Choosing a residential elevator is a big decision, and one that requires you to consider everything from where you want the elevator installed to the color of the trim in the elevator car. The industry introduces new innovations, more energy-efficient models, and exciting design choices regularly, so it’s important to have the latest information.
If you’re in the market to buy a home elevator but unsure where to begin, here are seven factors to consider, from the types of elevator available to what to look for in a home elevator company.

If you have mobility issues, home elevators are the most effective way to access all levels of your home. They are not, however, the only solution. A stair elevator, also known as a stair chair lift, can be equally effective under certain circumstances, especially when budget is a consideration or your home lacks the space for home elevator installation.

There was a time when residential elevators were relatively rare. Given the cost of a home elevator in the past, they were usually reserved for either the wealthy or as mobility aids for the elderly or disabled.
Today, while home elevators still fulfill these functions, they have become more financially accessible, and now serve as convenient access in multi-level homes, and as a vital tool for people who plan to age in place. Other reasons a home elevator is worth the cost range from increasing your home value to peace of mind.

How do you know when it’s time for a home elevator? Sometimes the choice is made for you, due to mobility problems that become more common as you age. Other times there is a financial motivation for installing home elevators, which can increase the value of your home. In other cases, there’s the desire to add a custom home elevator as a focal point for your home decor, or the luxury and convenience of easy travel between house levels.

The point is: there are many situations in which a home elevator becomes an appealing solution. When you get to the point when you’re considering factors such as house elevator size and what type of elevator to buy, the motivation to purchase a home elevator has already been established. Take a look at the examples below: if any of them strike a chord with you, it may be time for a home elevator.