Modifying an existing home with an elevator allows occupants to remain there when circumstances change. An accident, a degenerative disease, or a condition that requires people use a wheelchair does not have to mean relocating or restricting activity to the first floor. Chair lifts can be installed on staircases to help people with limited mobility, but are not practical for those restricted to specialized wheelchairs. Having a residential elevator installed in an existing home begins with a professional assessment of the current structure.
Experienced technicians, such as those at Elevator Technologies Inc, will come to the home to view the layout, take measurements, and determine the best place to install an elevator. Creative and custom solutions will be recommended to suit the space and the needs. There are two types of elevators commonly used in homes. A traction elevator utilizes sheaves, counterweight, and ropes, while a hydraulic elevator is powered by electronic pumps that move fluid to the jack. There are advantages and disadvantages to each system.
Traction elevators will cost more initially but are more energy-efficient. They are smoother and faster than hydraulic elevators but can be more difficult to maintain. These elevators take up more space, although newer models and designs are smaller to address that disadvantage. Hydraulic elevators are less expensive to purchase and install but will cost more to operate. They can be less comfortable because they start and stop with a slight jerking motion. This type produces a lot of heat as it operates, and there is a risk of leaking fluid. Elevator Technologies Inc offer both types of elevators from top manufacturers.
Depending on the size and configuration of the home, it may not be possible to install an elevator within the existing interior. In those cases, part of a wall can be removed to accommodate an elevator. Once the elevator is installed, an enclosure can be built around it so it is included in the interior. That solution is more cost-effective than constructing a traditional addition to the house. Customers can visit the website for details on sales, installation, repairs, and maintenance services for residential as well as commercial elevators.
