How Much Does It Cost to Install an Elevator?
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Whether you live in a townhouse or house, adding an elevator can increase your property value. And if you have any physical disabilities, an elevator can relieve some stress. So instead of having to sell your multi-level home, you can install an elevator and stay in your forever home!
But how much does it cost to install an elevator? Keep reading our informative guide for elevator installation costs.
Planning upgrades and installation
If your home or commercial building is still under construction, you can place your elevator anywhere you would like. But for already existing homes, the elevator placement will be more tricky.
However, pneumatic elevators can be installed anywhere. As for the shaft, this tube is properly placed inside a closet, or against a wall. Preferentially the shaft can be placed where there is space. And is also still close to the elevator.
A hydraulic elevator will need more space and a designated area. Hydraulic elevators should be properly concealed. Therefore, they have more limitations on where you can place them. For a shaft elevator, many home or building owners choose to build the shaft inside of a family room, stairwells, closets, and atriums.
Overall, the placement of your elevator is very important. So when picking a location for your elevator, ensure that it’s reachable.
You should also make sure the elevator doesn’t compromise other areas too much and you still have a good home layout. Lastly, a professional can also give you advice based on the layout of your home.
Elevator Price by Size
Home Elevator Installation
An elevator installation process is not something that should be DIY’d. In fact, all elevators need a permit and inspection before they are fully safe. These safety guidelines are usually referred to as ASME or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
These guidelines ensure that your elevator is safe and functions properly. The person who installed your elevator should also brief you on how to properly use your elevator.
And show you the access points so that you are fully comfortable and safe when using your elevator. There are also safety measures that you can add to your elevator to make it safer.
For example, overrides can help you if your elevator ever becomes stuck. Some elevators can also connect to your local fire and police department.
And for any hydraulic-based elevators that are accelerating in speed to crash, a safety device can halt the lift in place. Be aware that some of these safety measures already come with the original price.
However, some may be an additional cost. It’s always best to ask a professional what comes with the original price
Several Types of Elevators
There are several types of home elevators, and they all vary in their own way. Keep reading to learn about different kinds of elevators.
Gearless Traction Elevator
Gearless traction elevators move along a track, with a counterweight method that raises and lowers the elevator. These kinds of elevators are great for already existing homes because they have an easy setup.
For example, they don’t require any machine rooms or cavities. However, they do need more space towards the top to store all the working parts.
Hydraulic Elevator
A hydraulic elevator is mainly powered by a device that moves inside a cylinder. The cylinder is properly connected to a system that draws oil to control the movements.
These kinds of elevators don’t need a machine room because the elevator is being held by the shaft. However, they do need a pit underneath the elevator shaft. These kinds of elevators are easy to build into an already existing home.
However, digging out the necessary pit may pose some issues. Overall, a professional can look at the layout of your home and see if a hydraulic elevator is best for you.
Pneumatic Elevator
This kind of elevator uses a vacuum method that’s inside a tube-like structure. This method can power the elevator cars to move up and down seamlessly.
These kinds of elevators are very bold and usually can’t be easily hidden in a corner. However, they add charm and style to your home because of their futuristic design. Pneumatic elevators are also made out of glass so they are completely see-through within your home.
Crystal Elevator
A crystal elevator is a very luxury elevator. They can be more pricey because they are customizable. For example, you can pick the lighting, color scheme, and material.
For a crystal elevator, a machine room is not needed because they have a built-in equipment container. These kinds of elevators are great for homeowners who want a luxurious look to their home while also getting easy accessibility to all their floors.
Stratus Elevator
If you have a 2 story home, a stratus elevator is perfect for you! These kinds of elevators use an electric drivetrain which keeps noise down. Not to mention, stratus elevators require low maintenance and don’t need a machine room.
Cable-Driven Elevator
A cable-driven elevator is mostly powered by a cable around a drum-like structure. These kinds of elevators are highly popular and mostly seen in commercial and department buildings.
However, because of their variety, they can also look great in residential areas. For example, they can range in their complexity and size requirements.
These kinds of elevators do require a pit and machine room if they have a dedicated shaft. Therefore, they become very cost-effective when they’re built within new construction.
For already existing homes, a cable-driven elevator without a shaft is a great alternative. These kinds of cable-driven elevators are super easy to install and require very minor changes to your home.
Chain-Driven Elevator
A chain-driven elevator is powered by a chain around a drum. The chain method is more durable than the cable method. Therefore, the elevator replacement cost and maintenance cost are lower.
These kinds of elevators don’t require a machine room. Therefore, they take up less space in your home and are great for older homes.
Modern to Vintage Home Elevator Design
When picking an elevator you should also be aware of the styles. There are about 3 main elevator styles: modern, Victorian, and vintage. All of these styles look amazing. However, you should consider your home aesthetic so you can get a cohesive look in your home.
Modern Home Elevator
When you think of modern elevators, you think of sleek designs and chrome trims. They also have a glass entrance that looks and feels great. For these kinds of elevators, you have the choice of constructing them inside the home or on a load-bearing wall. Lastly, if you have a modern home, this kind of elevator can accentuate your home’s features!
Victorian Elevator
A Victorian elevator is a classic with its metal details and aluminum trims. The style of these elevators takes you back in time to the mid-1800s. This kind of style can vary but overall you’ll see classic design patterns and rustic colors. Lastly, these kinds of elevators also have glass panels which accentuates the overall theme.
Vintage Style Home Elevators
Lastly, a vintage elevator is designed with wood panels made of oak, walnut, or mahogany. There are also suspended lighting fixtures that tie in with the vintage theme. Lastly, vintage elevators look great inside 20th-century or even late 19th century homes.
Elevator Cost Averages by Weight
The cost of your elevator installation is mostly determined by the project range. For example, if you have a shaftless elevator, the installation process will take about 3 days to complete. Therefore, the project range is not as intense which means the costs will be less.
However, for harder projects or homes that need unique construction planning, you might be looking at about three to four weeks of installation.
The construction that will need to be done is cutting holes between floors and creating a room for the machinery/cab. All of these tasks will take a longer time to complete than a shaftless elevator.
Overall, be aware that most installers will charge you by the hour. Therefore, the longer the project range is, the more you’ll pay!
Elevator Install Elements
Your elevator installation process will have many variables. The elevator type and where it will be placed in your home will affect the installation process.
For most shaftless elevators, the installation process starts by properly placing the lift in the designated area, starting the electricity, and finalizing holes within the floors.
However, for shaft elevators, the installation process varies slightly. For example, a machine room will need to be installed.
But first, you’ll need to determine where the shaft is placed. But to have a shaft elevator you need at least 12-inch thick floors and 8-inch thick walls.
If needed, the machine room is then installed. Most machine rooms require about 30 inches for the door opening. For a hydraulic lift, you’ll need the machinery placed inside the shaft.
And elevators with a hydraulic lift system and cable drums also need an access panel. This allows easy access to any maintenance routine for the cab.
Lastly, most elevators nowadays have a backup battery. However, these details are considered with the average cost of an elevator.
Elevator Installation Cost
Average Price Range
When installing an elevator you’ll need to hire the manufacturer where you bought the elevator or a company that specializes in the make and model of the elevator you bought.
Fortunately, an elevator installation cost is also charged with the elevator cost itself. Particularly for elevators with an easy installation process that dont require digging out or other construction planning.
However, for elevators with shafts, the price of the installation and elevator may be charged separately.
The cost of your elevator installation is mostly determined by the project range. For example, if you have a shaftless elevator, the installation process will take about 3 days to complete. Therefore, the project range is not as intense which means the costs will be less.
However, for harder projects or homes that need unique construction planning, you might be looking at about three to four weeks of installation.
The construction that will need to be done is cutting holes between floors and creating a room for the machinery/cab. All of these tasks will take a longer time to complete than a shaftless elevator.
Overall, be aware that most installers will charge you by the hour. Therefore, the longer the project range is, the more you’ll pay!
Elevator Replacement Cost
Elevator replacement costs can be expensive. However, the cost of replacing an elevator or part depends on the year and model of the elevator. Or if you have wanted to update your elevator to a different style, the prices will also vary greatly.
Overall, it’s best to do regular maintenance work on your elevator. This way, the parts stay in tack and won’t need replacement.
Home Elevator Maintenance Cost
Elevators require regular maintenance to work efficiently and last longer. You can pick a warranty coverage for your new elevator that covers you for at least 5 years.
Some elevators have built-in details which reduce maintenance and repairs. For example, some elevators come with a greaseless drive train.
There are also simpler maintenance routines that can be easily done by the homeowner. For example, regularly checking the buttons, lights, and emergency systems. And you should also check that your elevator door closes all the way!
However, if you would like a professional to come and maintain your elevator every year, purchase a maintenance contract! This will cover inspection and upkeep. However, for any repairs, this will cost extra.
Install an Elevator Today
It’s never been so easy to install an elevator in your home! So don’t wait any longer and look into elevator installers. Remember to pick the best elevator for your home layout. But most importantly, make sure you have easy accessibility to the elevator.
If you’re ready to install a beautiful elevator in your home, contact us today and make an appointment!
Manufactures & Suppliers
- GAL Manufacturing
- Elevator Controls Corp
- Virginia Controls
- Innovation Industries
- Claddagh Controls
- Monitor Controls
- Draka Elevator
- K-tech Phones
- Dura Lift
- Elevator Systems Inc
- Matot Elevator
- Waupaca Elevator
- Inclinator
- Alliance Elevator Solutions
- Motion Controls
- Vertical Express
- Canton Elevator
- Custom Elevator
- MEI Total Elevator Solutions
- EMI Porta
- Imperial Motors
- Titan Machine
- Maxton Manufacturing
- Elevator Equipment Corporation
- Blaine Valve
- Savaria Elevator
- Giant Elevator
- Autoquip
- Dover Elevator
- Westinghouse Elevator
- Othompson Elevator
- Sedgewick
- Concord Elevator
Fujitec NO
Pine State NO
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