7 Things You Need to Know About Residential Elevator

Are you getting a bit exhausted from the questions about the residential elevators,? Every contractor and salesperson has pitched their own set of questions for you. It’s important to be prepared for your first elevator ride with this list of FAQs.

Can a residential elevator go outdoors?

Many people commonly associate the word “elevator” with high-rise office buildings and shopping malls, but the residential elevator is an excellent home addition for those looking to get around more easily in a multilevel home. A residential elevator can be installed in a new or existing home and is available in a variety of styles, finishes, and sizes.

The question that homeowners most frequently ask about residential elevators is whether they can be installed outdoors. Fortunately, the answer is yes! The increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces has prompted many homeowners to install an outdoor residential elevator that allows them easy access to decks, pools, garages, patios, or other areas on various levels of their property. Many homeowners who have elevated properties or live on a steep hill choose to install an outdoor elevator that goes from the ground floor up to their home’s entryway.

What are the different types of residential elevators?

There are a lot of different types of residential elevators out there. Today, let’s take a look at some of the common features and highlight what each elevator can do for you.

The Hydraulic Elevator

This is the most common type of residential elevator. It has a hydraulic cylinder that lifts and lowers the elevator car through a system of pulleys and cables attached to the top of the car. They are often used in homes with limited space since they don’t require a machine room. Because they use hydraulic pressure, they are also very reliable and smooth to operate.

The Traction Elevator

Traction elevators are powered by electric motors and use sheaves, or pulley wheels, to move up and down along steel ropes. They are much faster than hydraulic elevators and also don’t require a machine room, so they’re ideal for high-rise buildings or small homes where space is limited. But because they rely on electricity rather than hydraulics, traction elevators have more moving parts that could potentially break down over time.

What is the size of the residential elevator?

The size of a residential elevator depends on the space available in your home. There are different types of elevators for various needs, but there are some general guidelines that apply to all of them. Elevator dimensions vary greatly, but most fit into the following categories:

– Small: These elevators have a vertical rise of fewer than 10 feet. They range from 36 inches to 48 inches square. They can be located anywhere inside or outside the home.

– Medium: Medium-sized elevators have a vertical rise of about 12 to 14 feet. They range from 54 inches to 60 inches square. They can be located either inside or outside the home.

– Large: Large elevators have a vertical rise of between 20 and 22 feet. They range from 72 inches to 84 inches square. A large model may not be able to fit inside your home, depending on the dimensions of your house and how much space you want to dedicate to the elevator shaft.

What does a residential elevator cost?

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to think that the addition of a residential elevator is out of their budget. However, most people are shocked to find out that installing an elevator can be as affordable as adding a bathroom. Elevators can add tremendous value to your home and, in many cases, pay for themselves.

While the cost of a residential elevator can vary depending on several factors, it is important to first determine how you expect your elevator to function. For example, the size and location of your home will impact how many stops you will need and where you will want them to be. In addition, the materials used in its construction can add to or reduce costs. A basic elevator will generally run anywhere between $20,000 and $40,000. However, if you choose to add custom features such as glass walls or doors, or perhaps a highly decorative interior, it could easily go over $100,000. The good news is that all elevators have a base price that includes most of the standard features. You can then customize the design and layout with upgrades that suit your individual needs and style preferences.

Where should I put my residential elevator?

Where you should put your residential elevator depends on some pretty significant factors, such as:

-How much space do you have to work with?

-What type of elevator will you be using?

-Do you have young children or pets that might be tempted to play with an elevator?

-What is your personal preference?

You have the option of placing your residential elevator in any location that takes you to the various levels of your home, with the exception of exterior spaces. However, it’s also important to consider how much space you have available, and what will be most convenient for you. If you’re considering a lift-style elevator, you’ll need to make sure there’s enough room between the bottom of the elevator and any walkways below so that it doesn’t get in the way when it’s parked at the bottom floor. The size of your home and its layout will also affect how many different options you have for placement.

The best thing to do is consult with your contractor about all your options and determine which one is best for your home and lifestyle.

Do I need to buy a separate hoistway for my residential elevator?

The short answer is no. When it comes to residential elevators, the hoistway is already included—so you don’t have to buy a separate hoistway for your elevator. The hoistway is simply the shaft in which the elevator travels, and it’s built into every residential elevator model we offer.

What you might need to buy is a separate hoist machine room. The hoist machine room is where the motor and controller have located that power the movement of your elevator. In some cases, there will be enough space in your home for this without additional construction, but depending on the size of your home or any existing features or rooms you’re not willing to part with, an additional machine room might be necessary (there are also cases in which a homeowner just prefers to have it). We can work with you from the beginning of your project to determine whether you’ll need a separate host machine room, and if so, what size it will need to be and where it should go. If you’re hoping to avoid the extra expense of building a new room just for the machine, we may be able to offer some creative solutions that allow us to use existing space instead.

Do I need a permit to install a residential elevator?

In most cases, yes. The exact requirements vary by state and even city, but in general, you will need to obtain a permit before you install a residential elevator. To figure out what your local requirements are, contact your local building department. If you live in a historic home or have an HOA, there may be additional regulations that you need to consider as well.

The reasons for requiring permits are twofold: they help ensure that your elevator is installed properly and safely, and they also help ensure that the installation meets local building codes and regulations. Local inspectors will visit the site several times during the installation process to ensure that everything is done according to code, and once the installation is complete, an inspection certificate will be issued to verify that the elevator installation process was completed successfully.

If you are having trouble obtaining a permit for your elevator installation—or if you simply want someone else to handle the permitting process for you—your local dealer can probably help. While it’s tremendously helpful if someone with experience handles the paperwork, keep in mind that this type of service comes with an extra cost.

As we see, the residential elevator can save much space in your house. If you are interested in it, our suggestion is that you should consult an experienced elevator producer or local elevator company. We are happy to help you and answer all your questions.