Residential lifts seem like the ultimate luxury to most people, but in reality, their practicality significantly outweighs glamor. While yes, a home lift can improve your home’s interior design considerably, the rest of the benefits that home lifts provide go beyond aesthetics. The reasons for installing a residential lift are numerous. Whether you live with someone who has mobility issues and needs easier access to different stories, or you just want extra convenience when bringing in groceries – whatever your reason may be, purchasing and installing a home lift requires a lot of considerations.
For starters, you have to consider the purpose the lift is going to serve. This will help you to determine the right type of home lift that you actually need. For instance, you might want a lift to help you move items, a task ideal for dumbwaiter lifts. However, you might have a mobility-impaired or elderly family member that needs to move around the house on their own, in which case, you’ll want a lift designed for accessibility. Once you’ve determined the purpose, you need to consider the load capacity requirements with the installation contractor. There are different lift models available even for lifts that serve the same purpose, and only an experienced installation contractor can help you make the right choice. Worth noting is that your choice will also be influenced by your budget.
Next, you’ll have to consider the location, available space, and design. The location and space required to install a home lift are especially important, simply because they’re going to determine the size of your lift. Some people may want to install a lift with stylish elements that add to the home’s decor, while others may want something that’s simple in terms of looks. No matter your choice, the location should match the design elements and practical feasibility. Modern lifts are more compact than ever, but they still require a decent amount of space in your home. The location of the unit can be limited by the available space for the shaft, and it’s something that your lift installation company can help you with.
Furthermore, you need to consider the model’s reliability and safety. Check a couple of different models that meet your requirements based on the aforementioned factors. Pay attention to the safety features that they come with, and make sure they’re in compliance requirements from relevant authorities. Additionally, you can read reviews from other people who have used the lift installer company you’re thinking about working with, so that you can have a good idea of how reliable and safe the particular model is for your home.
Then, you’ll have to consider the installation time of the home lift. While this isn’t that important for some people, others, who have a busy schedule will probably want the whole ordeal to be over with as soon as possible. Your main goal should be on meeting your needs on the budget you have. Depending on the type, model, design, space and location of the lift, the installation process can require different amounts of construction work. Plus, there’s always a chance of unforeseen challenges arising out of nowhere, so be prepared for a week or two of construction time accompanied with plenty of noise and dust. Additionally, make sure you discuss the installation requirements and the entire installation process with the contractor. You might need to make some changes to location, so pre-planning should help in making the process as simple as possible and reduce your cost.
Lastly, you have to consider the warranty and maintenance requirements of the lift. You want the installation contractor to offer quality after-sales servicing and a lengthy warranty. These factors are important for the safe and uninterrupted operation of the lift once you have it installed. Don’t work with a contractor who doesn’t offer a maintenance contract from the beginning. The contract should also mention the warranty and maintenance terms to make sure the lift and all relevant equipment work at optimal levels.
Once you’ve gone through the process of installing a residential lift, you can reap the numerous benefits as soon as it becomes functional. For instance, your property value will increase significantly, so if you’re planning on selling soon and are contemplating whether you want a lift or not due to that, the answer will almost always be yes. Further, a lift will increase your home’s safety, since you won’t be using the stairs as much. Believe it or not, stairs can be quite dangerous, and there are millions of people getting injured due to stairway accidents and falls. This is especially important when you live with children, elderly or mobility-impaired people. The increased accessibility can also be beneficial to extended family and friends, or even potential renters if you’re planning on renting your home in the foreseeable future.
