I compare the costs of different kinds of home elevators. It’s cheaper to install a home elevator in a raised New Orleans house, since the ground to main floor service is usually shorter than a standard two floor service. Since the costs are different, I will explain the costs for both. When discussing home elevators for New Orleans, I look at the service area, available space, location of the existing stairwells, and the need for a full service elevator or a vertical platform lift.
For people outside of New Orleans, I start with the equipment. At 101 Mobility of New Orleans, the first thing I ask is where the customer wants to go and where the equipment needs to take them. When people need equipment to access different levels of their house, they often need a different piece of equipment to take them from their garage to the main level of the house. I start the equipment installation at the lower level.
- Where do people access the equipment?
- Is that area still useful when a car is parked?
- Is there obstructions around the lower access?
Once I determine the lower area, I look at the upper area.
- Is there enough space to accommodate an elevator?
- In what direction does the space biggest?
- What level does the elevator open to on the main floor?
- Do the upper stops open to hallways or other circulation paths?
- Does the elevator cab obstruct other doors?
- Is there adequate clearance to leave the elevator?
Just because a floor is the shortest vertically from the main level, does not mean that it is the easiest to access from an equipment placement standpoint. There are many situations where this is the case. For example, one floor may have the best access and circulation, but have a long travel distance. Another may have a much more obstructed and longer travel distance, but provide better access and circulation.
There are multiple options available for providing vertical access to the main level from the ground level and vice versa. Which option is used depends on several variables. 101 Mobility has several options available for home elevators and the right solution depends on the construction of a home.
| RaiseLift Option | What It Does Well | What I Need to Confirm | Biggest Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Home Elevator | Allows vertical transport to an exterior raised entrance level | Exposure, Support, Upper Landing, Power, Direction of Access | More expensive and logistically longer to install |
| Shaftless Lift | Provides vertical transport between 2 levels and in some models minimizes hoistway construction | Floor Opening, Support, Circulation | Limits still apply |
| Traditional Elevator | Serves multiple levels | Support, Power, Doors, Electrical, Hoistway | Most Expensive |
| Vertical Platform Lift | Transport a wheelchair or mobility device in a residential setting | Travel Distance, Approach, Landings, Power, Guarding | Less Aesthetically Pleasing |
Residential Elevators
One is the Savaria Vuelift.
- Capable of 42.5′ of travel and 6 landings.
- Not all projects require this capacity.
Before making this recommendation, I will evaluate the features and limitations of the product compared to the project requirements.
A Shaftless Lift may be an option to consider for other residential projects. A project with an outdoor elevator requires me to research and select products constructed for outdoor use. The Shaftless Residential Elevators offered by 101 Mobility are constructed for outdoor use.
And if your main goal is to travel between ground level and an elevated level of living in a wheelchair, I would like to bring your attention to a vertical platform lift. A vertical platform lift may be a more appropriate solution, as it may require less of the additional finishes of a residential elevator, if any.
Depending on the Nature of the Ground Level
Residential elevators, like all elevators, begin at the ground level. They require specific site conditions and may also require site work. Depending on the elevator system, site work may include the creation of a hoistway and a pit. There are system configurations that eliminate the need for a hoistway and pit. There are also configurations of the Vuelift system that allow for pitless installation.
I make it a point to personally view the conditions of the lower level of the home that the elevator will connect to.In addition, I evaluate conditions of the upper level of the home. It is important to evaluate clear and safe approach ways to and from the upper landing, especially if there are constraints on space. Some upper landings may not provide clear space for the movement of a wheelchair.
These issues may arise if a client’s property is located in a historic district. There may be constraints for the exterior elevator work. I understand that not every house within Lakeview, Broadmoor and Gentilly for example, would be subject to the same scrutiny. I understand Old Metairie, as well as Covington and Mandeville, for example, are in different jurisdictions.
The point is to identify applicable building codes and ordinances to determine what if any review might be required, before a commitment is made to the final design and location. It is preferable to identify changes in building codes prior to ordering a lift and making a commitment to a final design and location.
What is the approximate cost of a Home Elevator in New Orleans?
According to 101 Mobility’s current home elevator pricing, the cost is between $40,000 to $80,000. There are many variables that affect the final cost. These include the drive system, number of landings or stops, modifications to the structure, and the finish of the elevator car. More adaptations to the house may be necessary for a retrofit elevator installation as compared to a new house where the elevator is installed as part of the original construction plans.
A vertical platform lift (VPL) is considerably less, especially for home use. According to 101 Mobility’s current vertical platform lift pricing, the cost of a residential VPL is between $12,000 to $30,000. I would not recommend a home elevator in this situation because the less expensive vertical platform lift (VPL) still solves the family’s accessibility issue. Family members also would need to use the elevators regularly. There has to be a reason to go beyond comparing cost with the VPL.
101 Mobility’s pricing guide states that the purchase and installation of a home elevator can increase the value of the home by up to $67,000. However, I would not rely on that increase when selling the home. There are several factors that determine the home’s value including the location, the quality of the home, the elevator, and the buyer.
Equipment selection also depends on where the equipment will be placed. For an interior home elevator, there are also differences in the environment that elevators in unconditioned spaces will experience. Exterior home elevators also will experience differences in the environment.
Rain and storms do increase the need for regular maintenance on the elevator. Maintenance also is required on all elevators. I personalize service intervals to each elevator based on factors like the drive system, the elevator manufacturer, where the elevator is located, the environment the elevator is installed in, and the elevator’s use.
What Happens After Installation?
After the elevator is installed, we go over the elevator’s complete function. At the ground level, we cover the functions to approach and enter the elevator. At the upper level, we cover the functions of the doors or gates and how to exit the elevator. We cover the normal and operating controls and the back up and emergency functions.
After all this, the elevator is part of the household and therefore maintenance is our concern. Maintenance and repair of the elevator is always available and supported by our service and support team.
A residential elevator is always an option if your home in Lakeview, Old Metairie, Broadmoor, Gentilly, or Mandeville and Covington is on a slab. Give us a call for a free in-home consultation.I will review the elevation from the ground to the main floor and give a preliminary assessment based on the main and lower floor conditions. I will also give a preliminary assessment of the structural requirements.
Raised homes do not always require a two-story elevator. A one-story elevator may work if the lower level of the home is primarily garage and storage.
How much does a home elevator cost?
The cost for a home elevator that we offer generally starts around $40,000. Elevator costs can vary based on the number of stops, model and features of the elevator and other variables. We have installed elevator systems that have cost as much as $80,000.
Is a vertical platform lift less expensive than a home elevator?
Vertical platform lifts are typically less expensive than home elevators. Residential vertical platform lifts can range from about $12,000 to $30,000, and home elevators start from about $40,000.
Can a home elevator be installed outside?
Home elevators can be installed outdoors, but a home elevator designed for indoor use cannot be installed outdoors. I would have to assess the route the elevator would take to determine if there were other issues (i.e. support, power, etc.) that would make the installation impractical.
Would a shaftless elevator work for a raised home?
A shaftless or through-floor elevator might work for your situation, but a conventional hoistway would still be needed for the elevator system.
Would a home elevator require review by the Historic Districts League of New Orleans?
Depending on the work being done and the home’s location, it might. I would contact the local jurisdiction to determine if a review would be required.
About the Author
Jonas Boutte is the owner of 101 Mobility of South Louisiana and has hands-on training from accessibility-equipment manufacturers including Bruno, Harmar, Stiltz, Staying Home, EZ-ACCESS, National Ramp, and others. He helps families throughout Greater New Orleans compare home elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stairlifts, and other accessibility solutions based on the home, route, mobility needs, and long-term plans.
