You may not have realized there was a difference between a home lift and a home elevator, but there are a few. While they both accomplish largely the same thing, the main difference lies in the design and the cost. Today we’ll take a look at the differences between a home lift and a residential elevator to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Design
First off, an elevator requires a shaft to operate and features a totally enclosed cab. What is a shaft, you ask? This is a wall enclosure surrounding the cab and machinery.
A lift, on the other hand, features an open cab with the exception of 42” panels on the platform’s sides.
While an elevator is more elaborate and expensive to construct, a lift is generally more basic and comes at a lower cost.
Vertical Platform Lifts
These are generally designed for wheelchair users who need transportation from the ground level to an upper floor or deck entry. They are comprised of a lift tower, controls, and a platform, and may be installed indoors or outdoors. They are generally limited to 12 feet of vertical travel, only making up to three stops. Such lifts also only require a six-foot-square area of space. Convenient and quick alternatives to ramps, wheelchair lifts are non-invasive to construct. In commercial settings, wheelchair lifts may be required in order to meet ADA requirements.
Benefits of Lifts:
- Easy Installation: Because they don’t require a built-in shaft, installation is much faster and simpler.
- Energy Efficient: Most lifts run on standard power outlets, reducing energy consumption.
- Cost-Effective: A lift costs less to build than a traditional home elevator, offering homeowners a budget-friendly option.
Residential Elevators
Residential elevators are designed to access two or more floors within a home. They are more invasive to construct, as they require a shaftway to be built that completely encloses the machinery and cab. Home elevators can carry more weight and feature larger cabs than lifts. However, more site preparation is involved in an elevator than a lift, as a pit must be built at base level, or a machine room must be built.
It takes longer to construct an elevator, as it requires a dedicated vertical shaft and significant structural modifications. However, elevators can offer many more conveniences and benefits, from enhancing property value to ensuring long-term accessibility for those wishing to age in place.
Benefits of Home Elevators:
- Versatility: Able to transport multiple passengers, large furniture, and heavy luggage, this can be a big convenience in multi-story homes.
- Space-Efficient Design: Despite the requirement of a shaft, you can custom build a home elevator to blend into your home’s aesthetics as well as existing space.
- Increased Property Value: A well-designed elevator can increase your home’s market value.
Contact Mowrey Elevator
Now that you know the difference between home lifts and elevators, it’s time to order the parts you need for yours! Browse our online catalog and contact us with any questions.