| By :
Stephen Daniels
A residential elevator can bring comfort and value to a property, and it's already become a popular add-on to both new and existing residences. A home elevator significantly increases movement for elderly and handicapped property owners, as well as their loved ones and visitors. Although it can be pricey, installation is still a cheaper option than having to move to a single-story house. Manufacturers understand the need to balance style with function. That is why they offer numerous customization options, giving homeowners the opportunity to pick a model and design that conforms to their tastes as well as their needs. In most residences, there is little use for a bulky, commercial-sized elevator. A capacity of two or three riders will almost always suffice. For wheelchair-bound homeowners, the cab should be big enough to accommodate their needs. Because it is an integrated fixture in a house, if visible, it should also possess a certain amount of style rather than being purely functional with no attractive elements. Both in terms of type and modification options, there is a wide range of designs available. Popular options include antique birdcage designs, stylish wood-paneled interiors, units with accordion-style doors and panoramic, all-glass cabs. There are also elevators that are small enough to fit into a closet, and if desired, no one but the homeowner might ever know that a lift is hidden behind the door. A lift built into the home should be incorporated with the building's initial blueprint. Its ability to blend in with the structure and any decor is part of the value it adds. The homeowner and manufacturer should work together to find a design that functions as needed without sacrificing form. The type and decorative materials chosen are contingent upon the structure and interior design of the home. An elevator's costs can range from $10,000 to $40,000 or higher, depending on the type of elevator installed and any modifiable features that are included. Residential elevator prices vary widely for a number of reasons; type, cab and shaft size, the layout of the home and the installation process weigh the heaviest on cost. Retrofitting an existing home is always more expensive than installation during construction. Lift types include: * Hydraulic * Electric or traction * Tube-style pneumatic * Overhead winding drum * Stairway chair lift A common misconception is that a home elevator is only for elderly or handicapped residents. While it is incredibly useful in transporting people between floors, residential lifts are advantageous for other reasons. Once installed, homeowners report finding an almost unending list of uses for this handy, functional device, and best of all, they add value to the home in case the owners ever need or decide to sell.
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