If you’re thinking of installing a pitless elevator in your home, you may have come across the term ‘pitless’ here and there. But what does this really mean, and is it right for your home? Let’s delve into what a pitless elevator is, how it differs from traditional systems, and why it may be the ideal solution for your space.
For almost 30 years, RAM Elevators + Lifts has been manufacturing premier home elevators of commercial quality all over North America. An essential part of our journey has been the development of our innovative pitless elevators, powered by our revolutionary technology. Join us here at RAM, as we explore everything you need to know about pitless elevators—and why they’re a beneficial feature for homeowners.
What is a Pitless Elevator?
When installing a traditional elevator, it’s typical to require a pit right below the shaft. This pit ensures a place for essential elevator equipment (depending on elevator type), including heavy-duty buffer springs or guide rail brackets. Unfortunately, these pits can sometimes require several feet of space, making them disruptive to install in existing homes.
Luckily, some elevators are available in innovative ‘pitless’ configurations. Unlike traditional installations, essential components are installed at floor level or close to the shaft. At RAM, all of our elevators are available to be installed without a pit or with a small two-inch pit. From our everyday Stratus Elevator to the luxurious Crystal Elevator, these pitless solutions can seamlessly integrate into nearly any home.
Here are three of the key advantages of installing a pitless elevator in your home.
Benefit #1: Zero Excavation
There’s plenty of prep work before excavation actually begins. The ground needs to be approved and deemed clear of piping, appliances, or other significant obstructions. Any obstructions need to be removed or moved, or the elevator location needs to be moved somewhere else in the home. This is especially crucial for retrofits, which can be challenging to fit around. Pitless elevators eliminate the need for any excavation, making them ideal for older homes or homes with complex architecture.
Benefit #2: Faster Installation
Depending on the type of elevator being installed and the home’s existing architecture, excavating an elevator pit can take anywhere from a few days to a week. Not to mention, hiring more subcontractors to complete this work is time-consuming. Days of excavations can prove disruptive to daily living, with dust, debris, and loud excavation noise. Pitless elevators completely bypass this step entirely, allowing for a faster, quicker installation—sometimes as quick as few days.
Benefit #3: Better For Smaller Spaces or Retrofits
While home elevators to be easily integrated into new builds, retrofitting them into existing homes can prove more complex. New construction allows greater placement flexibility whether it’s connecting a deck to a balcony, adjacent to the staircase, or somewhere else entirely. But in existing spaces, already existing architecture means there are fewer places an elevator can feasibly be installed. Thanks to their compact design, pitless elevators can be installed in a wider range of home locations, including space-restricted areas.
Mobility Solutions For Any Home with RAM
At RAM Elevators + Lifts, our pitless elevators aren’t simply built to look stunning; they’re also built with truly revolutionary technology. Every elevator, from commercial to residential, is built and tested to rigorous North American standards. To us, that means installing each pitless elevator with standard, cutting-edge RAM technology and ensuring code compliance—including ADA standards.
Let us help you find the right elevator for your space. Contact us today to learn more about our versatile pitless elevator solutions, and help get you in touch with one of our dealers.