Installing a home elevator does more than enhance your convenience. As a future-minded investment, elevators help to improve your lifestyle, accessibility, and safety at home, making it easier than ever to remain in the house you love for as long as possible. Whether you’re actively planning ahead to age in place, want to make your home easy to navigate for multiple generational family members, or simply want to elevate the aesthetics of your home, RAM Elevators + Lifts knows how important it is to find the right solution for your needs, both today and in the future. With over 35 years of industry-leading experience, RAM is here to help you find the perfect fit for your home. If you’ve been considering installing an elevator in your current or future house, below are some of the top factors to consider to find the best solution. Read on to learn more!
Top Tips for Choosing a Home Elevator
Identify Your Needs and Goals
Just like making any major change to your home or integrating a significant upgrade into the design for a new build, it’s crucial to understand what matters to you, and why. Start by considering the why: are you planning for long-term accessibility and mobility assistance? Do you have current needs that be considered? Are you more focused on enhancing the luxury of your home and want a standout piece that commands attention? All of these factors will influence which model suits your current and future needs, and will help you feel confident when making your selection.
Consider Space and Layout
It’s a common misconception that installing an elevator requires extensive renovations. While this may have been true of older models, RAM’s innovative models remove much of this concern and are designed to seamlessly fit into older homes, as well as new builds with minimal hassle thanks to their machine-room-less (MRL) design and reduced pit requirements.
Our Stratus, Crystal and Prism models are created to integrate with the architecture of your home with ease and flexibility, giving you the results you deserve without headaches. Knowing your space requirements is key to finding the right elevator model for your home. For those that are particularly concerned about space, and who may not need the full capacity offered by an elevator, vertical platform lifts (VPLs) such as our FlexLift model are a great solution, with FlexLift offering unparalleled configurability for home owners.
Choose the Right Drive System
The type of drive system utilized by a unit directly affects the performance, noise level, and energy efficiency of your elevator. At RAM, we believe that quality is the ultimate luxury; that’s why our models utilize advanced traction drives and hybrid systems that operate smoothly and quietly, all while giving you maximum efficiency. Unlike hydraulic systems which require dedicated machine rooms that eat up space, RAM’s elevators are machine-room-less and designed for optimal space efficiency and integration.
Prioritize Safety Features
Safety should always be front of mind when looking for a home elevator, and a reputable manufacturer will make sure that safety elements are integrated into every model. Core features like battery backup, obstruction sensors, and emergency stops are crucial for effective operation. Our Stratus, Crystal, and Prism elevators are all built with advanced safety features onboard and are guaranteed to be up to all relevant safety codes so you’ll always have reliable performance and peace of mind.
Aesthetics
While there’s no denying that functionality is the main priority when choosing an elevator model, aesthetics are equally important. While some may worry that a home elevator will stand out as a “bulky, obvious” feature, the reality is that modern models are far more sleek and customizable than you may think!
From stunning glass models like our Crystal and Prism units that open up every space and draw in natural light to create an ethereal atmosphere to rich, wood-grain finishes that radiate luxury and timeless elegance, RAM affords you the ability to create your dream space with your dream elevator!
Think About Long-Term Investment and Value
Home elevators instantly transform your space, but they’re also a significant investment in your personal future, as well as the long-term value of your property. The modern home market has seen an increasing interest in houses with age-in-place friendly elements and universal accessibility integrated design. Elevators play a key role in achieving both objectives and ensure owners get long-term reliability and an excellent return on investment.
Look for Energy-Efficient Options
Some may fear that elevators will drastically increase their utility bills, but the fortunate reality is that high-end models, like those manufactured by RAM use energy-efficient and eco-conscious technology to help reduce your footprint and use minimal energy without ever compromising on performance.
Understand Installation Requirements
While we’ve already talked about space requirements, the other element you’ll want to consider is your home’s dedicated layout. While some floor plans can easily fit in a new addition (especially if you’re integrating right from the start with a new build), retrofits and certain layouts may require more structural modifications. Fortunately, the compact nature of RAM’s models integrate with minimal disruption.
Factor in Maintenance and Serviceability
RAM Elevators are designed for low-maintenance operation and eliminate the need for regular oil changes or hydraulic fluids, which help to reduce your overall upkeep costs over time. We also take pride in closely partnering with our dealers to ensure that all repair technicians are sufficiently trained on long-term maintenance so you always get quality service and support when it matters most!
Work with a Trusted Manufacturer
Finally, installing a home elevator is a big investment in your quality of life, today, tomorrow, and for many years to come. You deserve to partner with a manufacturer that you can trust. As Forbe’s top pick for home elevators in 2024, and as a longstanding industry leader, RAM Elevators + Lifts brings decades of experience and results that put our customers first.
Elevate Your Home with RAM Today!
Contact us today to learn more about our customizable, space-saving, and stylish home elevator options!