5 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Shaftless Home Elevator

While the concept of home elevators isn’t new, the industry continues to introduce innovations and exciting products regularly. One of the most recent developments in the residential elevator market has the potential to change everything you’ve ever thought about home elevators.

If you’ve considered having an elevator installed at home but haven’t made the leap because you’re concerned about the installation process or finding a location, then a shaftless elevator might be the right choice for you.

What is a Shaftless Elevator?

Small elevators for homes, like the shaftless elevator, are designed to provide the same convenience and mobility as a residential elevator but with a much smaller footprint and an easier, more affordable installation process. These elevators are designed for traveling between two floors only, so they’re an ideal choice for smaller homes or homes with minimal available space.

Benefits of Shaftless Elevators

Shaftless home elevators offer a range of benefits that improve your daily quality of life and add value to your home. Several of the most popular benefits of this compact house elevator include:

• Space-saving
• Incorporating them in an open floor plan
• Minimal home alterations required
• Allowing elderly and physically limited residents to travel easily between floors
• Provides more flexibility than a stair lift
• One of the most affordable home elevator options available

What to Look for in a Shaftless Elevator

Shaftless elevators come in a wide range of models with varying attributes and features. However, there are certain things you should look for when you’re shopping for one for your home. Below are the top five considerations you should keep in mind when choosing a shaftless elevator.

#1: Different Configurations for Entry/Exit

Although shaftless elevators can be installed easily in most homes, location still matters. To ensure you get the perfect elevator for your home, verify the brand you’re considering offers a variety of different entry and exit configurations. It’s crucial to have your home elevator installed in the location that makes the most sense instead of focusing on any spot that can accommodate it.

#2: Different Car Sizes

Purchase a home elevator that’s future proof. Think about your needs not just now, but 10 years from now, choosing a shaftless elevator with a larger car size allows you to continue to age in place.

#3: Safety Features

There are several must-have safety features to look for in your elevator. These include:

• Interior emergency lighting
• Emergency stop and alarm buttons
• Battery backup for raising/lowering the car in case of a power failure
• On-board telephone
• Sensors to stop the unit if it meets an obstruction
• Car door locking device
• Flip-up seat
• Handrail

#4: Capacity Weight Rating

Shaftless elevators are compact and sleek, but they can handle surprisingly heavy loads. When choosing your elevator, pick one with a weight capacity rating that exceeds what you think you need. You never know what the future holds, so you want an elevator that can support you and your needs.

#5: Warranty

Ensure your shaftless elevator comes with a warranty. Most come standard with a 2-year parts warranty. Your contractor will provide you with a separate warranty for labor. While most contractors give one-year warranties on labor, look for at least two years of protection on the batteries and three years on the drive train.

Find the Right Contractor for Your Shaftless Elevator Installation

As with any major purchase or home renovation project, shopping for a shaftless home elevator is a significant commitment. You want your new elevator to provide reliable service for several years, if not decades. Compare various models to find the one that’s right for you. Start the process today by finding a reputable contractor in your area. Symmetry Elevating Solutions has the largest network of independent elevator and accessibility contractors in North America. Just complete and submit our Find a Dealer Form to find a trusted elevator contractor near you.

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