Home Elevator

[gtivr4]

My Fiancée and I want to build a house in the mid-future (3-5 years). She has a disability, so stairs are hard (and are going to get harder in the future). So either the house has to be all one level (which is inefficient, less attractive and takes up space), or we install an elevator. Obviously the cost of an elevator would dictate which way we plan to go. I did some preliminary searching and see numbers like $20k floating around, which seems like a lot for what you get.

So I have two questions:
1) Has anyone on here dealt with a home elevator? Any thoughts on cost etc?

2) How hard would it be to retrofit an in ground car lift into an elevator. They certainly are cheaper and can handle the weight! But I expect I would get killed by the details (either doing it myself or hiring someone to).

 

[billspit]

I've heard of some folks designing their house leaving a room that can be converted to an elevator at a later date. Just beware that most states inspect elevators. They aren't cehap to operate and usually take quite a bit of maintenance.

I was working on a project is the old Governors house at Charles Town Landing, SC. The house a chair that rode up a rail to the top floor. It even turned a corner. I always thought the would be neat and a lot cheaper that an elevator.

Sorry, I know that not much help.

 

[Johnnie]

Here are a few different staircase chairs. Much cheaper than an elevator and easier to maintain.

http://www.ameriglide.com/AmeriGlid...||4292505565&gclid=COGtouOKkaICFV_G3Aod7XtAcQ

http://www.stairliftusa.com/stair-chair-lift/

http://www.stair-lift-review.com/

 

[nate379]

Single story home "inefficient and takes up space"?

How big of a house do you need??! I have only lived in one house in 27 years that was 2 floors and that one sucked!... Up and down the stairs all freaking day it seemed like!

 

[gtivr4]

I don't think I could ask her to ride one of those hideous things. Not to mention if you are on a wheelchair, you have to move to the stair chair and then another chair at the top. Good for a retrofit, but silly in a new home.

 

[gtivr4]

Single story home "inefficient and takes up space"?

How big of a house do you need??! I have only lived in one house in 27 years that was 2 floors and that one sucked!... Up and down the stairs all freaking day it seemed like!

Well building vertically is cheaper than horizontal (smaller foundation at a bare minimum). Heating is a bit cheaper vertically as well.

Look at it this way, with a 2000 sq foot house, you could either build a 50x40 box that is 10 feet tall, or a 25x40 box that is 20 feet tall. Thats a huge footprint difference.

 

[nate379]

I guess, though here it's cheaper to build a single story. Footprint isn't an issue when lots are measured in acres.

My Uncle/Aunt have my memere living with them and she has a room on the first floor along with a full bath. The rest of the rooms are upstairs. She can do stairs, but not that well. Don't think that would work out for you guys though.

Just would seem to make more sense to build it single story still. 2000sq/ft is large house. 1200-1400 is average here for 3bed/2 bath.

 

[gtivr4]

Oh it will be as small as I can convince her of, thats not the issue I was just using that as an example.

 

[Mattlt]

Lot's of info on this site:

http://www.premierliftproducts.com/products.html

We had one installed at our previous church. I can't remember the cost, as I think someone paid for the unit itself, and the church only paid for the installation. I _think_ there is a difference in terminology between an elevator and a lift. I think...

Pretty neat units, many have a hydraulic pump that runs off a battery - still works in a power failure.

 

[Johnnie]

I don't think I could ask her to ride one of those hideous things. Not to mention if you are on a wheelchair, you have to move to the stair chair and then another chair at the top. Good for a retrofit, but silly in a new home.

Then it sounds like your only option is a $20k elevator or a single story home which would be my preference. I hate steps.

 

[Cryptic1911]

I think your only realistic option will be a single story home based on the fact that a residential elevator is going to cost a shitload, and the fact that a stairway chair lift isn't really a viable option

plus, why complicate things. Single story will be much much easier to deal with

 

[rsanter]

do a search for handycaped elevators
a car lift is not people rated and does not have the safety
devices should there be a problem like power outage and such

they make them, you need to look at the cost of the elevator verses the
added cost of construction for a one level home.
also they are considered medical equipment so they are deductible

bob

 

[Jack Olsen]

In your shoes, my concern would be the issue of an emergency exit -- specifically, her being able to get out of the place in a fire. For that reason alone, I'd probably lean toward single-story construction.

 

[Torque1st]

I agree with Jack.

 

[jamesemery728]

Single story is the way to go. Two floors and you are going to complicate her life too much. Plus what Jack O said, she has to be able to get out of the house in an emergency. What if you are not home to help her in an emergency? She needs to be able to get out on her own.

 

[Dan0myte]

The KISS rule applies here. Keep It Simple Stupid. The simplest answer is the best one, keep everything on one floor. Less cost, less hassle, plus a 2000sqft bungalow seems huge when you're in one. A 2000sqft two story doesn't give you that feeling of space like a similar bungalow does.

 

[Maxwell]

I built my home for my wheel chair bound son, a single story1800 sq ft. If you really want a two story you have two oppitions put in a platform lift in the stairwell whitch we did, or find a used elevator much cheeper then new, my cousin did this..... Find a floor plan you like then rework all hallways,doors mine are all 36" interior and 42" exterior the list goes on and on if you need some help e-mail me I will be glad to assist you.......... P.S. contractors DO NOT KNOW SQUAT about making a home accessiable..... Joel

 

[copterdoctor]

We just had our house built last year... closed on December 23 2009....

my fiance was diagnosed with MS about a month ago. it has hit her like a ton of bricks. she has been having equilibrium (sp) issues, and has been going "numb" on one side of her body.
we had a 3 story house built.. daylight basement.
she LOVES our house, so I've been looking into platform lifts and chair lifts also. as it seems that may be a part of our life eventually.
But I agree with most of the others.... if you're not retrofitting, just build a one story house....

 

[6768rogues]

My sister in law has a disabled adult son who was severely injured in a car accident. They added onto their house and put in an elevator. Residential elevators are much cheaper than commercial elevators, but the price of $20K is not out of line. There are many interlocks and safety devices that prevent a door from opening if the cab is not there, etc. Cobbing one up from a vehicle lift would present many dangers. I would not let a loved one ride in one.

 

[DIC]

If it were me I wouldn't even conceder a two story.....

 

[larry4406]

I worked for a high end residential home builder for 6 years. During that period, I installed 5 residential elevators in a new constructon. Having put these in, I can guarantee that a retro-fit would be a challenge.

Starting with the foundation, the slab is locally depressed by about 1 foot to allow the cab structure to pocket in the pit and the cab floor to be level with the basement or first floor slab. The pit perimeter is an integral fitting for the load bearing shaft walls. The shaft often alters the floor framing and in our case ended up having load bearing walls to support the decks. No wires, plumbing, etc can run thru the shaft. The shaft is hung with 5/8 rock and taped for fire. Shaft must be plumb. Typically, all door openings must vertically stack and be the same swing; this can present a challenge for some floor plans.

The elevators we used were hydraulic and essentially have a large piston & cylinder that extends/retracts. The elevator cab runs on "T" rails that are lagged into 2 ply 2x12's that run vertical on one side of the shaft. We upgraded to microlams that were glued and nailed together as it reduces squeeks. Use a submersible pump; they are more quiet.

Residential elevator cabs often use a manual accordion door and a modified residential door. Modifications to the residential door frames are required so as to pull the plane of the door closer to the shaft (reduces space for entrapment of kids to ensure that the door can't close). There a solenoid interlocks that prevent the residential door from opening (use a solid core door).

There are criteria for the gap between the flooring and the cab so that high heals and such don't stuck in the gap.

These are just a few of the many headaches.

I think your $20k number is not the "all-in" number. Our cost back then was close to $20k just for the elevator contractor who showed up expecting a fully prepped shaft with doors, pit, and adjacent machine room. There are substantial other costs for concrete, framing, sheetrock, millwork, and trim labor. I beleive we sold this option for upwards of $40k. Cab trim levels vary wildly as does their costs.

 

[rburke65]

Like everyone else on this site, this is just my opinion.....I have lived in a one story ranch styled house sinse 1976. I had always wanted a 2 story, but the ranch is what we bought. And now, I am so very thankful for the one story. Everything on one level...the laundry, bedrooms.......love it. But , then again, it's just MY opinion. Good luck with your decision, and my very best to you and your Fiancée.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

If it were me I wouldn't even conceder a two story.....

Agreed. I've got about 2600 sf, single story. I'm not a big fan of steps. I guess after rolling down the solid oak steps at my mom's house, for like twenty years, it kinda turned me off.

 

[gtivr4]

Thanks everyone for the input. The emergency exit situation is a good point. As is, she works on the 6th floor (super high for Vermont), and its a concern getting out in an emergency, and thats with lots of people to help her, and she's still pretty mobile!

One floor it is (its the better solution in the long run anyways, but I want to know what my options are!)

 

[comedyman809]

you will probably need your electric company to install 3 phase electric to your home.

you will pay out your *** for this install(if they will do it in your area), then your monthly electric bill.


build a ranch and be done with it.

1 floor, plus.....how will she get out of the house if a fire occurs?? she cant use the elevator.

 

[hyisbm]

I don't know where your location is but even if you do go with just a single story you may still want to consider an elevator or stair lift for safety reasons and just more room to access. I'm disabled and use a power chair and have not been able to go downstairs ever since we bought the place. My girlfriend is concerned about me not being able to go downstairs when major storms/tornadoes could be present. Not to mention if I had an elevator/lift, we could have a more dedicated family/home theater room to enjoy.

We went to the Dell's for a family Christmas and the place we stayed in was very nice and open with a elevator. There was a kitchen, living room, and three bedrooms on the main level. An elevator took you downstairs which led to a theater section, bar area, and two additional bedrooms. I would love to be able to build from scratch following this type of design but around here, that might not be possible.

Jack - have you seen those installed in the US? I wonder if I can get it shipped here? That looks much cleaner and cheaper than having to build a dedicated elevator shaft. My house is too small to lose that much space.

 

[dfndr]

It gets hot where I live. I've lived in both single and two story houses. I hate the two story ones. The upper floor is so f***ing hot and the cost to cool is much higher. You also give up too much space to stairway and stair landings. I'd never have two story again for those reasons and if I was dealing with disabily issue it would be even more important to go single level. You could make it with high pitched roof and fake dormer windows for the look you want. Rick

 

[Ironcrow]

If I was planning in staying in the house until I die, I'd build it myself and not pull a permit either. My reasoning would be to do it for far less money. Designing it safely is relatively trivial for a cunning engineer.

 

[Indy_500]

i agree with jack. But if you really want a second story home, i wouldn't worry about how much it'd cost to get an elevator since it truly is a need

 

[nate379]

Yup I agree. Place I used to live in would be 75* upstrairs and barely pushing 60* downstairs. I would leave the door to the attached garage open to heat downstairs since there was a separate heater in there.

It gets hot where I live. I've lived in both single and two story houses. I hate the two story ones. The upper floor is so f***ing hot and the cost to cool is much higher. You also give up too much space to stairway and stair landings. I'd never have two story again for those reasons and if I was dealing with disabily issue it would be even more important to go single level. You could make it with high pitched roof and fake dormer windows for the look you want. Rick

 

[TheGrooveking]

you will probably need your electric company to install 3 phase electric to your home.

you will pay out your *** for this install(if they will do it in your area), then your monthly electric bill.


build a ranch and be done with it.

1 floor, plus.....how will she get out of the house if a fire occurs?? she cant use the elevator.

Why three phase power? Hydraulic pumps don't change direction, they change valve settings to redirect the flow in the direction they need. Besides with an elevator the downward motion is controlled by valving and electric braking depending on the brand/type.

If you must have multiple floors, emergency back up generators are a necessity, and emergency exits that allow egress. They must be able to handle these exits themselves without assistance otherwise keep it to first floor. Additionally plan on practicing evacuation drills, because they will need to be familiar.

TheGrooveking

 

[cowboyjosh]

Being a builder, when I build a spec, even a sprawling ranch with basement, I always on the price tag house I build (500k to 3 million) draw in for a future elevator. I also do step in shower stalls with european style shower doors and various other features that make life easier as folks get older. With residential elevators their are code issues, in the AHJ I live in, you MUST have a monitored fire alarm system of some sort with smokes in front of the elevator doors at all stops, you must have the customary emergency phone in the elevator (in case it gets stuck), and you must have some sort of backup power like a automatic backup generator wired into the house to power the elevator in the event of a power failure. There are a host of other codes for the equipment closet, but by and large the cost is reasonable when building a house up front. I have said it that in my next house, I am going to install an elevator even if I build a rancher with a basement. Last year we built a house with a elevator and if memory serves me right it was right around $30,000 extra. Of course elevators like cars and houses come with countless features that add to the price depending on how fancy you go with car lighting, trim, etc.

I should also mention, again depending on your AHJ you might even with a chair lift on a stairway might be required to have the lift / elevator company do an annual inspection and you also might need a annual inspection by your local AHJ, and in some cases like a commercial building you'll also have to maintain a file of the elevator permit and maintenance and inspection records.

Before you build, talk with a local custom builder, architect, and your local AHJ, to see if a elevator is the right idea for the home of your dreams.

 

[Sammy7]

I think the $20k price increase negates the efficiency argument. Besides, look at it this way: At 2000 sq ft, a two-story house will give you a 1000 sq ft shop in the basement. Build a single-story house and it doubles.

 

[luvair]

You can call an elevator company like here: http://www.home-elevator.net/

Of course the house needs to be able to accommodate one and have enough room for in and out. Make sure you measure properly. I priced a single floor elevator and the price was about 35K installed. It did not include electrical hook up and framing. Other options as you know can be ramps, or stair lifts. Best is to call elevator company and/or a contractor who have installed many of them.

Also check with town for codes as there need to be proper fire codes, emergency phone lines, etc.

Good luck.

 

[Falcon67]

I've had a 2 story house. What a PITA. Never again, thanks. Heating - maybe. Cooling - not so much, much worse if it's big.

 

[Zeke]

Jeez, with all the costs, codes and concerns mentioned here, I'd put in a 2 or 4 post lift in the garage and install a bridge to the 2nd floor thru a fire door. Or I'd build a pretty good sized dumb waiter on a winch. The wife may not like the amenities much.

 

[onewheat]

Oh my God - steps are so difficult. My upstairs and downstairs are different temperatures - I can't figure out how to adjust the two different thermostats. Jesus, your lives must be terrible to have so many problems.

Depending on what level of house you want to build - a ranch with full basement is around $200 a sq ft in this neighborhood whereas a 2-story will run you about $125-ish. Someone mentioned already a 2000 sq ft traditional (read rectangular) 2-story house gives you around 1000 sq ft basement and you get double that size basement in an equivalent ranch. The difference in ranch pricing would have to outweigh the additional cost of the elevator, generator and all the other things needed to go two story (all other things being equal). You didn't mention how large of a house you are considering, but it seems for all the hassle an elevator involves, a ranch would be the way to go. A chair lift may give access to the basement if it is a large finished space or in the case of emergencies. a two-story with a first floor Master suite can give you the additional space for less $$ per sq ft and make it so your wife doesn't need to go to the second floor but gives space for the kids or guest rooms or whatever. Lots of options but you really need to determine what you want and your budget. If indeed you are on acres instead of .3 acre - I do love a nice big ranch, but that is me. Your mileage may vary.

 

[lynnbilodeau]

My last house was 3062 feet two story, about 1300 on the bottom and 1700 on top.
No issues heating and cooling. House just has to be built properly. I lived in that house 17 years, the longest I have ever lived in my life. The stairs never bothered me. My kids grew up in that house and loved it. My current home is 4000 feet all on one level. I must admit, I do not miss the stairs.

My step dad died at 101. At 100, he was still making the trek upstairs to his heated and cooled workshop, but I digress.

Here is the point: Stairs aren't always an issue, but if stairs ARE an issue, just build one floor. Period. 2000 feet on one floor can be very efficient. Use the extra $$$ to give her a couple of really cool features.

 

[denis4x4]

Two years ago we did a remodel/addition and installed an elevator at a cost of $18,000. This unit was made in Wisconsin and uses a cable/drum method of lifting. There is a battery backup for the drum winch and a land line phone in the car. When we started looking at elevators, prices were in the $25,000 range. I suspect that they're even cheaper than the price we paid two years ago. In addition to moving people, it's great for taking stuff from one floor to another without using the stair case.

The addition was designed with an ADA bathroom and a shower that can accommodate a wheelchair. Many years ago, I sold a house with ADA features (even though they weren't necessary) for top dollar in a down market. In our current house, the garage is designed to accommodate a handicap van as well as the easy installation of ramps.

It doesn't cost a lot to build ADA features into new construction as well as remodels. It will pay off in the long run as more and more baby boomers will appreciate these features.

 

[Lippyp]

In the uk there are lifts aimed specifically at wheelchair users like this: http://www.stannahlifts.co.uk/platform-lifts/vertical/midilift-sl.asp I have no idea of the costs though. Also wheelchair stairlifts like this http://www.terrylifts.co.uk/products/domestic-lifts/s7-xpress-wheelchair-stairlift/