It’s believed that the first lift was built in 236 BC by Archimedes and, as time went by and technology developed, increasingly more sophisticated lifts were created, allowing people to start having them installed in their homes.
The home lift has risen in popularity in recent years and, when installing one, it’s important to take several factors into consideration.
These factors allow homeowners to get the perfect lift for their needs and one that will fit into the physical properties of their home. So, what do architects and contractors need to ask before installing a home lift to ensure success?
HOW MUCH SPACE IS THERE?
Knowing where to install the lift is one of the most important considerations to make. It’s crucial that the right lift is chosen to ensure that it can be installed in a given space. A commercial building will allow for more space than a home, which means that home lifts need to have certain specifications to be used.
For example, in a home where available space is limited, it’s key to choose a lift that can be installed without the need to excavate. The Leonardo (Traction 400) can function in a shallow pit of only 200mm and its starting dimensions are roughly the size of a closet.
Most homeowners will not want their homes to be changed or refurbished because of a lift, so it’s crucial that architects and contractors choose a lift that can fit into the existing structure and décor.
WHO WILL USE THE LIFT?
When picking out the right elevator for a home, ask yourself: who will be using it? The answer to this question can help you to determine an adequate lift for your client’s needs. For example, if your client uses a wheelchair, the lift will serve to increase their mobility in their own home, so it needs to be able to accommodate their chair.
Disabled access lifts are the perfect choice for this, as they are quick and easy to both install and use. They are also highly flexible, which makes them capable of being adapted to a variety of home layouts and structures.
WHAT SIZE SHOULD THE LIFT BE?
This ties in with the previous points. It’s important to learn the homeowner’s needs and make sure they are taken into consideration when installing the residential lift, just as it’s crucial that there is enough available space in the home.
The size of the elevator is key, then, not only because it will depend on these elements, but also because it will impact costings, energy consumption and capacity. Whether it’s the need for mobility scooters to fit in the lift or the user is on a tight budget, choosing the right size is an early consideration that always needs to be made.
HOW MANY STOREYS WILL THE LIFT SERVICE?
Moving between storeys is important for every homeowner with multiple floors, be it because they require mobility assistance or simply because it’s not always feasible to use the stairs. A residential lift will be able to move up and down between these storeys, but some lifts will not be able to make a lot of stops.
This means that choosing a lift that can make the right number of stops is vital. For example, the Qube Compact home lift can travel up to 13m, so it will be able to service several storeys if needed. A step lift, on the other hand, is typically designed to travel only a short distance, such as two or three steps.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LIFT DESIGN
Deciding the right residential lift also means making sure it fits in with the existing décor or structure of the home. A glass lift can blend seamlessly with its surroundings and remain hidden in the overall interior design of the home. This is usually a popular option amongst homeowners who don’t wish for their décor to be interrupted by the lift.
Because there are so many different interior tastes, and each home will have its own style, having a lift that can be tailored to complement design and user-needs matters. A bespoke lift can match any traditional or contemporary design, for example, while offering the user the ability to move more freely in their own home at the same time.
Axess2 provides a wide range of lifts that are useful for various needs, can fit in any home, and match any existing architecture and décor. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll help you make the right choice for your home or client.