A home elevator is a significant purchase, and Vermonters like to know what they are paying for. The price has two parts: the elevator and the work on the house. Understanding both lets you plan sensibly.
The elevator
From least to most expensive, broadly:
- Shaftless. Two levels, a compact cab and very little building work.
- Pneumatic. A self-supporting clear tube. No pit or machine room.
- Traditional. A cab in an enclosed hoistway, with the widest choice of sizes and finishes.
- Custom. Designed for a particular house.
More stops, a larger cab and upgraded finishes add to any of these.
The house
This is where Vermont projects vary most.
- A new or recently built home with stacked closets needs little preparation
- An old farmhouse may have irregular framing, low ceilings or a stone foundation that needs working around
- A timber-frame house needs openings engineered to suit the frame
A shaftless or pneumatic elevator keeps this work to a minimum.
Other items
- Electrical supply, and a panel upgrade in some older homes
- Permits and inspection
- Yearly maintenance
Getting a fair comparison
- Make sure each quote covers the same number of stops and cab size
- Ask what building work is excluded
- Ask who provides service, and from where
Against the alternatives
Moving to a single-level home in Vermont is not easy, since there are few of them. Adding a first-floor bedroom and bathroom is a major renovation. An elevator often costs less than either.
A smaller investment
If the goal is simply to get upstairs safely, a stair lift does it for much less.
A figure for your house
Nationwide Lifts of Vermont will visit, measure and give you a written quote. Call (802) 734-0869 for a free home assessment.