Outdoor Lift Planning in Gonzales: Access Options for Porches, Decks, and Raised Entries
A set of steps can quickly become an obstacle for people who can no longer use stairs to access a porch, deck, or garage entry. In Gonzales, I look at the vertical rise of an obstacle, available space to accommodate a ramp and landing, the transportation device to be lifted, and how the device is normally used to decide between a ramp or a vertical platform lift.
At 101 Mobility of Baton Rouge, I evaluate each situation to identify the best possible solution. There are instances when a low step rise can be more conveniently and less expensively modified with a ramp. However, if the entry way is significantly higher, a lift becomes a more reasonable solution.
There Are Reasons Homes in Ascension Parish Need to be Built This High
Historically, homes in Ascension Parish have been built with entrance ways above flood levels. Many of the homes in the Gonzales area were built this way to comply with floodplain regulations. Floodplain regulations are set by local governments and based on the standards established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Ascension Parish was one of the harder hit parishes during the 2016 Louisiana floods. After the floods, the state of Louisiana established the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program to help qualify homeowners with repairs, replacements, and reconstructions. In some cases where local regulations required homes to be elevated, flood insurance was terminated. Not all homes in Gonzales that were elevated were a result of the 2016 floods and government assistance programs.
Some homes were built with the main living space above grade (above ground level). Other homes were built at grade and later had their main living space built above grade (remodeled or had an addition built).
There are several ways of achieving a living space above grade. It could be supported by piers, pilings or posts. Some houses may be supported by a series of pilings and a floor or other structure at grade. Before I can recommend an equipment solution, I must fully understand the supporting pilings, the relationship of the landing to the house and the location of any changes in elevation.
Because of support from pilings, a house may appear to have a high porch, but in reality, it may have been designed that way on purpose.
When planning for the accessibility of a house, I must first consider the rise (vertical distance).
A Vertical Platform Lift May Be the Best Option When…
There is not enough space for a ramp.
A ramp would take up too much space through the yard to the house.
A deck or porch is the primary point of access to the house, and it is used frequently.
A direct access route from the deck or porch to the house is required for the occupant to use a mobility device.
There is no need for the occupant to leave the mobility device to enter the house.
A compact solution for a raised entrance is needed.
When the rise is less than five feet, a vertical platform lift may always be the best solution. For a one-foot rise, it may only need a ramp that is 12 feet long.
At 1:12, that rise produces about 60 feet of ramp run before the final (landing) elements are accounted for.
Outdoor Lift vs. Ramp
The element of the design referred to as the rise creates the differentiator in the comparison.
| Rise (in feet) | Ramp Run (1:12) | Outdoor Lift | Ramp |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Normally only necessary if the surrounding run is very tight | Tends to be functional if there is adequate approach space |
| 2 | 24 | May be helpful to ease restrictions in yard or landing space | Is functional if adequate run is available |
| 3 | 36 | More restrictions on yard or landing space increase the likelihood it will be built | Requires consideration of both the run and landing |
| 4 | 48 | Strong consideration if there is a constraint in the surrounding space | |
| 5 | 60 | It is worth the consideration if the design incorporates a vertical rise of 60 feet. The ramp run dominates and often controls the design. | |
| From an outer design constraint perspective, 80 feet of vertical space dominates and controls a larger part of the design. | |||
| From a vertical space perspective, 96 feet of space may allow full design control of a property. | |||
| Ramp run configurations must account for both the approach and the landing, and therefore often control the design. | |||
| From a design element perspective, compressed vertical space often controls a larger design element. |
Common Places Homeowners Install Outdoor Lifts
Front Porch
Porch lifts are great for front porch entrances if the main entrance can’t be accessed by wheelchair due to a long staircase and a ramp isn’t viable due to a lack of space.
Back Porch and Deck
A back porch or deck can be the main entrance if it connects to an interior doorway. A lift can be a good solution for vertical access to that doorway rather than constructing a long ramp across the yard.
Garage
A garage can be the primary entrance to a house, especially if it connects to an interior doorway. I evaluate the garage floor if it’s too high or too low to be accessed by a vehicle. Vertical clearance is a factor as well as the path the vehicle would take to access the garage.
Other Locations
Side or service entrances can also be good locations for a lift. The best location is where it creates the easiest access to the house for the individual.
Things I Evaluate For A Vertical Platform Lift in Gonzales
1. Rise
The rise determines what lifts are able to be installed.
2. Landings
Adequate space is needed at the top and bottom for the lift to be used.
I also evaluate clearances for doors or gates at the landing.
3. Type of Mobility Aid
I determine the dimensions of the wheels and clearances needed for the aid to leave the platform.
1. Platform Size and Turning Space
In order to provide realistic numbers for access and turning space, the actual equipment must be referenced as opposed to estimates.
4. Daily Traffic
Which door do they use?
From a logistical point of view, an inconveniently placed lift in a convenient location can be as bad as placing a conveniently placed lift in an inconvenient location.
5. Outdoor Exposure
Cabin-dwelling wildlife can be as uncomfortable as an exposed, unprotected location.
Drainage, surrounding elevations and the pitch and nature of approaches, especially with regard to weather and climate conditions, can all be very important.
The manufacture of a lift to withstand the elements means that the materials and components used in its construction must be of a kind to withstand exposure to the elements.
What does an outdoor lift cost?
Residential Vertical Platform Lifts can range from $12,000 to $30,000, according to the company 101 Mobility. More information about the factors that affect installed costs is available in 101 Mobility’s vertical platform lift pricing guide.
Of course, the height of the rise and other site considerations come into play.
Also, from a first cost perspective, a modular wheelchair ramp may be the better option, especially if there are many site considerations. Families can also review wheelchair ramps in Baton Rouge when comparing the available access options.
However, a very long ramp may be as undesirable as a very short, steep rise.
Approximately 60 feet of ramp would be needed for every one foot of rise.
An 8 foot rise would require approximately a 96 foot long ramp.
The ramp is cheaper, but it isn’t much use if it doesn’t solve the access issue because it doesn’t fit around obstacles like driveways, yards, porches, and walkways. The VPL is better for this type of situation.
Harmar Highlander II for Higher Raised Entries
There are not many products I can compare to the Harmar Highlander II for raising outdoor entries, if any at all.
There are several models in the Highlander II family, which vary in lifting height. They are the VPL400, VPL600, VPL800, VPL1000, VPL1200, and VPL1400. Each of these models has a lifting height range, which allows the Highlander II to accommodate entries that are higher than steps.
The models also vary in their capacity, which is 750 pounds, and have a number of other features, such as gates, platforms, and other optional features.
Even with all of these variations, I still can’t recommend a model based on rise alone.
There are a number of things that need to work in conjunction with the lift to create a system that safely allows the occupants of the house to access the lift and leave the house.
After the Lift
I go over the operation of the lift with the occupants of the house. I show them how to use the gates and how to exit the lift to access the upper level of the house.
I also show them how to access the lift.
Because the lift is outdoors, it is subject to varying weather conditions, and may need to be maintained on a routine basis.
Because of differences in use, installation, and environment, each lift is treated on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, I do not assign generic schedules to lifts. I consult the relevant manufacturer’s advice for each case.
In the interim between service visits, I expect the user to report any changes to the lift (i.e. gate, controls, drainage, platform).
The terms of the warranty also vary case-by-case.
The current Harmar Highlander II has a 3 year Harmar parts warranty, and 1 year of 101 Mobility limited service warranty.
The terms for other models may differ.
To seek service for a Harmar lift, call the service and support team for further direction.
There are many reasons to opt for a professional planning of an outdoor lift.
The plan has to take into account the various environmental conditions, the mobility device, the rise, the garage or deck entry, landings, and porch ramps.
I can not stress enough, a picture does not adequately capture a plan for a porch lift.
For a porch or outdoor lift and ramp, we offer a free in-home consultation for your consideration. We will assess the conditions for a lift or ramp, and evaluate the existing conditions for the property.
FAQ: Porch Lifts and Raised Homes
How much do porch lifts cost?
Residential vertical platform lifts range between $12,000 – $30,000 and are installed by 101 Mobility. Variations in the cost of these lifts depends on several factors. These factors include, but are not limited to: the height of the lift, the surface the lift is attached to, the conditions of the site, the configuration of the lift, and gates, if present.
What is the difference between a vertical platform lift and a porch lift?
A vertical platform lift is also known as a porch lift. A lift of this nature is used to transport a wheelchair or power chair to an elevated porch or deck.
When is it appropriate to use a lift and when is it appropriate to use a ramp?
A ramp is an appropriate option when the height of the step is short and there is sufficient space on the property to provide a long enough ramp to create a level entry. A modular ramp costs between $1,000 – $2,000 and is a good alternative to consider if it provides an appropriate solution.
How much ramp do I need for a 5′ rise?
When planning at a 1:12 slope ratio, this means for every rise of 1’ in vertical distance, there would be a run of 12’ in horizontal distance. For a rise of 5’ in vertical distance, there would be a run of 60’ in horizontal distance.
Can a VPL be installed outside?
A VPL can be installed outside as long as the model is rated for that use. I always check the published limitations for outdoor use of the model and consider the following exposures and conditions when providing my opinion.
What is the service interval for a porch lift that is exposed to the elements?
The service intervals are determined by the manufacturer and model. For lifts that are exposed to the elements, I follow the service and maintenance schedules provided by the manufacturer.
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 Baton Rouge-area families evaluate ramps, platform lifts, stairlifts, home elevators, and other mobility equipment based on the home, route, and everyday needs.
