Adding a lift to your home can improve your overall quality of life, allowing for effortless travel between floors for everyone – young or old. Even if you don’t need a lift at this point in your life, aging is inevitable for most of us, and eventually you probably will. They can also be helpful if you suffer an injury, struggle with chronic pain, fall ill or are wheelchair-bound.
As well as age-proofing your home, for now or the future, they also add property value to your home. Bear in mind, though, that as with any new addition to your home, there are a few things to consider before investing in a new lift.
Type of lift
Stair and home lifts are two common types of lifts installed in multi-floor homes. Stair lifts work by transporting you upstairs in a seated position, diagonally. They are connected to remotes which allow you to call and access the lift from either upstairs or downstairs. These are especially useful for those who already have stairs in the house, have only two or three floors or don’t have space for vertical home lifts.
Home lifts are more similar to the traditional lifts we come into contact with in tall buildings and malls. However, home lifts are usually designed with smaller spaces in mind, making them more compact. These work in a vertical manner, transporting individuals upwards and downwards. These are best suited to those who move around on foot or in wheelchairs, as well as those with three or more floors in their home.
Space available for the lift
As mentioned briefly above, home lifts are usually compact in design, while chairs on stair lifts can fold away, making both options great options for a home. However, it’s important to consider the space available for either choice when installing a new one into your home. Naturally, certain spaces will work better with certain lift types than others.
Design and décor
Often, lifts can be designed with the décor in your home in mind. Depending on the type of lift you select, you should be able to choose from different colours, materials, shapes and sizes to find the one that best suits the rest of your home.
Who will be using it and why
Different lifts are designed to hold different weights. Therefore, it’s important that you also consider the weight of the person who will be using it. If multiple people are going to be using it, then it would be wise to install one according to the person in the household who weighs the most, thus making it safe for everyone to use. The last thing you want when using any lift is for it to stop functioning under pressure, especially from high up.
Accessing the lift
You also need to make sure that the lift is easily accessible from all floors and angles. You’ll want to place them where there’s a wide enough entrance and exit, for both people on foot and those using wheelchairs. You’ll also want to allow for enough space to turn around comfortably, to ensure the safety and practicality of the lift.
Building regulations
Are you allowed to add a lift to your home? Are you allowed to make adjustments to the existing stairs or space? Different buildings and landlords have different rules, so be sure to check what they are first.
Outdoor versus indoor lifts
In addition to different lift types, you also get outdoor and indoor lifts. So, if you are planning on placing your lift outside, you’ll want to choose one that’s robust, waterproof and UV protected. The UV protection will ensure your lift keeps it vibrant colour, as well as help prevent sun damage causing wear and tear. Of course, a waterproof design is essential when it comes to withstanding wet weather conditions.