Residential Elevator - Is It A Better Option Over A Stair Lift?

When moving to a new home is just out of the question, or you have a limited amount of space in your current home which does not allow for either a ramp or a stair lift, a residential elevator may be the perfect solution. No matter if you are using it for physically impaired family members, or if you have a multi-level home and are just in need of an easy way to get from floor to floor, these home elevators work quite well.

The residential elevator is the perfect solution for anyone who is in a wheelchair. Along with the pure safety that it provides, it also gives the user the freedom to travel up and down floors without feeling like they are a prisoner in their own home. And the many added amenities that can come along with them are a wonderful asset as well.

Basic home elevator lifts consist of a track like fixture that is attached to an existing wall with a bucket like cabin that the user goes into. This basic structure is not covered like a traditional elevator. It has an easy to use control panel and can be installed with a phone for added safety.

Medium range elevators can fit into the space the size of a closet. They use the same doors that you use in your home, so looking at it as an outsider, you would never know there was an elevator in your home. The doors have an interlocking system that will only allow them to be opened when the elevator is on the floor you are on, providing a much needed safety feature. As does the basic elevator, this one also has the necessary equipment needed to install a phone if desired, along with an emergency stop button.

Along with the features the others provide, there are many added bonuses you can get for appearance and safety. Handrails can be added to ensure added safety and stability of someone that is standing up in the elevator during operation. Emergency lighting, alarms and phones can all be additionally installed.

Safety is the number one concern for anyone purchasing a lift and the skid resistant floors that are used in the residential elevators helps reassure the user of this fact.

Although the cost of the elevator is generally more than that of a stair lift or a ramp, the safety that it provides is priceless, not to mention residential elevators today are designed in such a way as to be unobtrusive to the homeowner, causing a more pleasing to the eye experience. Along with being extremely quiet to operate, they are very energy efficient also. But probably most importantly to any home owner, it adds value to your home, so if you sell in the future you can expect to add approximately 10% more value to your home.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a residential elevator, but the most important is safety. Using a licensed contractor is crucial when it comes to your own safety or the safety of a loved one. Choosing one to suit your specific needs is the next step, whether it is for a wheelchair, the elderly, or just for convenience, knowing which style would benefit you the most is key.