight through wheelchair lifts in stock, however most wheelchair lifts take about 2 to 3 weeks to manufacture, plus shipping time from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. How much room do residential porch lifts take up? Accessibility Professionals offers two lifting heights, 28” and 52”, and each of those are available in two configurations, a straight through or an adjacent wheelchair platform lifts. See the chart below for measurements. Remember to leave enough clearance space over the lift to account for someone standing on the lift: Who can install the Freedom home lift systems? Depending on where your home is located, your local building permit office may have certain requirements about who is authorized to do residential lift installations. If you are receiving any funding for this type of home modification (for example, by Veterans Affairs), the funding organization may also have certain criteria regarding who is authorized to install these home lift systems.
However, if you have confirmed that there is no such requirement for residential lift installations in your area (municipal or state), these lifts are easy to install. Here’s what you need to know to decide what skills are needed to install the Freedom Wheelchair Platform lifts: The site must be prepared with a level concrete pad. The upper landing must be secure and level. A travel wall may need to be installed if there is an open space underneath the deck. What else can I do to make my home accessible? Adding an exterior wheelchair lift to gain access to your home is a great first step to making your home accessible for all family members and visitors. The next step should be making your bathroom accessible, since this room can be the most difficult to use when you have limited mobility or depend on a wheelchair or walker to get around. If possible a main floor bathroom should be accessible. Adding a curbless or barrier free shower will greatly reduce the dangers of slips and falls while transitioning into a bath or shower.