Taking the mobility aid industry to new heights, domestic lifts are fast becoming the number one solution for those with multiple-story properties. Enabling homeowners of all ages to travel to the upper layers of the home in comfort and style, cluttered stairlifts are now a thing of the past. Home lifts provide an easy and stylish way of transferring between one floor and another. Home lifts offer families unbeatable safety and total peace of mind 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
Investing in a residential lift is no small decision, and it’s perfectly normal to weigh up the costs and your potential budget to ensure this is the right investment for you. Installing a home lift can enhance property value and functionality, especially for households planning to age in place. There are several decisions and a variety of factors that you’ll need to take into account, which will contribute to the end cost of your domestic lift.
In this blog post, we will be breaking down some of the key financial aspects to consider when purchasing a domestic lift. We also offer some options to look into that might help finance the cost of a new domestic lift. Our goal is to help first-time buyers understand how to budget for their domestic lift and make this investment an enjoyable and informed experience.
Key Factors Affecting Lift Cost
When considering the investment in a home lift, it’s important to understand the key factors that can influence the overall cost of the lift. The price of a lift is shaped by a combination of choices and circumstances unique to each property and homeowner, so being aware of these elements will help you make an informed decision and budget effectively.
One of the most significant factors is the type and model of lift you choose. For example, a Stiltz home lift, such as the Stiltz Trio lift designed for wheelchair users, comes with advanced safety features and a compact, space-saving design. These modern home lifts are engineered to fit seamlessly into your home, often requiring minimal building works and no separate machine room, which can help keep installation costs down. In contrast, hydraulic home lifts may require additional space for a separate machine room and use hydraulic fluid, which can increase both the initial and long-term lift cost due to more maintenance needs.
Installation complexity is another key consideration. The overall cost can vary depending on the amount of site preparation required, such as adapting your property to accommodate the lift shaft or overcoming challenges like pitched roof installations. Some homes may need extra modifications, such as a gently angled ramp for easier access or a full-height light curtain for enhanced safety, which can add to the domestic lift cost. Shipping costs and any necessary property alterations should also be factored into your budget.
Regular servicing and maintenance are essential to keep your lift functioning properly and to ensure long-term value. While some lifts, like the Stiltz lifts, are designed for low maintenance and energy efficiency, others, particularly hydraulic models, may require more frequent attention. Factoring in these ongoing costs will give you a clearer picture of the long-term price of your home lift.
It’s also worth considering the broader benefits of installing a home lift. Many homeowners find that a modern lift not only improves access and comfort but also helps future-proof their property, making it more accessible for years to come. The compact nature of Stiltz lifts means they can be completely hidden from view when not in use, preserving your home’s aesthetics and space.
Finally, don’t forget to explore potential financial assistance, such as VAT relief or a disabled facilities grant, which can help offset the overall cost. To get an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it’s always best to consult with a professional builder or a reputable supplier like Multicare Home Lifts. By understanding these key factors, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the right home lift solution for your lifestyle and budget.
How Much Will the Domestic Lift Cost to Buy?
The biggest factor when totting up the costs of a domestic lift is, of course, the lift itself. The price of the standalone lift unit is often itemised separately from installation and site preparation costs, so it’s important to understand what is included in your quotation. The cost of the lift is based on many factors such as the make, model and size, which one you choose is dependent on you or your family’s individual needs. For instance, the price of a wheelchair lift could be more than a smaller lift for one to two people.
Home lifts prices and Stiltz lifts prices can vary significantly depending on the type of lift and the company providing it. At Multicare, we stock Stiltz Homelifts, and we’ve written a blog post with more information on the average cost of a Stiltz Homelift to help give a better idea of the initial investment. The typical Stiltz home lift cost ranges from £15,000 to £20,000, depending on the model and specifications.
Additional Costs
All domestic lifts will come with a standard set of features, but most will also have optional extras and customisations which you may wish to add on. This may include aesthetic choices such as carpet, rail, and lift car colours, which will help your domestic lift fit in with your home decor. Alternatively, there can be a selection of additional safety and performance features, such as an in-car rail or seat.
As you can see, the endless possibilities help make your domestic lift completely bespoke to you and your requirements, but it is good to factor these extras into your budget.
How Much Does the Domestic Lift Cost to Install?
The homelift installation process typically begins with an initial consultation to discuss your specific needs and options. This is followed by a home visit from a lift advisor to assess the best placement and lift type for your property. After the home visit, a technical survey is conducted to take precise measurements and determine any necessary building modifications. Once the installation is complete, the installation team will provide a demonstration on how to use the lift and answer any final questions.
Once you’ve decided on the domestic lift and its optional extras, the next financial aspect to consider is the cost of installing it in your cherished home.
Most home lift installations require minimal building work, often just a small opening in the ceiling for the lift to pass through. A small team of qualified builders typically carries out any necessary alterations to prepare your home for the lift installation, ensuring minimal disruption.
Receiving quotes from two or three different companies will help you come to an informed decision, as will asking advice from your domestic lift supplier, as they may have recommendations or a trusted installer they prefer to work with. Most reputable installers, including us here at Multicare, will give free, no-obligation quotes and will book a time to visit your home for an in-depth assessment of what building work will be required. At this stage, a site survey is conducted to determine accurate costs for building work, installation, and equipment needs. A common query that many customers also enquire about is whatthe process of installing a domestic lift actually involves, to help them understand the costs.
Following a home survey, they should be able to provide you with a final fixed quote that includes both the price of the lift and any installation costs. Don’t be afraid to ask for an itemised quote to make sense of all the possible fees involved.
Stiltz Home Lifts are designed for minimal building work and can be installed in existing properties, often within one day. Their dual-rail design features self-supporting rails and a self-supporting structure, meaning the entire load of the lift is supported by its own vertical rails, eliminating the need for load-bearing walls or additional bulky plant rooms. This compact design and small footprint make Stiltz lifts suitable for smaller homes and a variety of installation locations, including stairwells, garages (garage safely), cupboards, and concealed spaces. Through floor lifts are a space-saving and flexible option, with basic models being the most affordable, typically costing between £15,000 and £30,000.
Standard homelift installation costs can vary based on the lift’s location, number of floors, and any necessary building adjustments, and the overall price includes all these factors. Installation can often be completed within a few days, but higher costs may be associated with retrofitting a lift into an existing home compared to a new build.
How Much Will it Cost to Maintain and Run Your Domestic Lift?
The typical lifespan of a domestic lift is 15 – 25 years, so it is also important to take into account the ongoing cost of maintaining your lift over this time
A costlier model to purchase upfront now may require less upkeep as it ages, saving you money over time, or alternatively, it may be more economical to choose a cheaper model now, but pay more for its long term maintenance. This is a conversation you can have with your supplier, as they will be able to guide you through the individual requirements of their products.
At this point, it is also good to ask your supplier for any servicing and maintenance packages, which will give you approximate costs and may help you spread the cost over time.
As energy bills are continuing to rise, it is also wise to look into the day-to-day costs of running your domestic lift. Many modern residential lifts are very energy-efficient, using the same energy as a small domestic appliance, but again, it is worth being aware of the potential costs at the consideration phase to avoid any surprises.
Do You Need to Remove Your Stairlift First?
Quite often, many people choose a stairlift as their initial at-home mobility aid, before deciding to upgrade to a domestic lift.
Getting a domestic lift will negate the use of your stairlift, so you may want to have it removed. The good news is that you might have the option to have a company come and remove your stairlift, which they can refurbish and sell on. This means that they will remove your stairlift for free, and you may even get back a chunk of the price you paid for it, ready to put towards your new domestic lift! Please note that the amount you get back will depend on the age and condition of the stairlift, as with anything, its value depreciates over time.
Can You Get Assistance with the Cost of a New Domestic Lift?
Whilst the domestic lift solution is not inexpensive, there are some ways to assist with the initial cost of your new domestic lift.
For instance, some companies offer a financing option to spread the cost over a longer term, making that initial investment a little less daunting.
Also, if you are disabled or have a long-term illness, you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant from the local council to help cover the costs of adapting your home, as long as the work can be shown to improve your quality of life. The DFG is means-tested but will not affect any benefits you may be receiving.
In addition to this, you may be exempt from paying VAT on products designed or adapted for domestic use if you are disabled or have a long-term illness.
Where Can You Get More Information on the Costs of a New Domestic Lift?
Here at Multicare, we are with you from start to end. If you have any questions or are looking for further advice, our friendly expert team is here to guide and support you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.