HOME ELEVATOR VS STAIR LIFT We all have challenges. Maybe stairs are yours? Perhaps you’ve considered a stair lift or a home elevator to ease the stress of the staircase. The differences really come down to your personal needs. But, what is the difference between an elevator and a stair lift, and which is right for your circumstances?
Stair lifts
STAIR LIFT
provide a seat that will cruise you up or down a staircase. They are meant to provide an easy lift for mild mobility issues, such as achy joints, hip issues or breathlessness. If you have more extreme mobility issues, you will likely require assistance getting on or off the stairlift. Also, platforms capable of holding and transporting a wheelchair will take-up more space, about 3-feet worth of the stairwell. Stair lifts work great for wider staircases, though can be fitted to narrower ones. They’re conducive for curvy or straight staircases, indoors or outdoors. Generally, stair lifts aren’t easy to conceal and often include a stair lift rail, straps, a chair and/or safety rails. Stair lifts may come in a variety of colors, with options for rail finish and seat color. Some stair lifts fold-up out of the way when not in use. The stairwell railing may have to be removed to fit in the railing for the stairlift. Relative to an elevator, stair lifts make less noise when in use. Average cost is between $2,000 and $5,000. Stairs lifts cost between $1,000 and $3,000, with installation labor around $2,000. Stairlifts are more cost-effective than elevators because they don’t require remodeling of your home. Only an electrical outlet may need to be installed if one doesn’t already exist near your staircase. Stairlifts don’t add any extra value to your home, as new residents may not need it. They are, however, easy to remove. If you can sit down and stand-up with ease, this may be for you.
HOME ELEVATOR
Home elevators are an extremely convenient way to access vertical levels in your home. They allow for greater independence and are beneficial to those with serious health conditions that affect mobility. There are two kinds of home elevators: hydraulic or pneumatic. Hydraulic elevators use compressed oils to offer smoother force and power. Pneumatic elevators use compressed air, which can elicit a rigid ride, but are faster and cheaper. Home elevators range in size, from 12-18 sq. feet. Hydraulic elevators tend to require a bit more space to make room for the elevator’s motor. A pneumatic elevator requires only enough space for the cab itself. Hydraulic elevators can be concealed from view, with various appearance options. Pneumatic elevators are usually clear plastic or glass. Pneumatic elevators are smaller than shaft elevators, allowing installation in tighter spaces. Elevators are a bit noisier than stair lifts due to cables or other machinery involved. You can install acoustic panels to help absorb sound if you opt for a hydraulic elevator. The best option is to install the elevator is non-noise sensitive location, such as near a bathroom, kitchen, wardrobe or storage room. Home elevators are more expensive in materials and installation, relative to a stair lift. The cost to install a pneumatic elevator that climbs one floor is around $10,000, with the elevator itself consuming most of that cost (usually between $5,000 and $7,000). A hydraulic elevator costs around $20,000 when all is said and done, with the hydraulic elevator itself costing $10,000. Elevators can add value to your home (by up to 10%), especially if it was installed at the time of home construction. Generally, elevators are for indoor use and can take longer to install than a stair lift. Both home elevators and stair lifts should be inspected annually for routine maintenance. Cables for hydraulic elevators should be replaced every five years to ensure optimal function and safety.
Elevator Specifications
Safety Devices & Features
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See-through car
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No special wiring – runs off of 110V household
o current Designed is meet ASME standards
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Battery operated – runs in BOTH directions
Safety pan under car stop travel if four lbs or more of force is exerted underneath car.
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during power outages o
Capacity: 1-2 persons, 400 lbs
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Length: up to 14 feet of travel
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travel if 20 lbs or more is on top of car. o
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Safety hatch on top of car stops
Two ¼” diameter 7 x 19 GAC cables support the car. Each cable has a breaking strength of 7,000 lbs.
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Sliding radial door allows person to get in and out of elevator in an
Everyone in your home and guests can take elevator, sobetween it can floors. emergency, even Footprint: 38” wide x 48” from wall, or 38” wideadvantage of the serve multitude of purposes. x 39” fromawall o
stabilize riders
Car accommodates small wheelchair, rollator or
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Hand rails inside car to assist and
SHAFTLESS HOME ELEVATOR o Emergency unlocking device for INSTALLATION door lock Car controls: up/down, key-switch, E-stop, alarm,
power chair o
diagnostic LED, car light control switch
ELEVATORS o
Wireless call-boxes enable rider to call or send
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unit to either landing
UL Listed door interlock – senses door is both closed and locked before allowing unit to operate.
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FOB control for remote use
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Regular and final limit switches.
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Constant low voltage battery charging system
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Slack cable safety switches and broken cable safety
250 watt motor with dual winding steel drums –
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2:1 drive o
High tensile strength extruded aluminum track
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Textured, easy to clean, powder coated finish on car and rail
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controls so the user controls travel at all times.
Installation/Maintenance
Hi-grade Z97.1 approved clear acrylic visions
o panels
Units have constant pressure
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10-12 day complete installation, including remodeling.
The noise you hear when the elevator is going up through the floor is the hatch cover when it contacts the top of the elevator and when the hatch cover comes down to rest on the hole liner as the top of the elevator clears the hole liner on the way down. There are other background noises not associated with the elevator operation.
HOME ELEVATOR OPTIONS
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Drive Kewaskum, Wisconsin 53040 Office: (262) 692-2234 Cell: (262) 323-4437 E-mail: jim@wizcoconstructionllc.com