Common Misconceptions about Installing a Home Elevator

home elevator misconceptionsAt Nationwide Lifts, we have installed thousands of elevators in customers’ homes. Many people would love to have the convenience of a home elevator to improve mobility but are unsure if they have enough space. We have found that many homeowners have some common misconceptions, so we decided to take the time to clarify a few points.

One of the biggest sources of confusion is the amount of space required to install a home elevator. When people think of installing a typical elevator that is 36” wide and 48” deep, they often think that is all the space they will need. However, that is not the case. We also need space for rails, gates, and running clearances. The actual amount of space needed to install a 36” x 48” elevator is 52” wide and 54” deep.

There is one other important point to keep in mind. These 52” x 54” dimensions are for clear space in a finished shaft. If you are building new walls for the elevator, you will need to plan on framing and sheetrock. In most cases, these require an additional 5” per wall, which means that building a new elevator shaft will require a space 62” wide and 64” deep.

Many people look at these numbers and rule out the possibility of installing an elevator in their home. What they don’t realize, however, is that many home elevators require only a very small footprint. For example, the Vision 450 can fit in a space that is just 37” in diameter. It can fit nearly anywhere because of the integrated hoistway and compact cab design.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

There is simply no other company that can offer you all of this.

If you are looking for a customized quote or just want to ask a question, get in touch with Nationwide Lifts today to start talking to a Home Elevator expert.