In recent years, the personal elevator has gained popularity. Residential elevators can ensure access to all levels of the home and provide a more convenient means to transport heavy or awkward loads. They can be designed as a focal point of the home or to fit with your existing décor. Home elevators can easily be included in the plans for any new house, or may be retrofit into an existing location. Plans can also be made for future installation of an elevator, while fully utilizing proposed floor space.
If you are in the process of building a new home, your architect and/or builder needs to know about your intent to include an elevator. Creating the plan for your home elevator should be just like planning any other room in the home and choosing the right builder can ensure the process is as seamless as possible.
Working with the Right Builder
Once you’ve determined that you are ready to move forward with building a home, there are a lot of things you must consider to ensure you are selecting the appropriate builder for your project.
- Check with your local Home Builder’s Association. These organizations can provide resources and lists of builders and members in the community. Some even host local shows and events where you can get more information.
- Conduct an internet search to identify appropriate builders in your community. Scour their websites to examine the types of projects they have worked on in the past. Read reviews and testimonials, and don’t be afraid to request references to understand what type of experience you should expect.
- View model homes and attend open houses. These are valuable experiences that will give you the opportunity to see work that has been completed by your prospective builder.
After you have conducted your research, create your list of questions and meet with the builders you feel would be the best fit. This is an appropriate time to discuss your desire to include a personal elevator in your floor plan.
Considerations for Your Personal Elevator
Remember that when planning for your personal elevator, you will need to decide on not only the aesthetic elements, but also the functional ones, how elevators work. It is important to work with your builder, design team and local home elevator company to review all of your options.
Consider things like:
- What is the appropriate placement for the elevator?
- What style of hoistway door do I want? What type of door or gate should be placed on the elevator car?
- What is the right elevator car finish?
- What metals will appropriately accent the elevator?
- What type of lighting will provide appropriate visibility and aesthetics?
Many companies that focus on residential elevators have showrooms you can visit to make your selections firsthand. It is important to work with your builder, design team and local home elevator company to review all of your options.