A residential elevator is an exciting addition to any home! Not only does it add an unmatched convenience factor, but it’s also a necessity for some homeowners. Without a residential elevator, some people simply wouldn’t be able to get around their home. But there are several important things to know about the residential elevator installation process before it begins.
Residential elevator installation requirements
First, you’ll want to make sure you have the required space in your home. For most elevators and most homes, you’ll need to allow for a footprint of at least five-square feet. This ensures there is adequate space for a hoist-way.
Space below the elevator is also necessary. Depending on the elevator model, this is usually six inches. There’s also a space above most elevator models called an overhead. Most elevator models need at least 1.5 feet of space for the overheard.
You’ll also need to understand the maintenance requirements to make sure they work for you. We’ve created this elevator maintenance checklist for you here.
These are just a few of the important considerations before the residential elevator installation process begins. We also get a lot of questions from our clients about the process. Among the top questions on this topic is, “how long does it take to install a residential elevator?”
Today, we’re going to help you get answers to that question and many more.
How long does the elevator installation process take?
Allow for the elevator installation process to take at least one week, and possibly longer depending on the model and other specifications. If your elevator serves multiple stories, as opposed to a two-story home, the process will take longer. The size of your elevator cab will also determine how long it takes, along with any customizations and additional safety features you choose for your elevator.
Preparing the home for residential elevator installation can also take some time. Your contractor will typically take care of this step and let you know about anything you’ll need to do to get ready.
The good thing about home elevator installation is your entire home isn’t taken over, so most homeowners can comfortably stay in the home during the installation process.
At Rise Above Elevator, we offer a few different options for your home elevator. In addition to hydraulic home elevators, we are also proud to offer wheelchair lifts and dumbwaiters.
Your home elevator options
We offer the smoothest hydraulic and residential elevator in the industry. Our residential hydraulic elevator lifts are 2 to 1 roped hydro-systems with the structurally engineered slings to carry your cab.
Our Quiet Ride Lift ‘QRL’ basic standard package travels at 40 feet per minute. We also offer quicker speeds depending on overhead and clearances of hoist-way.
The QRL is built to fit your hoist-way to allow the maximum amount of square footage for your cab. The basic package offers a flat wall paint grade maple cab. Stainless handrail, hall and car fixtures, recessed LED cab lighting with a solid panel accordion gate.
Our machine room-less elevators are a great option for homes with limited space. When an elevator doesn’t require a separate machine room, you can save yourself a lot of room.
Our MRL home lift is a winding drum overhead motor fully engineered lift. It uses two ⅜ of an inch top grade cables to lift and lower the elevator, as well as a variable frequency drive to ensure the quietest and smoothest ride in the industry.
- The MRL unit travels at 40 feet per minute and every cab is built to the size of your hoist-way to give you the maximum amount of square footage in your cab.
- It doesn’t require a machine room so you lose less square footage of your home.
- Our MRL has a max capacity of 950 pounds. It comes with stainless hall and COP fixtures with an integrated phone. Recessed LED cab lighting and a solid accordion gate.
Additionally, all MRL residential elevators are built to exceed ASME A2013 17.1 private residence national elevator code. Of course, our team also stands by a full, one-year warranty to ensure quality and safety.
Pneumatic elevators are another popular option for homes. They use air pressure to lift and lower the elevator cab, and they tend to be quick to install and require minimal space.
Phases of elevator installation
Most residential elevator installations are broken down into phases. The specifics of these phases can vary depending on the elevator you choose.
Typically, these steps will look something like this.
Phase one:
You contact us for a free quote, and we meet with you to determine what kind of home elevator is right for your home. Again, this will depend on why you’re adding an elevator to your home, how much space you have, your budget, and the type of elevator you choose.
Phase two:
The team will prepare the space for elevator installation. This can include creating the hole to fit the elevator. Sometimes a floor penetration is required, and in other cases, some adaptations to your landing is all that is needed.
Phase three:
Installation begins. This can take a week or longer depending on your elevator and your home.
Phase four:
Your elevator technicians will instruct you how to safely operate your home elevator. They’ll also discuss a maintenance schedule with you, as well as answer any questions you may have about your home elevator.
Phase five:
Your elevator is ready for use! It’s time to enjoy the ease and convenience the ultimate of home improvements can bring.
Elevator installation in South Florida
The team at Rise Above Elevator is fully licensed and certified and ready to install your home elevator. We’ll ensure you receive the quality and service you deserve for elevator servicing, installation, and maintenance.
Whether your residential or commercial elevator also needs service or standard maintenance, we’ll make sure you get what you need. We never fail to go above and beyond and make sure you receive a level of quality and attention to detail you’ve never experienced with other elevator companies
Call us today to discuss your residential elevator options!