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Navigating Home Accessibility: Elevators as a Solution to Stair Challenges
- Rene Perez
- May 15, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 31
As real estate professionals, our primary role often revolves around marketing and selling homes effectively. But sadly…the pursuit of selling can get in the way of doing what is best for a seller. Read this before selling!
Sometimes, the decision for sellers to downsize is driven by the desire to reduce responsibilities like cleaning, maintenance, and most notably, navigating stairs.
Sellers think that their only option is to move. But the reality is that moving can sometimes cause regret. After so many years, there's bound to be so many memories and friendships made. If you’re happy where you live, you shouldn't feel forced to move simply because you’re getting older. There’s solutions for you to age in place.
Home Elevators
For those not keen on leaving a home filled with memories, innovative solutions like home elevators present a viable alternative. At first glance, it might feel expensive to retrofit elevators into homes, but this is a common misconception.
The range can be as little as around $6,000 ( including stairs and installation ). The best part is that if you can’t afford to purchase, these systems can often be rented.
In some cases, you might even be able to sell the system back to the company if things change and you no longer need a mobility system.
Here’s a breakdown of examples of what’s available:
Wheelchair Platform Lift: These lifts allow for the wheelchair to stay in place. These platforms are usually simple square-shaped vertical platforms.
New: you can find these for $3,999.00.
Used: you can find these even on Ebay starting at $2,200.00
Stair Lift: These are the lifts that you usually see in older homes. These are the ones usually having a chair attached to a rail on the wall of the staircase. Also affordable, but it will depend if the staircase is directly parallel to the second floor, or if there are curves (which would increase the price).
New: Straight Stair Lift: ~ $1,499.00 ( Self Installation )
Curved Stair Lift: ~ $7,199.00 ( Includes Installation )
( Buy and Rent to own options )
Cable Elevators: These are the typical home elevators you might think of. They have cables that wrap around a drum at the top, and the elevator is balanced with weights, kind of like the traction ones. They can also go up to five floors. They need a room at the top for the machine that winds the cables. These are a bit easier to look after, so they might save you some money on maintenance.
Price: $15,000 to $35,000
Traction (MRL): Traction elevators, or ones without a machine room (MRL), have their lifting gear in the wall next to the elevator, not in a separate room. They use steel belts or cables and a balancing weight to move up and down. These don't need a big room for machinery, but they do require a little bit of digging for the foundation and need a special elevator shaft. They're strong enough to go up to five floors, and while they're not super noisy, you might hear some sound from the machinery.
Price: ~ $25,000 to $55,000
Hydraulic Elevators: These elevators are known for their quiet operation, and don't require a separate machine room. Hydraulic elevators use a piston under the elevator to move it up and down. They're really powerful and can go up to seven floors, plus they can carry heavy items. They're pretty smooth and quiet. Since most of the mechanism is under the elevator, they're good for homes with lower ceilings. The downside is they need a large pit for the piston and a separate room for the pump, usually on the ground floor.
Price: ~ $30,000 to $60,000
Pneumatic/Vacuum Elevators: Ideal for smaller spaces and have a distinctive glass design which provides a luxury feel. Imagine a giant vacuum cleaner – that's kind of how pneumatic elevators work. They use suction to pull the elevator up and then let it come down with gravity and less suction. They're energy-saving and don't take up much room, but they can still go up five floors. These don't need a pit or a machine room, but they do need some extra space above them. They can be a bit noisy because of the air moving around.
Price: ~ $35,000 - $60,000
Chain-Driven Elevators: Chain-driven elevators are a bit like the traction ones, but use chains instead of cables. They're tougher and usually quieter. They work really smoothly because there's less loose chain to pull tight. Performance-wise, they're on par with the other types, but tend to be pricier.
Price: ~ $27,000 to $62,000
Shaftless Elevators: Shaftless elevators are neat because they don't move inside a big, enclosed shaft. This makes them easier to fit into an existing house as they don't need as much space. They come in small and bigger sizes (some can fit two people or a wheelchair). They're powered either from the top (needing a machine room), or by a motor on the elevator itself climbing up rails. However, for safety, they only go between two floors unless they're fully enclosed.
Price: $15,000 to $25,000.
Outdoor Track Systems: In some homes, the backyard slope is the problem.
The Hillside Residential Elevator is an innovative outdoor elevator solution, specifically designed for homes situated on slopes or hillsides. It operates on a track system that adapts to the terrain's incline, offering a unique and practical mobility solution for such challenging landscapes. The elevator boasts a sturdy, weather-resistant design with transparent walls, allowing for panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. Not only is it a convenient and visually appealing way to traverse different levels outdoors, but it also makes some backyards usable. The only issue is that this system is usually one of the most expensive type of elevator solution.
Price: ~ $100,000+
Installation and Other Considerations
The installation cost can vary, can be as low as $1,000 but can easily climb to $20,000. It’s important to consider additional expenses like inspections, maintenance, and potential increases in homeowners insurance. Inspection costs can range from $150 to $700.
Elevator Benefits and Value Addition
Installing a home elevator can significantly enhance accessibility, offering independence and convenience. For wheelchair users or those with mobility issues, it’s a game-changer. Additionally, a home elevator can add value to your property, potentially increasing the home's value by 10% or more. Of course, depending on the type of elevator, the home will appreciate differently. It depends on other factors as well, such as whether the elevator takes away too much space from the home's living space.
The selection of an appropriate home elevator should be based on the individuals and items that will be transported across floors. Those who rely on wheelchairs, walking aids, or respiratory equipment like portable oxygen tanks would generally require a larger elevator. Conversely, a compact elevator might suffice for a single person who can stand independently or with minimal support, such as a small cane.
Another aspect to weigh is the elevator's capacity to hold multiple individuals at once. Each of these elements will influence the necessary space within the elevator. While it's common to place home elevators adjacent to existing staircases, this configuration is not always feasible. Thus, it's crucial to balance the needs of the users with technical aspects, including the elevator's drive mechanism type.
Comparing Elevators with Stair Lifts
While home elevators are an excellent solution, stair lifts are a less expensive alternative, costing between $2,000 to $15,000. They are easier to install, require less maintenance, and don't necessitate major structural changes.
Conclusion
Downsizing isn't the only option for older adults struggling with stairs. Home elevators offer a practical solution to stay in your beloved home while maintaining safety and independence.
There’s many options, and a decision is not always easy. It's essential to consult with professionals for precise estimates and explore local or state accessibility grants or tax benefits. An experienced Real Estate Broker like myself can also provide valuable insights into how a home elevator might add value to your property. Of course, stairs might not be the only reason you're moving, and if that's the case then selling could be a better option for you.
As a Seller, in order to get the most value for your home, sometimes you need to be creative. So even if you don’t need an elevator, it might be a good idea to place an elevator in order to prepare a home for sale.
As a buyer, you might not find the right home due to your specific home requirements. If you see a home with too many stairs, don’t dismiss it! Adding an elevator system might make it compatible with what your home requirements are.
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