When making a home or residence more accessible, pitless vertical platform lifts are often among the first solutions considered. These devices are versatile, compact, and easy to install—it’s a practical mix that’s hard to beat! That said, with their growing popularity comes their fair share of misunderstandings, which can create the wrong expectations from the start.
Let’s dive into some of the most common misconceptions about pitless lift solutions. Read on!
Myth #1: A Pitless Lift Installation Is a Major Project
Despite their usability, pitless lifts aren’t considered a major project. Pitless lifts are relatively compact and self-contained, making installation relatively easy. These devices are designed to sit flush with the ground and to be installed on top of your home’s existing architecture, eliminating the need for intensive modifications.
For homeowners considering a retrofit, this is a meaningful difference. Pitless lifts don’t require digging up the floor, pouring new concrete, or rerouting structural supports. The lift sits on top of the existing floor with the rest of the area staying largely untouched during installation.
That said, while pitless lifts have low construction costs, certain homes may still require structural, power, or clearance modifications to meet requirements.
Myth #2: Pitless Lift Installations Are Plug-and-Play
There’s nothing like a fun weekend project, but home mobility upgrades go beyond DIY. Though pitless lifts are simpler to install than other mobility solutions, they are still complex devices that require professional installation to ensure code compliance and safety. Pitless lifts have several key installation requirements, including a sufficient power supply, ample overhead clearance, and a solid structural foundation capable of supporting the lift’s load.
A qualified installer will review the site and identify any factors that may make installation challenging. Issues like an outlet that can’t handle a 220-volt circuit or a beam overhead that cuts into top clearance will all be identified in advance. While these cases aren’t necessarily deal-breakers, each one may slow down the install if it’s discovered after the equipment shows up.
Myth #3: Pitless Lifts are Only for Wheelchair Users
Pitless lifts appeal to a wide range of people, not only those with wheelchairs. It’s a beneficial home addition for older adults with changing mobility needs, multigenerational families, and even those who simply want an easier way to get between two floors without strain. As a result, a lift is often a highly desirable home feature for many.
For households planning ahead, the appeal grows stronger. The same lift that carries laundry up from the basement today can handle a walker tomorrow and a wheelchair after that. There’s no need to plan for upgrades or replace one solution with another. A single installation can continue to serve homeowners for years.
Myth #4: Pitless Lifts Require Constant Maintenance
A pitless lift is just like any home system; it requires regular care. On a day-to-day basis, this consists of basic tasks such as cleaning around the unit, wiping it down, and inspecting for noticeable issues.
A qualified lift technician should also inspect it at least once a year. Yearly inspections cover key components: how the brakes engage, the condition of the cables and rollers, the backup battery, and the safety sensors. While these components rarely need frequent attention, catching wear early keeps the lift running without surprises. Addressing issues like an aging backup battery that’s lost capacity provides peace of mind that your lift is working as intended.
A Better Fit Without the Pit with RAM
At RAM Elevators + Lifts, we specialize in designing high-quality home and commercial mobility solutions. For nearly 40 years, we’ve proudly supplied homes and buildings throughout North America with engineered products built to ASME and ADA standards and improved over decades of installations.
Ready to experience the RAM difference? Request a quote from our team today.