Are you searching for a small elevator for your home? If so, you’ve likely come across no shortage of information sheets, design ideas, and elevator models—but what is it like actually owning one? Many homeowners still associate home elevators with ultra-luxurious builds or long-outdated designs, leading to many surprises when today’s options are more practical than initially thought.
In this short blog with RAM Elevators + Lifts, let’s dive into the ins and outs of installing a small elevator for your home. Read on below!
#1: Space Requirements Aren’t Very Intensive
It surprises many that modern, small elevators for homes are often more compact than expected. In most cases, reliably installing a home elevator comes down to finding sufficient vertical clearances rather than taking over square footage.
The truth is, it’s often entirely possible to install an elevator in an existing home. It’s simply a matter of planning out the best location for it. Small elevators for homes are typically installed in areas that allow for easy floor-to-floor access. Ideal installation locations include stacked closets, near stairwells, or other areas that allow minimal construction.
#2: Maintenance Isn’t Overwhelming
On any given day, the most misconceptions around home elevators center on maintenance and upkeep. Over the years, we’ve seen a common line of thinking that home elevators require extensive, expensive maintenance.
While this may have been the case long ago, when home elevators were exceedingly rare, maintenance practices have evolved significantly over time. While exact maintenance requirements vary by elevator model, many require professional maintenance only once a year. Professional maintenance is a non-negotiable and includes technical tasks to ensure the system is in working order, like drive system checks and emergency power testing.
Aside from this, homeowners should also perform regular basic upkeep and care. These are simple tasks that would be performed on household systems like any other.
Regular maintenance tasks include:
- Cleaning door tracks from dust and debris
- Wiping down control panels and cab walls
- Visual inspections when in use
- Replacing backup battery (if applicable)
#3: Not All Home Elevators Require a Machine Room
While home elevators are designed for the same purpose, not all elevators are designed equally. Decades ago, elevator rooms were a necessity for nearly all small elevators. This is because many were older, hydraulic elevator models that needed this space for the controller, pumps, and other essential components.
Since that point, small elevators for homes today feature significantly more compact designs. Many of these modern elevators are self-contained, allowing these components to be built directly within the shaft or at the top landing.
#4: Some Features are Necessary, Not Optional
While some elevator features offer an aesthetic purpose, others offer a more functional approach. Any installed home elevator must comply with both building standards and elevator-specific guidelines to ensure safe operation. This generally includes features such as door interlocks, emergency stops, and battery backup power. These are requirements outlined by the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), as well as municipal, state/provincial, and national standards.
With nearly 40 years of experience developing and manufacturing elevators, RAM are your code compliance experts. To us, safety and compliance are never compromised; it’s built into everything we do. We provide home mobility solutions across North America—and understand the building codes and standards that vary by jurisdiction.
Uplift your Home with RAM
There are many ups, downs, and realities to consider when installing a small elevator in your home. That’s where RAM comes in, with builds steeped in excellence, code consultancy, and decades of industry experience across North America.
Ready to get started with the RAM team today? We’re ready when you are. Reach out to us to learn more about our award-winning home mobility solutions, and get in touch with a RAM dealer near you.