Mobility issues force hundreds of residents every year to sell their homes with lots of stairs and relocate to one with none, or at least a home with an elevator for easier access.
This, however, as people who have had experience with this would know, moving can be exorbitantly expensive and can be a daunting task. A simpler solution, and one that costs considerably less, could be installing a home elevator.
In this article, we explore home elevator installation costs in 2017-2018.
Elevator Installation Costs 2018
Chairlift Installation Costs 2018
Costs Of Installing an Elevator or Chairlift
Jay Romano of the New York Times reports that individuals considering to install a residential elevator can expect to pay an average of $15,000. Such an elevator allows weights of up to 500 to 1000 pounds at a time and, relying on hydraulics or cables,can cover a vertical distance of 50 feet, taking no bigger space than a large closet would on each floor.
Bob Vila, a home improvement expert, concurs with the supplied figures and adds that “such residential elevators possess an interior space of 15 square feet, easily allowing a wheelchair or a mobility scooter to fit in”.
Depending on your budget, residential elevators can go from pretty basic, with one-sided entrance and basic components, to three-sided entrances and luxury fittings and infrared sensors at the other end of the budget spectrum. Because of this, a generalized cost for purchase and installation cannot be presented as this would vary from preference to preference and budget to budget.
In this article, we have outlined the average costs you may incur for the installation of a basic 15 square-foot hydraulics elevator in your existing home within a budget of $15,000 – $16,000.
Elevator Installation Cost Breakdown
Home elevator installation costs about $15,000 in 2021. Such an elevator allows weights of up to 500 to 1000 pounds at a time and, relying on hydraulics or cables,can cover a vertical distance of 50 feet, taking no bigger space than a large closet would on each floor.
As it’s a large project, you will need to acquire the services of licensed elevator contractors who have had experience in such projects and deal in all popular brands.
The services of a residential elevator contractor will normally include:
- Installing an elevator that meets your needs and specifications, which for the purposes of this article will be 15 square-foot in size with basic features. These include a 6 to 10 inches high cab, one light, wooden handrails, integrated control panel with emergency features, a wooden accordion gate, and a hydraulic system that supports a maximum of 950 pounds and a speed of 40ft per minute.
- Installing the electronic control systems for the style of elevator selected.
- Guarantee that all components and equipment used meets the National Safety Codes for Elevator Safety.
Other Elevator Costs
Since arrangements need to be made in an existing home, you will also need to acquire the services of a building contractor to get the place ready for elevator installation.Additionally, an architect’s services will be required for designing a 45-inch by 52-inch shaft running vertically through the house, which the local planning agency will then approve. It will also need to be ensured that all electrical and building work meets the building code of your area.
There must also be electrical equipment already in place before the elevator contractors come in to do the installation. They will normally provide you with a list of equipment that needs to be in place prior to their arrival. For this purpose services of a professional electrician will need to be acquired, charging anywhere between $75-$200/hour, who will come in and install the following equipment, and any other that the contractors require:
- A230V-30AMP fused disconnect for the main power supply,
- A120V-15AMP fused disconnect for the cab light,
- AGFI outlet,
- Acab light with wiring and switch,
- An emergency phone line
Once all the preparations have been made and equipment put in place, it may take 3-5 days on average for the elevator to be installed.
Chair Lift Installation Costs 2021
Chairlifts installation can cost your around $3,000-$4,000 on average. Unlike elevators, chairlifts don’t require much preparation or labor as they come pre-constructed and are installed as on add-on on your staircase with minimal fixtures and adjustments. Nevertheless, services of professional contractors and an electrician will need to be acquired to do the necessary adjustments and carry out installation.You will also need to obtain the necessary permits before beginning installation. Costs, as mentioned above, will depend on the length of the staircase, the curves present and any other customizations.
Why Is There a Need for Elevator or Chairlift Installation?
The primary reason why people consider installing elevators or chairlifts are mobility issues, or the presence of elderly in the house. Need to eliminate stairs could stem for any number of reasons like an accident, a severe injury or medical condition, or merely old age. An alternative to finding a new home in such cases can be installing an elevator or chairlift so occupants don’t have to go through the financial and mental hassle of moving and don’t have to leave familiar surroundings either.
In addition to making your life easier, another advantage that will come of an elevator or chairlift installation is the rise in the overall value of the property. Mobility options like these will help the property a great deal in standing out when the time does come for you to sell it.Lastly, the addition of an elevator doesn’t need to be because of any particular reason or issue. If you have the expendable income, the addition of an elevator to your home can bring a touch of luxury and enhance your property’s appeal.
Chairlift Types
Sometimes referred to as stairway lifts or stair-chairs, chairlifts are motorized chairs hooked to a railing that can move up and down the staircase within seconds.Considered to be a more economical option than having an elevator installed, and ideal for the elderly or people with accessibility issues that do not suffer from complete immobility, chairlifts can be installed for as low as $3,000-$4,000 on average. The two common types of chairlifts, straight chairlift and curved chairlift, are designed for two common staircase types and the one you choose will depend on the kind of staircase you have in your home. Overall costs will be factored by the length you want installed and the kind of chairlift that needs to be installed.
Other Chairlift Costs
As with elevators, the higher up you go in the luxury department, the more it is going to cost you. For example, seat quality, presence of armrests and other specifications will also factor in into the overall cost. Other more technical factors that can affect the price and need to be considered are the type of steps, non-uniform rises in the staircase, and the distance between the chairlift and the nearest electrical outlet.
Conclusion
To conclude, if faced with mobility issues and considering a change of home, there are much convenient options available to you with a lot less hassle than moving houses. Considering your budget and your needs, you will be the best judge of whether it is an elevator or a chairlift that you should consider installing. Whichever one it is, make sure you assess all costs and procedures so that the installation can come about without a hitch.