home lift elevator

Pros and Cons of a Home Lift Elevator

An elevator transports people vertically from one level to another. It is basically used for the convenience of the old, injured, and people with disabilities. Using an elevator can also save time and energy since it takes a lot of energy and time to go from the ground floor to the third floor. It remains best for houses with many floors. 

There are a variety of elevators that we can install in homes. Choosing the right one for your home can be challenging. We are going to cover each lift’s pros and cons one by one.

Stairlift 

It is the simplest form of lift. Used to carry an individual from one floor to the other. It consists of a chair with a rail and is attached to a staircase. Batteries inserted into it that can be rechargeable.

Pros

  • You don’t need to make a separate place for its installation. It fits on the staircase.
  • Useful for elderly people because of its smooth ride.
  • Not that much costly.
  • Easily removable without leaving a mark on the house.
  • A seatbelt is also available for safety.

Cons 

  • Use only for one person at a time
  • It is useful for healthy people not for disabled or with zero mobility 
  • Works between only two floors in which it has been installed.
  • It makes a noise that creates a disturbance.
  • As it fits with the staircase making less space for others.

Platform Lift

A lift that is suitable for the elderly, disabled and can be used by all the people in the house. It is of two types enclosed and unenclosed. We can install both in our houses. An unenclosed lift goes up to a certain limit such as 3m. That is why if the distance between your floors is more than 3m it won’t be suitable for your house. However, that’s not the case with the enclosed ones. 

Pros

  • More people can use it at any time.
  • It works best for disabled and injured persons due to its smoothness.
  • A unique design can give a charming look to your house.
  • It can operate from the inside.

Cons

  • It requires a separate place in your house.
  • Installing it requires a large sum of money. 
  • Covers a large portion of your house.
  • It takes a lot of time to install. 

Through Floor Lift

It is one of the most convenient forms of an elevator. The shape of this lift differs from that of an enclosed platform lift. It is just like a cabin with walls and a ceiling. Some of its shapes don’t include the ceiling. Full close and half-open both are available. One can install according to his need.

Pros

  • You can install it in bedrooms.
  • It doesn’t make a noise.
  • One can easily move from one floor to another.
  • People with breathing problems will benefit the most from the one without a ceiling. 
  • Due to its compactness, it covers less space.

Cons

  • Works too slowly.
  • Only one or two people can use it at a time.
  • For its installation, you have to make some changes to the floor as well as on the roof.
  • Its installation requires more money.
  • Moveable between two floors.

Hydraulic Elevator

An elevator that consists of a piston and cylinder. Oil is present inside the cylinder. As a result of the electric motor oil pushing up the piston, the elevator goes up. There are some valves that release oil slowly to help the elevator come down by slowing down pressure. 

You can also install hydraulic elevators in your home. With much ease, one can go from one floor to another. 

Pros

  • Two or three people can easily use it.
  • It works smoothly.
  • Works best for old and disabled persons.
  • Its unique design adds more beauty to your house.

Cons

  • It is more expensive.
  • Need separate space for its installation.
  • It requires monthly or yearly maintenance.
  • It takes many days to install.

We usually see elevators in shopping malls, offices, and other business platforms. It provides a convenient means of transport from one floor to another. The main objective is to get you to your destination quickly and without wasting energy. That’s how it works in public places.

These elevators can be installed into houses well. Select one that fits your house, is affordable, and does not consume much of your money. This article will guide you in detail in this regard along with the pros and cons. 

Installing a home lift elevator comes with many benefits. You can live in a more accessible house with this feature. Because it works for almost everyone, not specifically for older and disabled persons. It will also upgrade the value of your house when you put it for sale.