Residential Elevators: What Are The Benefits For You?
- If you rely on a wheelchair to get around, you may be wondering what benefits there are to residential elevators. Some people believe that home elevators can make your life much simpler, but as in every major decision, there are pros and cons that you should consider when thinking about whether or not to install an elevator in your home.
- The first consideration has to be whether or not you have the space for an elevator in your home. Some people convert an open stairway into an elevator shaft, while others use closet space that aligns on both floors. Still others install a home elevator by adding on an addition to their residential space. If you are considering installing an elevator in your residence, you should have a vertical space for the elevator shaft of about 54 x 48 inches. In addition, you’ll need 3’ for the elevator door to open and close.
- The next thing you should think about when considering whether or not to install an elevator in your residential home is how it will affect the value of your home. Do you plan to live in your home for a long time, or will you move residences shortly? A home elevator will likely negatively affect the value of your home, unless the future buyer happened to rely on a wheelchair as well. Think carefully about whether or not the installation of an elevator in your house will outweigh the possible loss of value on your residence.
- Finally, you should know that a home elevator will increase the costs of the monthly electric bills in your home. Because an elevator is run by power, your monthly residential electric bills will go up, and you should think about whether or not you can afford it