It may seem all too obvious: purchasing homelifts for people with disabilities is a crucial decision to improve the accessibility and comfort of public and private buildings. Be careful: selecting and installing elevators designed for this purpose requires a careful assessment. Evaluation mistakes are always around the corner and can compromise the effectiveness and safety of the homelift.
What are the most common mistakes made when choosing homelifts for people with disabilities? In this article, we have selected six: we have grouped them into three paragraphs according to the type of error.
Let’s see the mistakes to avoid when purchasing elevators for people with disabilities to ensure a solution that is safe, functional, and compliant with current regulations.
Underestimating accessibility and safety regulations
One of the most common mistakes is ignoring or underestimating the regulations related to homelifts for people with disabilities. In Italy, for instance, the installation of elevators in public or residential buildings must comply with specific standards, such as Ministerial Decree 236/1989, which defines the requirements for removing architectural barriers. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to fines and, above all, safety risks for users. It is essential to choose a model that guarantees appropriate dimensions and features for people with motor or sensory disabilities, including handrails, accessible control panels, and automatic doors. Ensuring that the selected model complies with regulations guarantees a legally compliant investment that is safe for all users.
Another aspect related to regulations involves safety measures. Some elevator models for people with disabilities offer additional features such as visual or auditory alerts to improve accessibility. Not considering these details can compromise the user experience for people with various abilities, making the elevator less functional and safe than it should be.
Not considering the installation context and users’ specific needs
The choice of homelifts for people with disabilities should always be based on the specific characteristics of the building and the needs of the people who will use it. A common mistake is purchasing a standard model without considering the available space, access to doors, and the height of the floors to be connected. It is crucial to conduct a detailed inspection of the building, together with a specialized technician, to determine the most suitable elevator model. Choosing a model that is too large or too small compared to the available space can lead to installation difficulties and require additional modifications, increasing costs.
Moreover, it is important to consider the specific needs of the users. For example, wheelchair users require more space to maneuver easily. Choosing an elevator that does not provide the proper accessibility can make it difficult or even impossible for users to use.
Neglecting maintenance costs and customization options
Finally, a frequently overlooked mistake when purchasing elevators for people with disabilities is considering only the initial cost, ignoring long-term maintenance expenses. Elevators, like any other system, require periodic inspections and maintenance to ensure safety and the durability of the investment. Cheaper models may end up being more expensive in the long run if they require frequent repairs or if they are not easily customizable for future needs.
Customization options represent another key aspect. There are models that allow you to choose finishes, colors, and accessories to match the building’s aesthetics and improve the user experience. Ignoring these options can lead to a final result that does not reflect the needs and the surrounding environment, impacting both functionality and aesthetics.