Did you know that, even in 2026, there are still plenty of rumours surrounding home elevator installation? Despite becoming a top choice across North America for those looking to age in place and add value to any property, people still tend to associate residential elevators with luxury properties and think they require a massive construction/demolition process to install.
While models like RAM’s stunning Prism elevator can take any luxury home to the next level, the reality is that homes of all shapes and sizes can benefit from accessibility-minded upgrades. At. At RAM Elevators + Lifts, our mission is to help elevate daily living for people with mobility concerns and those planning ahead for aging in place.
Below we’ll cover 6 of the biggest myths surrounding home elevators and the facts that make them a great investment for any home. Read on to learn more!
1. Myth: You Need a Separate Machine Room
The Fact: One of the most persistent rumours is that you have to give up a closet or a big chunk of the basement for bulky machinery. While that may be true for older, outdated models, RAM specializes in Machine-Room-Less (MRL) designs. By housing the drive system directly in the shaft, we save you about 25 square feet of living space, making our elevators perfect for tight residential retrofits where every inch counts.
2. Myth: Residential Elevators Are Loud and Smelly
The Fact: Older hydraulic models earned a reputation for being noisy and smelling like a mechanic’s shop. Modern all-electric drives, like those used by RAM, have changed the game. Because our systems are fluid-free and counterweighted, they provide a whisper-quiet, smooth ride. Better yet, there’s no oil to leak and no petrochemical odours—just a clean, silent addition to the home!
3. Myth: You Have to Dig a Deep Pit in the Foundation
The Fact: Many people fear that integrating an elevator means jackhammering the floor to dig a four-foot hole. RAM offers pitless elevator technology that requires only a 2-to-3-inch ramp or a very shallow pit to operate. This typically means faster installation, less headaches, and an end result that saves your floorplan!
4. Myth: Maintenance Is a Constant, Expensive Chore
The Fact: If you choose an elevator with a complex hydraulic setup, maintenance can be a headache. RAM’s all-electric systems follow the highest standards of machinery reliability, with fewer moving parts. With no oil changes or seals to replace, the long-term cost of ownership is significantly lower and headaches are few and far between.
5. Myth: They Consume a Massive Amount of Electricity
The Fact: Modern elevators are surprisingly efficient! Because our electric motors use counterweights to balance the load, they often draw no more power than a standard household appliance.
6. Myth: Installation Takes Weeks of Stressful Construction
The Fact: With no machine room and no deep pit, a dealer’s “on-site” time for installation is much shorter. We support our North American dealer network with products that arrive ready to install and ensure that our network is fully trained to guarantee the best results for end customers. Every RAM unit is 125% full-load tested before it leaves our factory, which means fewer callbacks for dealers and a more dependable product for veterans and seniors aging in place!
Discover A High-Performance Partner for Your Home
Modern home elevators should feel like a natural part of the architecture, not a clunky afterthought. By focusing on smart space design and sophisticated engineering, RAM helps you create a home that adapts to your family’s needs for years to come.
CONTACT RAM ELEVATORS + LIFTS TODAY to connect with a local dealer and explore the best vertical solutions for your property.