How Much Does A Home Elevator Cost?
The cost to install a home elevator starts from $20,550 CAD up to $68,500 CAD – the home elevator price depends on the model.
The cost of a residential elevator has reduced significantly since home elevators were more commonly introduced in the 1990s. This is due to substantial improvements in the design of these lifts, the way they are powered, and the increase in competition with more manufacturers introducing new products to the marketplace.
- Hydraulic Cable Elevators start at $20,550 CAD up to $47,950 CAD
- Chain Elevators start at $27,400 CAD up to $68,500 CAD
- Hydraulic Elevators start at $27,400 CAD up to $68,500 CAD
- Pneumatic Elevators start at $47,950 CAD up to $68,500 CAD
The cost of a Stiltz Home Elevator is considered very competitive compared to the residential elevator cost of other manufacturers in Canada. The brand can keep Stiltz elevator costs down because, unlike other lifts featured on home elevator price lists, the product does not need a separate machine room to operate or require an elevator pit. A Stiltz elevator price will depend on the model, size, and installation, so in order to get an exact Stiltz lift price, customers would need a full site survey. However, Stiltz lift costs are still likely to be much less than other home elevator alternatives.
The cost of a Stiltz home elevator can vary considerably depending on the model you select, the options needed, and the amount of site preparation and construction required by your Stiltz partner before installation.
For an accurate quote, it is recommended to have one of our local partners visit your home to provide a written estimate covering the full project cost. However, if you would like an idea of a typical price for a home elevator in your area, excluding preparatory work and permits, you can call our experienced telephone advisors at (610) 443-2282. They can offer a price indication based on information about your home and potential product choice. Please note, this will be a guide only and will vary depending on your specific application and location.
We pride ourselves on providing honest, objective information and recommendations without using pushy sales techniques. Our goal is to help you find a solution that fits your needs and budget, making your decision easier. We advise taking advantage of the free, no-commitment in-home quote service offered by our local partners. Even if you decide not to purchase a Stiltz product, you will be more informed about what’s right for you and your home.
What is a home elevator?
A home elevator is designed primarily for residential use in private homes or apartments, providing an easier way for homeowners to travel between floors. This type of residential lift is most commonly used by older individuals who find stairs challenging or by those with mobility issues or disabilities, offering an alternative to a traditional stair lift.
As residential elevator products have evolved in design and functionality, they have also become popular with homeowners looking to improve their lifestyle or future-proof their property for later life. Unlike elevators used in commercial buildings, offices, and department stores, home lifts are significantly different in size and style, making them better suited for installation in private residential properties.
What different types of home elevators are there?
There is a wide range of home elevators available today, differing mainly in style and power mechanisms.
- Hydraulic Cable Elevators often need a lift shaft, pit, or machine room. They use a motor that turns a drum with a cable wound around it to pull the lift upwards. The motor and drum are usually located in a pit below the elevator or in a machine room. Over time, the cables stretch and typically need replacement every five years, adding an extra cost. These elevators are more cost-effective when built into new homes and are sometimes called “Traction Elevators.”
- Non-Hydraulic Cable Elevators do not need shafts. They are more flexible and can be installed quickly in almost any location within a private property. Introduced by Stiltz Home Elevators in Europe in 2010 and launched in the USA in 2013, these elevators are usually cheaper than other types and are popular among customers. They use a self-contained roped drum-braked gear motor drive system that requires no replacement and is located on top of the lift, out of sight. These elevators plug into a standard 220v home outlet and are designed to work even during power outages. Freestanding and traveling on special self-supporting dual rails, these elevators are considered much safer than stair lifts and can also function as dumbwaiters. Stiltz’s latest models include the two-person Duo Alta Home Elevator and the wheelchair-friendly Trio Alta Home Elevator.
- Chain Elevators use a chain instead of a cable and counterweights to balance the elevator. The chain runs over a toothed flywheel at the top and back down to the counterweight. A geared motor powers the flywheel. The motor is placed at the top of the shaft. Chain elevators are more cost-effective than hydraulic cable elevators with shafts since chains typically last 20 years compared to the five-year lifespan of cables.
- Hydraulic Elevators work by pumping hydraulic fluid into the cylinder of the hydraulic arm through a valve. This forces a piston up, pushing the elevator with it. These elevators usually require a lot of space and a separate machine room, meaning homeowners must sacrifice a wider area and find a suitable location. Hydraulic elevators also need more regular servicing and maintenance, making them potentially more costly compared to other market options.
- Pneumatic Elevators use a vacuum system inside a tube to power the lift without needing a machine room or pit. The elevator is self-supporting. Air pressure, pumps, and turbines pull the lift upwards and downwards, though this can often be noisy. These elevators are also known as “Vacuum Elevators.”
The Benefits of Home Elevators Over Stair Lifts
A home elevator offers significant advantages over a stair lift, providing a modern and attractive alternative to the often old-fashioned stair lift designs. Non-hydraulic residential elevators are notably quieter than many stair lifts and generally move between floors more quickly. A key benefit of a home elevator is the ability for individuals to use it independently, without needing assistance from a family member or carer, which is a common drawback of stair lifts.
Stair lifts can also obstruct the stairwell, appear undignified, and carry a stigma associated with old age and disability, potentially affecting a person’s confidence. In contrast, an elevator can make a home fully accessible, allowing the user to move freely between floors at any time with the touch of a button. Additionally, home elevators are useful for transporting not just people but also items such as luggage, heavy boxes, awkward items, groceries, and laundry, reducing the hassle of carrying these items up and down stairs.
Unlike stair lifts, which can only carry one person, home elevators are typically designed to carry two people, and some models accommodate wheelchair users or up to three people. They are also ideal for individuals with walking frames. Domestic elevators are generally more reliable than stair lifts. While stair lifts are a cheaper alternative, they can break down more often and require high levels of servicing and maintenance, increasing their overall expense. Installing a residential elevator allows homeowners to stay in their homes longer, avoiding the costly, disruptive, and emotionally draining process of downsizing to a bungalow. A home elevator can be a stylish addition, adding value to the property and making it a worthwhile investment.
Where Can a Home Elevator Be Installed?
Home elevators are typically designed to move between just one floor, but the specific type and installation location can vary widely. The type of elevator chosen often depends on where it can be accommodated in the home. Most residential elevators are capable of traveling from a hallway or family room downstairs up to a bedroom or landing upstairs. The installation requirements depend on whether the elevator needs a pit, machine room, or both.
For example, non-hydraulic cable elevators can be installed almost anywhere in the home. These freestanding elevators do not require supporting walls or hydraulics and travel on self-supporting dual rails powered by a self-contained motor. They can be discreetly placed in a corner, the turn of a staircase, or even inside a closet. Alternatively, they can be a focal point in any room. Some homeowners opt to install them in a garage for quick and safe access to their property.
Another option is the ‘Thru Car’ elevator, which allows the user to enter on one side at the ground level and exit from the other side on the first floor. The installation possibilities are nearly limitless.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Home Elevator?
The installation time for a home elevator varies depending on the type of elevator and the complexity of the installation:
Hydraulic cable elevator, chain elevator, or hydraulic elevator Installation can take between one week and 10 days due to the extensive work involved in building a lift shaft, pit, or machine room if required.
Pneumatic elevator: Installation typically takes 2-3 days.
Non-hydraulic cable elevator: A typical installation can be completed in just one day.
The duration of the installation process largely depends on the specific requirements and any additional structural modifications needed for the chosen elevator type.
A History of the Elevator
The history of the elevator dates back to the 18th century. The first passenger elevator is said to have been created in 1743 for King Louis XV of France, who had one constructed at the Palace of Versailles. This primitive elevator, known as the “Flying Chair,” was powered by men stationed in a chimney pulling on ropes.
Eighty years later, in 1829, British architect Thomas Horner built the first steam-powered elevator, which he named the “Ascending Room.” This elevator was launched at the London Colosseum, designed by another British architect, Decimus Burton. The Ascending Room could carry up to 12 people and featured transparent surrounds that offered a panoramic view of the city. Despite its innovative design, the project proved very expensive, and Horner fled to New York in the USA soon afterward, with the project deemed a failure.
The evolution of the elevator advanced significantly following Thomas Horner’s initial invention. Other architects improved upon his design by adding a belt and counterweight for safety, establishing a basic principle that would govern elevator operation for over 50 years.
In 1852, American inventor Elisha Otis revolutionized elevator safety with his invention of the “safety hoist.” This device prevented the elevator from falling if the hoisting cable snapped. Otis’s design featured a wooden frame at the top of the elevator car that would engage with the walls of the shaft, bringing the elevator to an immediate stop if the cables broke.
Two years later, Otis founded his own elevator company and installed the first passenger elevator at The Equitable Life Building in Manhattan. This marked a significant milestone in elevator history.
In 1880, German inventor Werner von Siemens developed the first electric elevator. However, it was Alexander Miles who patented an electric elevator seven years later, further advancing the technology.
Today, more than a century later, elevators are ubiquitous in both commercial and residential buildings. Initially, home elevators were a luxury reserved for the super-rich, providing a convenient means of moving between floors. However, they have since become commonplace in many domestic properties across the United States. Modern home elevators are more affordable and available in a range of attractive designs, making them accessible to a broader range of homeowners.
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Alternatively, to find out more about how a how much a Stiltz home lift costs, you can email us at [email protected] or complete our contact us form on the website.
“We would definitely recommend Stiltz to others. In terms of the equipment, the integrity, the support behind it, the simple installation, and the whole process was very straight forward. We convey these things regularly to our friends and relatives.” – Mr Ricker.
“Our favorite thing about our Stiltz Lift is that after a while you don’t even know it’s there. It becomes part of the home and everyone who comes in is initially intrigued and want to try it, but then they forget it’s here. We would definitely recommend it to anyone. There’s no looking back for us now. We use the lift all the time. We couldn’t live without it now!” – Mr & Mrs Lavdar
“The installation wasn’t at all disruptive and was installed quickly. I would without a doubt recommend Stiltz to anyone. Compared to everything else we researched the Stiltz Home Elevator was fantastic value for money and has changed our lives forever.” – Mrs Ojeda