Is a Stair Lift or a Home Elevator the Better Option for You?

While stair lifts are fairly familiar and are usually associated with the homes of the elderly, home elevators with full-sized enclosed cabs have a wider range of use. People of all ages can use an elevator, and it allows for easy transport of laundry, groceries, children, guests and more.

It used to be that home elevators were found only in grandiose residences. But as costs have come down and need has risen, residential elevators have become more common. If you are thinking of installing one of these devices in your house, a consultation with a distributor or manufacturer can help you make the right choice given your options. Factors to ask about when shopping around include costs, design options, installation procedures, functions and safety features.

Starting with cost, a stair lift will be far less expensive than an elevator. Given a straight staircase and uncomplicated installation, a lift averages between $3,000 and $4,000. Curved stairways present a greater challenge because the rail will have to be custom-made; this will drive the cost up to as much as double the price of a straight stairway. On the other hand, bare-bones residential elevator prices might start as low as $10,000, and depending on the structure, the model, and the options selected, they can run much higher. A very high-end elaborate unit can be $100,000 or more - though most home owners can find a model to suit their needs for much less. Refurbished units of both stair lifts and elevators are also occasionally available. While they are often like-new and can offer incredible savings, they must be adaptable to the layout of your home. Also, as newer models roll out, they may have features that are indispensible to your needs, but cannot be modified to fit the older model.

In terms of space and installation, a stair lift is, by nature, a visible modification to a staircase, while an elevator is often concealed within a shaft. If aesthetics are the biggest consideration, an elevator has the most advantages. However, many options are available with stair lifts that can help customize their overall look. Color, fabric and chair style choices help them blend more into the decor of a home, while options like arm rests, double seats and built-in massagers improve their versatility. For new construction, it's important to consider that an elevator will take up a quarter of the square footage of a stair lift and can add as much as 10 percent to the value of a home.

Besides cost, function will likely influence your decision the most. Consider weight and other needs; lifts can support up to 400 pounds, although those in wheelchairs will likely have more difficulty with them. However, not all elevators are fully wheelchair-accessible either. That option is available though, and the full cab style does offer many other advantages, as the size and weight limits can accommodate far more than just an elderly or disabled individual.

Safety is of primary importance. The stairway is a potential hazard, especially for elderly residents, and both lifts and elevators can ensure safe passage between floors. Regardless of the type, boarding should be easy and uncomplicated. A back-up power source should be in place in case of a power outage, and an alarm should also be easily accessible in case of emergency.

The best thing to do before committing to any building addition or modification is to have an expert come to your home to help you understand the choices available to you. Not all floor plans will easily accommodate a full elevator, so your choices may be limited. However, an expert can answer your questions, outline your options and help you decide what will work best for your needs and lifestyle.

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<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN' 'http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd'><html><head><title>Articles Back Link | Is a Stair Lift or a Home Elevator the Better Option for You?</title></head><body><h3>Is a Stair Lift or a Home Elevator the Better Option for You?</h3><br><br> By: Stephen Daniels<br><br><p><p>While stair lifts are fairly familiar and are usually associated with the homes of the elderly, home elevators with full-sized enclosed cabs have a wider range of use. People of all ages can use an elevator, and it allows for easy transport of laundry, groceries, children, guests and more.</P><p>It used to be that home elevators were found only in grandiose residences. But as costs have come down and need has risen, residential elevators have become more common. If you are thinking of installing one of these devices in your house, a consultation with a distributor or manufacturer can help you make the right choice given your options. Factors to ask about when shopping around include costs, design options, installation procedures, functions and safety features.</P><p>Starting with cost, a stair lift will be far less expensive than an elevator. Given a straight staircase and uncomplicated installation, a lift averages between $3,000 and $4,000. Curved stairways present a greater challenge because the rail will have to be custom-made; this will drive the cost up to as much as double the price of a straight stairway. On the other hand, bare-bones residential elevator prices might start as low as $10,000, and depending on the structure, the model, and the options selected, they can run much higher. A very high-end elaborate unit can be $100,000 or more - though most home owners can find a model to suit their needs for much less. Refurbished units of both stair lifts and elevators are also occasionally available. While they are often like-new and can offer incredible savings, they must be adaptable to the layout of your home. Also, as newer models roll out, they may have features that are indispensible to your needs, but cannot be modified to fit the older model.</P><p>In terms of space and installation, a stair lift is, by nature, a visible modification to a staircase, while an elevator is often concealed within a shaft. If aesthetics are the biggest consideration, an elevator has the most advantages. However, many options are available with stair lifts that can help customize their overall look. Color, fabric and chair style choices help them blend more into the decor of a home, while options like arm rests, double seats and built-in massagers improve their versatility. For new construction, it's important to consider that an elevator will take up a quarter of the square footage of a stair lift and can add as much as 10 percent to the value of a home.</P><p>Besides cost, function will likely influence your decision the most. Consider weight and other needs; lifts can support up to 400 pounds, although those in wheelchairs will likely have more difficulty with them. However, not all elevators are fully wheelchair-accessible either. That option is available though, and the full cab style does offer many other advantages, as the size and weight limits can accommodate far more than just an elderly or disabled individual.</P><p>Safety is of primary importance. The stairway is a potential hazard, especially for elderly residents, and both lifts and elevators can ensure safe passage between floors. Regardless of the type, boarding should be easy and uncomplicated. A back-up power source should be in place in case of a power outage, and an alarm should also be easily accessible in case of emergency.</P><p>The best thing to do before committing to any building addition or modification is to have an expert come to your home to help you understand the choices available to you. Not all floor plans will easily accommodate a full elevator, so your choices may be limited. However, an expert can answer your questions, outline your options and help you decide what will work best for your needs and lifestyle.<br></P></p> <br><br> <b>Author Resource:-></b>  <br><br><b>Article From</b> <a href='http://www.articlesbacklink.com/'>Articles Back Link</a><br></body></html>