Your home is your oasis, designed to be comfortable and satisfy your every need. That's why a residential elevator is often the perfect addition to any home, providing homeowners with convenience, safety and accessibility. At Residential Elevators, we're dedicated to helping individuals find and build the ideal elevator for their home.

Understanding the Need for a Residential Elevator

Elevators provide a seamless way to travel between floors, making life easier. While these machines are extremely prevalent in public spaces, they serve individuals and families just as effectively within private residences. Here are a few benefits you can expect to receive with an elevator in your home: 

• Increase accessibility: Whether a family member uses a wheelchair or deals with knee and back pain, elevators make traveling between levels quick and easy, so your entire family can fully use your home. 
• Boost property value: Installing an elevator in your house will increase your property's convenience, comfort and mobility, which will attract interested homebuyers. 
• Optimize safety: Elevators eliminate the need to use stairs and can help reduce the risk of falls or joint pain, while also offering unique safety features for your loved ones. 

Types of Residential Elevators

Check out some of the most common types of residential elevators. 

Hydraulic Elevators

A hydraulic drive elevator is a great home option if you're looking for a quiet ride with impressive performance. This elevator type uses a hydraulic piston, relying on fluid to fill and empty from an airtight cylinder. Hydraulic elevators are generally considered heavier-duty options that can often carry more than 750 pounds. Their robust design makes them ideal for heavy and repetitive use, under which conditions they can last for years. These elevators require machine rooms and pit stops, and they can travel effectively between six floors. 

Pitless Home Elevators

Pitless elevators are unique options that allow the car to sit flush with the floor. Most elevator options require excavation to provide an appropriate safety cushion for the car. Pitless models are advanced solutions using innovative technology to eliminate the need to excavate a pit. Instead, they use an efficient motor, a high-performance drive system and specialized braking mechanisms to ensure safe operation. They also use guide rails mounted around the car for additional support and stabilization. 

Shaftless Elevators

Shaftless home elevators facilitate safe travel between levels — they are most often used within two-story residences. They're also referred to as through-floor elevators and use a winding drum drive to pull up and lower the elevator through an opening. This type of elevator utilizes a push-to-operate system with unique safety sensors, giving riders full control and peace of mind during use. 

A shaftless elevator might be the best option if you're renovating your home. They're extremely compact and fit perfectly within smaller areas because they lack a shaftway, machine room or elevator pit. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Residential Elevator

There are many home elevator types available. However, before making your decision, carefully evaluate your location by looking at the following characteristics. 

Available Space

How much physical space you have in your home plays a huge role in deciding which residential elevator is right for you. Elevators come in all shapes and sizes. Some require dedicated machine rooms, while others are operational as free-standing units. The elevator's configuration typically depends on its drive system and additional components. You also want to consider how many floors your home has to ensure your choice can reach the heights you require. 

Load Capacity

Elevators are built to carry different weights, so it's crucial to understand what your elevator will be carrying. If you're only carrying one or two people in a lift at a time, you might be able to choose an elevator that's rated for a lower weight. However, if your elevator is going to be carrying a person with a wheelchair, you might consider investing in a more robust model. 

Safety Features

Protecting your family and guests is one of the first things to think about when installing an elevator in your home. Elevators are equipped with safety features to minimize the risk of accidents and effectively deal with issues if they arise. Most models come with a list of safety features that should include: 

• Interior lighting 
• Emergency stop 
• Backup battery
• On-board telephone 
• Safety sensors 
• Handrails 

Energy Efficiency

Elevators require a steady electricity supply to move between floors and transport you safely. Newer elevator models are constructed with improved software and innovative designs that aim to decrease the machines' overall energy consumption and save you money. During your search, consider investing in elevators with newer motors, drives and control software to cut down on long-term costs. 

Make the Right Choice With Residential Elevators by Your Side

Understanding what your home requires out of its future elevator is crucial to choosing the ideal model for your space. It's important to conduct an involved assessment regarding your needs and objectives, providing the information you need to implement a stylish and convenient elevator. At Residential Elevators, we're committed to helping you create the perfect home. We're an industry-leading elevator organization serving the needs of homeowners across the southeastern United States, East Coast, Texas and California. 

We're a family-owned organization with over 30 years of experience. Our team is fully trained, licensed and qualified to manufacture, install and service premium home elevators that align with your needs. We recognize the impact your choice of elevator can have on your home accessibility and enjoyment, and we strive to go above and beyond to give you exactly what you require. We'll walk you through all your options by evaluating your home's needs and objectives to give you confidence in a sound investment. 

Ready to build the best elevator for your home? Contact our team online to learn more about our full range of services. Don't forget to use our online elevator design tool to bring your vision to life!