Going up and down the stairs of a multi-storey house can be tiring. Although recently constructed houses or buildings are often equipped with indoor home lifts, there are many older buildings with numerous architectural barriers.
Vertical mobility within a building is fundamental: the solution for apartment blocks or private houses with two to four floors is definitely the installation of indoor home lifts. The realisation of such a project would also eliminate architectural barriers in favour of elderly or mobility-impaired persons.
Pros and cons of a home lift
It is fair to reiterate that the value of a building is based on a number of factors and the installation of an indoor lift could be one of them. Adding a home lift would certainly increase the price of the property. It may happen, however, that the building in which a lift is to be added needs to be modified. Adaptation works include inspections by experts and the realisation of the project. Typically, the above-mentioned work costs between € 3,000 and €10,000.
Indoor home lifts’ prices and models
The price of indoor home lifts is subject to several variables, and one of them is the chosen lift type. It is possible to opt for a hydraulic or electric home lift. The first type has low installation costs and higher consumption costs. The price, which is also based on the number of floors in the building, ranges between € 13,000 and € 16,000 for a building between two and five floors. The electric lift requires higher installation costs but is balanced by lower maintenance and consumption costs. The price usually starts at € 20,000 euros.
What the law says: requirements and dimensions
The project for the installation of an indoor home lift should refer to Ministerial Decree 236 of 1989 concerning the requirements for the construction space. According to the law, a lift must have an opening capable of allowing a wheelchair or other means of support to pass through. In addition, the doors must have a locking system in case of an obstacle when closing and allow ample transit time. If a home elevator is to be installed in existing buildings, the minimum dimensions to be observed concern the depth (1.20m), the door opening space on the short side (0.80cm) and the distribution platform in the space in front of the car (1.40m x 1.40m). Usually the stairwell is chosen to position and then realise the home lift. If the metal structure does not fit in the stairwell, the stairs can be resized for more space.
Indoor home lift : a new habit?
Whereas previously the installation of a lift was exclusive to large buildings or apartment blocks, home lifts have offered the same opportunities to those who own a private home or a multi-storey house. The system is, on average, cheaper and easier to install, thus simplifying everyday life for those living there and increasing the market value of the property.