Vermont houses are raised above the ground for good reasons: frost, snow and spring mud. That means steps at every door. For someone using a wheelchair, a walker or a scooter, a platform lift turns one of those doors back into an entrance.
How it works
A platform travels straight up a short tower from ground level to the height of the porch or doorway. The user rolls on, holds a control and rolls off at the top through a gate.
Choosing the door
- Front porch. The traditional entrance, often with enough room beside the steps.
- Mudroom or side door. Usually the door the family really uses, close to the driveway.
- Attached garage or barn. A lift inside is sheltered from the weather all year.
- Deck. A good option where the deck opens to the kitchen.
Four seasons
- Winter. Choose an enclosed or shielded model. Keep the platform and pad shoveled.
- Mud season. A firm path from the car to the lift is as important as the lift. Gravel or pavers on a proper base prevent ruts.
- Summer and fall. Sweep off leaves and check for wasp nests in sheltered corners.
What the site needs
- A concrete pad set below the frost line, or a base designed for frost
- Good drainage away from the pad
- A power supply
- A sound porch or landing at the top
Lift or ramp
A ramp needs about a foot of length for every inch of height, and all of it has to be kept clear of snow. For anything more than a step or two, a lift is usually more practical here.
Older and historic homes
A lift can be placed at a side or rear door to leave the front of the house unchanged.
Have your entrance assessed
Nationwide Lifts of Vermont installs Apex platform lifts statewide. Call (802) 734-0869 for a free home assessment.