7 Things To Know Before Installing A Lift In Your Home

When buying a home lift, there are plenty of things to look into like finding the right size, choosing a design that aligns with the interior, and getting all this for a price that falls within budget. Similarly, there are several things you have to know before you install the home lift. We’ve created a checklist to highlight 7 things you need to address before you call in the contractor. 

• Ask For Permission

You might not need permission if you are installing a lift on your property. However, if you live in a rented property, you need to get permission from the owner before proceeding. Regulations change depending on the region you live in. Make sure to check with the local house planning authorities or ask the home contractor whether official permission is required. 

• Space Required

Most home lifts don’t take up much space and are usually the size of a wardrobe. When compared to a stairwell, home lifts take up a lot less space and are super efficient when it comes to improving accessibility in cozy spaces. Before installing the home lift, you need to choose a feasible space. This can become a daunting task if you have not properly planned for it. 

The location you choose might need some structural adjustments, so do take the lift installation team onboard early on so the space can be revamped accordingly. Picking a reliable lift installation service is crucial here, as an incompetent team will only compromise the safety of the installation process and the integrity of the lift itself. You can ensure their legitimacy by checking their license to operate, reading online reviews, and asking them for testimonials from previous clients so it becomes easier to make an informed decision. 

• Costs of Installation and Maintenance

Most people buy a home lift without considering the costs involved to maintain their pick. Each home lift model has different specifications and requires varying levels of maintenance. You can check with the lift supplier or the lift installers to know how much it would cost to maintain the lift. 

Furthermore, check the prices of parts because some models might have parts that are too expensive to purchase. Evaluating these costs is a necessary step in making the right decision. Similar to maintenance costs, you will need to consider the installation costs as well. There are specific home lift models that need a bit of tweaking when being installed. Furthermore, some home lifts, like a home lift installed on the home’s exterior, would require some adjustments as well. Make sure you talk to the home lift installation service and ask them about their charges for the installation. 

• Get Benefits

Before you call the home installation services, check with the regulatory authorities whether there are any mobility grants available. Several governments offer grants to people who suffer from disabilities and need to improve accessibility in their households. Age-related mobility issues are also covered by some grants. You can use the information provided at Stiltz Home Lifts to know what options might be feasible for people with mobility issues. These grants typically cover a variety of expenses from installing ramps to providing the finances for a home lift. 

• Know The Usage

There are plenty of reasons to install some lifts but the most common is accessibility. No matter what type of lift you choose, it will improve accessibility. However, it’s up to you to figure out what purpose the lift will serve. For example, a stair lift is a feasible option for people who use wheelchairs to move around, whereas the floor lift can be used by the elderly with mobility issues. Besides installing a home lift, there are several other design tips that can be used if you want your home to be wheelchair accessible.  Nonetheless, these home lifts can be used to transport heavy objects and appliances as well. Knowing what the lift will be used for can help you choose the right type of lift and make the necessary changes required to install the home lift. 

• Visual Design

Plenty of design options are available when it comes to home lifts. Newer models have a wide range of designs and colors, and use different textures so the home lifts can easily blend in with the interior. You should consider your home interior design and make sure the home lift design you choose complements the indoor space and does not look awkward. Modern home lifts have evolved in terms of features, durability, cost-effectiveness, and materials used. If you are confused about picking one, ask for recommendations from family and friends or contact your home interior designer to make a feasible decision. 

• Weight Requirements

Home lifts are reliable, durable, and similar in function to the commercial lifts we see in public places. However, these home lifts have their weight requirements. The home lift is mostly designed for single-person use and in some models, a small child can be added. Before you install the home lift, make sure you fulfill the weight requirements of the home lift. Wheelchair-bound individuals need to take care of this aspect as the added weight of a motorized wheelchair might not be supported by an ordinary home lift. Fortunately, there are plenty of models that are wheelchair-friendly and can facilitate the user in this way. 

Just as you focus on choosing the most feasible lift, evaluating the company you are hiring for installation is also crucial. A reliable home lift installation service will always communicate in good faith and be available anytime if an issue with repair or maintenance arises. They will also perform safety checks to ensure the home lift works optimally. You can also check the reviews and testimonials previous clients left on their websites.

If possible, you can contact previous clients and ask about their experience with the company. Taking recommendations from friends and family who have been through the process of installing a home lift is also feasible. They can give you suggestions on what to look out for if they had a bad experience. By considering the things we’ve shared, installing your home lift will be a seamless process.