| By :
Stephen Daniels
Home elevators are increasingly becoming part of the architectural floor plan of new luxury home construction. As a rising number of people design houses for long-term accommodation, families are planning for a time when injury or lack of mobility could reduce full access indoors. Including elevator installation in the initial building specs assures the homeowner that these future contingencies are covered, while enabling people to enjoy the many other advantages residential elevators bring to a living space. While a residential elevator certainly helps accommodate family members and guests with all levels of mobility concerns, there are additional practical advantages to be considered. For instance, in most multi-floor houses, stairways take up a lot of floor space - which could be better utilized as extra rooms, common areas or even additional storage. Of course, stairways still need to be included for safety reasons, but these can be built into a less prominent location and function as utilitarian rather than decorative space. Additionally, people who have these lifts in their homes tend to use them much more frequently than they may have otherwise thought. They can come in handy for moving smaller pieces of furniture; ferrying luggage, packages and strollers; or simply providing a safe way for family or guests to get to different levels in the dark - perhaps while heading down to the kitchen for a late-night snack. Today's home lot sizes are decreasing in many parts of the country, making smaller lots more commonplace. Despite this trend, homeowners who desire more square footage can design taller residences with plenty of space. These multi-level abodes also afford excellent views of the landscape or city skyline, with less chance of having the scenery obstructed by other buildings. Installing an elevator means that every member of the household can easily get to the highest floors without ever having to worry about accessibility in later years. Residential elevator manufacturers and designers have developed beautifully appointed indoor lifts that enhance the aesthetic as well. From the minimalist to the ornate, a variety of artisan materials such as brass, copper, decorative metals, and stained or etched glass are often used to complement the existing architecture and color scheme. By working closely with their clients, an elevator designer can incorporate all of the elements necessary to create the perfect complement to the rest of the home. When considering livability for themselves, other family members or guests, installing a residential elevator makes both practical and aesthetic sense for homeowners, while also adding overall value to a home.
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