From improving accessibility to increasing your property value, home elevators boast a wide range of benefits. In addition, they offer a safe and secure method of navigating a multi-story home. Home elevators can serve as a beautiful design addition to your residence, thanks to the array of tasteful finishes and interiors available. But how long does it take to install a home elevator?
Read on as we delve into the specifics of the home elevator installation process and break down how long it takes.
How Long Does it Take to Install a Home Elevator?
Having a time frame can help you prepare for what to expect in the home elevator installation process. At Arrow Lift, we’ve been installing elevators for over 30 years. As a result, we understand that the time commitment is often a primary concern.
Without taking into account pre- and post-installation activities, a home elevator installation takes about one week. We say about one week because the installation could be a bit shorter for basic home elevators. On the other hand, installing a very tall elevator or one with more advanced features can take closer to two weeks.
Beginning the Elevator Installation Process
Yet while the installation is relatively quick, many steps need to take place beforehand. Typically, a design-build contractor draws up initial plans for your home elevator. This should be done before the building’s foundation is poured to allow space for the elevator pit.
See: Get a free consultation for an in-home elevator.
Involving Arrow Lift early on allows us to mitigate any technical problems that may arise during the building or remodeling process. It also allows a point of contact for builders who could run into difficulties or have questions about the plans. By starting the home elevator process early on, highly trained Arrow Lift crew members are able to conduct on-site visits to ensure the area is ready for installation.
In addition to this, we must coordinate with the builder to certify correct dimensions and develop a plan for the delivery of home elevator equipment.
Completing the Elevator Installation Process
Similarly, there are important steps to take place after the elevator is installed. Many states have specific requirements that residential elevators must meet. Due to this, a local or state inspector may need to examine the elevator and sign off. Even if the state does not require this step, Arrow Lift inspects every elevator that we install prior to the homeowner’s use.
With a deeper look into the process, you can see how all the coordination and planning contribute to a timeframe longer than one week. But keep in mind, the benefits of an in-home elevator far outlast the initial time invested.
Involving Arrow Lift early on can help ensure that your home elevator installation goes smoothly. Because we work with each unique homeowner’s needs, timelines from start to finish depend on several variables.
What Factors Influence the Timelines of Elevator Installation?
When determining the length of time installation will take, consider the following:
One component that can influence timing is the elevator drive. There are two main types of elevator drives—gear and hydraulic. There are a few key differences between these drive types. Typically, hydraulic drives take slightly longer to install.
Another factor affecting the timeline is the elevator door and gate that you select. These elements contribute to the design and safety of your home elevator. Depending on the type you select, more time may be needed to ensure the elevator is ready for use.
Beyond elevator details, the home’s layout and the amount of foot traffic in the home while our team is on-site play into the home elevator installation timeline.
When Is the Best Time to Purchase a Home Elevator?
When it comes to elevators, everything starts at the pit and goes up from there. Because elevators require a lot of planning and design before installation, putting one in your home should not be an afterthought. Deciding to add an elevator at the start of your building or remodeling project allows for the design to be incorporated into the construction plans.
If you incorporate the elevator into the building plans from the start, you can decide where it best fits in the house in terms of design and functionality. You likely have a vision of the ideal elevator for your home. The earlier you involve a skilled elevator company, the better!
Every home elevator requires a pit with specific dimensions. If you decide to add a home elevator during new home construction, after the foundation of the building has been poured, it means unnecessary hassle and costs. That is because a builder will have to jackhammer out an area of basement slab sufficient for the home elevator pit, which is typically around a foot deep and has certain structural requirements.
All in all, coordinating with installers alleviates strain. Working with an experienced company will provide you with options and flexibility in addressing your unique home elevator needs.
Finding an Experienced Home Elevator Company
For the best home elevator experience, having an experienced company is a necessity. Since 1985, Arrow Lift has abided by our motto of “Elevating Excellence.” This dedication affects every aspect of our business, from the initial consultation to post-installation maintenance. Our highly trained team will walk you through every step of the home elevator process.
Would you like to learn more about home elevators and the installation process in your home? Visit one of Arrow Lift’s showroom locations to check out the different elevators for yourself.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with a residential elevator expert, contact Arrow Lift today.
