| By :
Stephen Daniels
If you're thinking about having an elevator installed in your current residence or purchasing a home with one already installed, it is a good idea to keep the minimum safety requirements for home elevators in mind. Once seen primarily only in old movies or high-end custom homes, residential elevators are being installed more often these days for multiple reasons. The growing population has created a need for urban-sprawl laws that minimize the footprint of homes. As a result, more multi-level homes are being built, which creates accessibility issues for both the aging population and those with disabilities. A residential elevator can be as simple as an open platform to accommodate a wheelchair-bound individual, or as ornate as a vintage railroad car. Your personal budget and aesthetic taste will determine the design; however, safety should never be sacrificed for the sake of looks. Here are some important questions to ask: * Is there an alarm and an emergency stop switch? Do they have battery backup? * What about a manual device to lower the car and open the gate or door in case of a power blackout? What happens to the car in motion if there is a sudden power outage? * Is there a way to prevent the door from opening between floors? * Is the elevator equipped with a telephone? Is it connected directly to 911 or a help desk that is monitored 24/7? Especially if you have children in the home, it is important to think about child safety. Tiny hands and limbs can get stuck in mesh gates or doors, if part of the design. Placement of controls is another factor to consider. Certainly, wheelchair passengers need ease of access; however, at the same time, small children need to be protected from their own curiosity and love of pushing buttons. Elevators are not just handy for moving people. What a great convenience it is to move heavy furniture, groceries or laundry between floors, for example. Making life easier for both the homemaker and for the physically impaired can add to your home's resale value, especially if the car is decorative and adds to the aesthetics of the residence. These lifts can fit into a closet or be positioned as a focal point, all the while complementing your personal decorating style. Consultations with professional installers are essential in helping you evaluate what your requirements are, and how easy or difficult installation would be. Some models require only minimal structural changes; others might need more. Is indoor installation an option, or would the unit have to be put on the exterior of the residence in order to work well with the existing room layout? Is wheelchair access essential? Would a stair lift suffice? Installers are also knowledgeable about local building codes, and can advise you on what electrical systems are necessary to support smooth operation and how to fit the elevator into your lifestyle. And of course, they will help ensure that the right safety features for you are part of the final product. Residential elevators bring a valuable added dimension to daily living. Careful consideration of safety requirements is an essential part of the design and installation process.
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