It is becoming increasingly more popular to move in-laws into your home to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable place to live as they age.
Aging loved ones who own their own home usually have accessibility issue.
If they are challenged by climbing stairs, a residential elevator may be the solution to make the designated space accessible for everyone.
Here are some tips that you need to address to ensure that the purchase and installation of an elevator in your home will solve the accessibility difficulty for everyone.
Using an Existing Closet
The perfect solution would be the use of existing stacked closets in your existing or new home that extends from the main level to the in-law suite and/or any other level. You must make sure that the dedicated space will conform to specifications for a successful elevator installation. If an existing closet is not available in a hallway or bedroom area, look for a typical space with access for a shaft that will extend to the desired levels. The closet, or new space, should be adequate enough to allow the elevator car and related mechanical devices to fit in the shaft. The specifications for a residential elevators are readily available on the web. A residential elevator should allow access to all of the desired levels of the home to allow for maximum ease and accessibility for everyone.
Know the Specifications
The elevator car usually needs an overhead clearance height of eight feet from floor to ceiling. In addition to having an overhead clearance height of eight feet, the elevator pit should fit in the floor space of the lowest level of either wood framing or concrete recess.
In addition, every elevator will require a phone and electricity to light the car and controls. The elevator equipment usually needs a GFCI protected outlet inside the elevator car. Speak with a customer service representative to determine that all other specifications that need to be met.
Know the Cost of an Elevator
The cost of a residential elevator can range from $1,500 to $5,000 for labor, material and installation. The total cost will depend on the number of levels, amount of framing, electrical cost, finishes and overall ease of the installation. The total cost of the residential elevator purchase and installation has decreased to make them more affordable. Be sure to check for tax rebates or incentives associated with a residential elevator installation if it is used for a medical condition or compliance to any accessibility issues.
Other Benefits and Tips
Installing a home elevator is much faster and easier than finding and purchasing an existing ranch style home to eliminate the need for an elevator. New construction with all your needs on one level or multiple level home with an elevator installed will take months of planning and at least six months to build. Then you must sell your loved ones home and yours. Keep in mind that home care, for your loved ones, is the best transition for their care and peace of mind. Installing an elevator can save stress, money and time. Time is of the essences for care of your loved one.
Do your research before purchasing used or reconditioned elevators. They often have something else that might fail or needs to be replaced. They may not meet or comply with new safety or manufacturing codes. Buying a new elevator will make sure that your elevator is covered for material and labor by a full warranty of labor, parts, and installation.
Select the Best Elevator for Loved One
Always select the best elevator for your loved one.. Safety and accessibility are of the utmost importance when transporting your loved ones in a residential elevator. Most companies will list the specifications and dimensions on their website. They make it easy for you to determine what type of elevator is right for your residence.
Not only should you be concerned about safety and operational issues, esthetic appearances may also important. Be advised that elevator finishes with mirrors, windows, wood paneling or special lighting will add considerably to the the cost and time of a turn key project. The residential elevator can be a blessing for everyone for ease of movement and accessibility.
Residential elevators are no longer considered to be institutional. They should blend in and transport your loved one safely to their in-law suite on any level. A successful residential elevator install should add to any home value at resale.
For more information visit: residentialelevators.com
