Ask ten homeowners what they paid for a residential elevator and you will hear ten different answers. That is because the price is built from several separate decisions. Understanding them helps you budget sensibly and compare quotes fairly.
1. The elevator design
The design you choose sets the starting point. A conventional elevator that runs in a hoistway offers the most room and the most finish options, and it calls for the most building work. A pneumatic elevator arrives as a freestanding tube and needs no pit. A shaftless elevator joins two floors through an opening in the floor and is the lightest on construction.
2. How far it travels
A lift between the first and second floor costs less than one that also reaches the basement or the attic. Every additional landing means another door, more controls and more rail.
3. The state of the house
In a home under construction, the space can be framed for an elevator from the start. In an existing house, especially one of the older homes common in Albany, Troy and Poughkeepsie, carpentry and electrical work are usually needed first, and that work is part of the overall budget.
4. Cab size and weight rating
A cab that takes one standing passenger is the least expensive. One that fits a wheelchair with room for a helper needs a larger footprint and a stronger drive.
5. Interior choices
Standard finishes keep the figure down. Hardwood panelling, glass walls, upgraded lighting and custom gates raise it.
Budget for service as well
An elevator should be serviced regularly. When you gather quotes, ask about the warranty, the cost of a service visit and how quickly a technician can reach you.
If the figure is too high
You still have options. A stair lift handles one staircase for much less, and a platform lift can solve a short rise such as a porch or a split level.
Getting a firm price
A quote worth relying on comes from someone who has seen the house. Nationwide Lifts of New York visits homes around Albany, Glens Falls and Poughkeepsie at no charge, takes measurements and follows up with a written quote. Call 888-323-8755 to arrange a visit.