Having an elevator or lift can not only add convenience and modern elegance to your home or business it also can be customized to fit your needs. While you only need a push of a button to enjoy the ease of transportation, the difference it can have in your life is boundless.
Having an in-home elevator can assist with moving heavy objects from one floor to another. However, the real difference is by making life easier for seniors and the physically disabled to move around with a residential elevator stairlift or wheelchair lift, especially in multiple story homes. The possibilities are endless!
If you are considering adding an elevator to your home, there are several customizations you will be able to make. Depending on the certain standard features selected, it could save you money in the short-term and allow for added enhancements in the future.
Of course, one of the first things that come up, is how much will a project of this size cost though? Although it is not cheap, it is still possible to keep costs down. Below we have outlined a few ways to help the budget savvy home or business owner with their elevator system or lift application from installation costs to care and maintenance.
Budgeting
The world is your oyster, and the sky’s the limit are two phrases that can be described when customizing your home elevator or lift. Depending on your preferences, you can have gold everywhere (King Midas, anyone?) or maybe you prefer to have Brèche du Benou french marble lining your elevator. However, more than likely you want neither of those luxuries and are trying to figure a way to be more budget-conscious.
Speaking and discussing with your contractor or retailer what you might actually need from your lift, is a great way to make sure you need the items you actually need. Defining the basic needs of the lift and what the job entails is the best starting point to keep elevators costing within your budget.
Clarifying what needs are over aesthetics can definitely cut down on the cost of high-end luxurious but expensive upgrades.
Elevator Car Interior Choices
Typically, you will notice a wide variety of elevator car interior choices– ranging from luxury to budget conscience. Home elevator cabs are commonly made from a variety of wood species or enhanced with metal and glass. By selecting a laminate or low-cost hardwood veneer, you may be able to reserve part of your budget for other areas.
Types of Elevators
Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator
Depending on the need for the elevator, using a pneumatic vacuum elevator could be beneficial. A PVE using much less energy than a traditional elevator, and it can be as compact as fitting only one person up to three. The installation process of this type of elevator can take only 2-3 days and can be put in existing homes without having to install an elevator shaft like traditional hydraulic elevators.
A benefit to going with a PVE design is also the cost-effectiveness. While it has a quick installation, it also requires less maintenance. They are self-supporting, meaning they do not require additional support through beams or ramps. The elevator shaft of pneumatic elevators are generally premade and easy to put together.
Hydraulic Elevators
Hydraulic elevators have a low initial cost and the ongoing maintenance costs are lower compared to the other elevator types. However, hydraulic elevators use more energy than other types of elevators because the electric motor works against gravity as it forces hydraulic fluid into the piston. This type of elevator is mainly found in high rise buildings because of cost-effectiveness.
A major drawback of hydraulic elevators is that the hydraulic fluid can sometimes leak, which can cause a serious environmental hazard. The environmental risk and high energy use are two main reasons that hydraulic elevators are not being installed as often as in the past.
For hydraulic elevators, they have to have a separate machine room. The machine room for hydraulic elevators is located at the lowest level adjacent to the elevator shaft.
Cable Driven Elevators
For those homes or offices where space is an issue, having a cable-driven elevator has eliminated the need for a separate machine room.
Installers utilize the space at the top of the elevator shaft for the driving machine. Placing the elevator equipment at the top of the elevator shaft makes this design perfect for coastal flood areas.
Stick to the Plan
After the assessment is done and you know what is needed and expected from your elevator or lift, it’s time to put together an overall plan. Utilize this as an opportunity to discuss budget and to figure all costs involved for the initial needs of the lift or elevator.
Hopefully, after the dust clears you will have some leftover budget and be able to afford marble floors. If not, hey you really didn’t need it anyway right? The most important thing to remember is to come up with a game plan and stick to it.
Track Spending
Budgeting is very important to anyone that is attempting to keep costs low. Tracking your spending is also crucial to know where your money is going and keeping on schedule. However, there are always unforeseen events or challenges that can make it difficult to meet budgets.
If you are working with a reputable company they will be able to provide you with drawings and specs to help reduce any issues that may cause you to go over your original costs. Remember the old phrase: measure twice, cut once. Make sure to look at all potential problems that could arise and maybe hold off on that marble flooring till the is lift completed.
Pick a Certified Elevator Company
Having both knowledge and experience are two very important attributes to consider when purchasing through a home elevator company. Many of the top brands of elevators and lifts use proprietary software and tools which are needed to properly maintain, installed properly and troubleshoot the units.
Specialized training and certifications are needed to be able to operate these tools and specific software. This is something to consider when deciding which elevator company is right for the job cost is not the only factor to consider. Choosing a company that is certified, licensed and insured and have Certified Elevator Technicians(CET), will give you peace of mind.
Having peace of mind, especially when purchasing a large ticket item can help ease the stress of buying. Knowing that the company and its representatives have received top accreditations for their industry, is another reason to go with a certified elevator company.
Maintenance
As with just about everything nowadays that has moving parts, it will require some type of maintenance. Elevators and lifts can have hundreds of moving parts that all require regular maintenance. Having routine maintenance is not only preventative but is required for proper movement and operation of all lift. Many states have regularly scheduled inspections that entail periodic maintenance as a requirement.
The bottom line is maintenance and periodic inspections that your elevator requires can prevent the high cost of major malfunctions. Not only help alleviate the cost, but it can provide assurance that your unit is going to run safely and efficiently.
Rise Above Elevator is a certified business with Certified Elevator Technicians and a trusted source in the elevator industry. We have a variety of no-obligation maintenance plans to fit the needs of just about any type of lift. Call us today to schedule your service or to get started on the rewarding process of installing a new home elevator or lift!
Selecting the Right Home Elevator Configuration for Your Budget
There are several decisions to make when planning for your home elevator. After installation is complete, you will be scheduling ongoing maintenance visits with your local home elevator company. These visits are a befitting time to discuss potential upgrades to your home elevator. No matter the reason behind wanting to have an elevator or lift installed or upgraded, your local home elevator company will be able to assist. If you are ready to begin the planning process, or to discuss enhancing an existing elevator, contact your local home elevator company.