Residential elevators are fast becoming a must-have in two-storey homes, particularly for those who want to stay in their home as they age. When choosing a lift for your home, these are the factors you should consider.
1. Size – Most people assume that home elevators need a significant footprint, but with continuing advancements in design, there are now lifts on the market invented specifically for residential use. At less than one square metre, The Mirage, by RESiLIFT, is the most compact home lift on the market that comfortably fits two people. And the innovative, through-floor design leaves space within the room when the lift is on the other level. RESiLIFT also offers two larger models, and a trained salesperson can help you choose the right lift for you based on your needs, floor plan and space.
2. Purpose – It may sound obvious, but it is important to consider why you want a lift. At first, it might be for transporting groceries from your garage to an upper level. But as time goes on, and your mobility support needs increase, it may be essential to have a lift car that caters for a walking aid or wheelchair. Taking a longer-term view of your potential needs is essential in determining the best lift for your home.
3. Location – Creating a space for a lift in an existing home requires careful thought. Ideally the lift should be centrally located, possibly near the stairwell or in a converted hallway cupboard.
Lifts with hinged doors need space for the door to open and circulation space around them on both levels, which increases the total floorspace required. The beauty of RESiLIFT is that it has minimal visual impact so can be placed almost anywhere in the home and still blend into the existing décor.
4. Operation – Some lifts are fully automated which means that the user must be fully enclosed during operation. This begs the question of how to evacuate in the event of a power outage. Alternatively, non-automatic lifts, such as a RESiLIFT, require a competent operator to control movement with continuous pressure on the button to travel. This style of lift also requires a key to be inserted allowing the owner to isolate the lift when they are unable to supervise it.
5. Price – Installing a residential lift is often cheaper than moving house when you consider agent fees and stamp duty. However, the price for residential lifts varies significantly, ranging from around $30,000 plus $3,000 for building works to $80,000 plus $40,000 for building works for larger, commercial-style lifts. Requiring only minimal building work, RESiLIFT is a cost-effective solution.
6. Servicing – Most lift companies require a maintenance contract consisting of services every three or six months. Because of the simple design, RESiLIFT only requires an annual service, which includes a safety inspection as per the Australian Standard. When choosing a lift, it pays to check the required service frequency and what the cost of these will be.
7. Customer Service – Unlike most other products, once you install a lift, you will be dealing with the same company for years to come. For this reason, it’s important to choose a reputable company that’s here to stay and is the right fit for you. If you would like help to choose a lift, please contact RESiLIFT for a free in-home consultation.
