Outdoor Residential Elevators

When people hear that you want to have an elevator in your home, they might initially think it’s going to be just a waste of money. But the need for a residential elevator arises when there is a handicap or a disabled member of the family living in the house. These people usually suffer from low self-esteem because they think they are unworthy and useless. But outdoor residential elevators can help them regain their mobility in a multi-level house. They can go in and out of a room without having to bother anyone. And besides, when you do think of it, it is kind of cool to have a home elevator.

What Type to Use?

Outdoor residential elevators vary in type and design. The main reason for choosing an outdoor elevator is the presence of stairs in the house. And the space may be hampered and limited should an elevator be added inside. Nevertheless, an outdoor elevator is often preferred because it can be easily installed. Outdoor elevators include the vertical wheelchair lift or the porch lift, which can either be enclosed or not. When choosing elevators, safety features such as skid-proof platforms should always be prioritized. Oftentimes, physically handicapped people like those bound in wheelchairs make use of the elevator so it is important that they are kept safe while moving up and down the multi-level house. An enclosed outdoor elevator is recommended so that people still have mobility even during bad weather. It should also be corrosion free since it could be exposed to certain elements that could possibly damage it.

Building Considerations

The installation of outdoor residential elevators has several requirements. Size of the elevator car is the top-most requirement and if you are adding one for luxury, remember that 15 feet is the allowed limit. Where to build the shaft is another consideration. It often situated outdoors so you won’t have to relocate anything inside the house. Do not replace your stairs with an elevator because doing so actually lowers the value of the house. Configuration of entry and exit is the next thing. People in wheelchairs have trouble maneuvering in a small space so that should be taken into consideration. Price is another matter, and the elevator you choose is dependent on what you can afford. Breakdowns should not be forgotten, too. You must have skilled technicians to install the elevator and test ride it to avoid unnecessary delays and trouble.

The Costs Involved

Putting up an elevator in your home can be quite expensive. You will have to consider the brand, the features of the elevator, and the need for customizations, if any. The more sophisticated the elevator, the pricier it will be. Prices of these elevators can reach anywhere from $8,000 to $40,000. Installation cost is also another expenditure. You will surely not be able to do the process yourself so you will have to hire skilled technicians to handle the job. Elevators usually have a lifespan of 20 years and in that period, regular maintenance has to be done. It has to be serviced and checked for the safety of its passengers. Any repairs and change of parts must be accomplished periodically.

At first sight, the price tag can be overwhelming. But since the elevator is a long-term investment, it will be worth the cash outlay in the end. What's more, instead of moving to a single-story home to accommodate your loved one’s needs, installing a home elevator is a much cheaper alternative.