Installing a home lift can be a fantastic solution for your home accessibility needs. But it can also seem overwhelming trying to find the best home lift for your needs. Multicare Mobility has answered the most common Home Lift questions, allowing you to make the best decision for your home and your future.
Which Homelift Installation is Best for Me?
The most important question you can ask when planning your home lift is, what lift is best for me? There is a huge range of residential home lifts on the market, all designed for a variety of uses. From outdoor step lifts to four person multi floor home lifts, the array of lifts can seem dizzying. Making a list of your exact needs and requirements will help to narrow down your search and then you can discuss your specific requirements with your trusted provider. Some good requirements to think about are who the lift is for, how many people will be using it, and why you need the lift? Together with the experts, these questions will help find your perfect lift.
How much space do compact home lifts take up?
Space is often tight in a compact home or across existing properties, and the amount of space needed for your home lift will vary based on the type and model you choose and your home’s layout. Some compact home lifts can take up as little space as a standard armchair, but this would only suit the needs of a certain person. If you need wheelchair access, then this would be too small. Some through floor lifts are specifically designed for two floors and can suit wheelchair users with limited mobility. The type of lift will make a difference to the required space. Different domestic lifts, including hydraulic or traction models with customisable options, have different footprints, and some traditional designs may need a lift shaft, a pit, or a separate machine room. A traction lift, for example, will often take up more room than a hydraulic model because of its larger components and overhead requirements. Many modern residential lift options use a compact design, and some are pit less with no need for a lift shaft, which can improve accessibility when retrofitting into existing homes. A wheelchair friendly lift with a self contained cabin can also be a practical choice for multiple floors, and some models accommodate a standard wheelchair and are well suited to two storey travel.
How disruptive will my Home Lift installation and building work be?
Home Lift installations can take anywhere from six to 12 weeks from order to completion, while the actual on site professional installation by our team is usually completed within 2 to 5 days, depending on the size and placement of the lift. A new home lift usually follows a structured process including a technical survey, site preparation, installing, testing, and commissioning. During installation, parts of your home may be unusable and some building work may be needed, such as creating a precise aperture with a small opening or opening in the ceiling between floors, with structural checks covering joists and walls. Self supporting and self supporting rails systems can reduce disruption because they may not require load bearing walls or a lift shaft. Asking in advance will allow you to make alternate plans, book time off work or even make alternate sleeping arrangements whilst the work is being carried out. In the UK, most internal domestic lifts are permitted development, but they still need to meet UK Lifts Regulations 2016 and safety standards. Before the installation team arrives, it helps to clear furniture and secure access points, and thorough testing of mechanical and electrical systems is completed before handover.
Are Home Lifts safe and do they provide peace of mind?
Multicare Mobility prides itself on bringing you comfort without compromising safety. Before any work begins we will conduct site surveys and risk assessments, discuss all potential issues with you, and ensure your homelift installation complies with UK Lifts Regulations 2016 and relevant safety standards, including European standards met by Stiltz home lifts. Our lifts come with emergency brakes, lighting, battery backup for a power cut, plus emergency alarms and safety sensors, allowing you to continue to move around your home safely and easily. Discussing these features when deciding what lift is suitable is something we will do together. Modern lifts are specifically designed to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, including every wheelchair friendly lift option, while also helping future proof your home.
How often should my Home Lift be serviced?
Generally, no more than two services a year, although the top range lifts should really only need to be serviced once a year. This will of course change in relation to how much you use your lift. Whilst servicing may seem like an irritant, it is important in order to keep the lift running smoothly and safely whilst extending its life. As a trusted provider, we have access to a full selection of spare parts, meaning that maintenance and repair will be no issue. We also offer an extended warranty on all our models for true peace of mind.
How long will my Home Lift last?
The average life expectancy for a residential home lift is around 20 to 25 years, so this is something homeowners should take into account when searching for the best system as a future investment, not just a mobility aid. There are of course factors that will contribute to the life of your lift, including quality and frequency of maintenance, and how often the home lift is used, but the right residential lift can also make life easier across multiple floors and support future needs in the house. Also, if you move house then we can come and uninstall your lift, transport it and reinstall it in your new house, meaning you never have to go without your mobility help and giving you a flexible way to future proof your investment as layouts or living arrangements change.
How much energy will a Home Lift use?
A home lift will impact your energy bills. Home lift cost is also an important factor when comparing models. Unfortunately, there is nothing to be done about that. However, they are not as energy draining as you might expect. Some lifts can be powered by a 13 amp power socket, the same as any household appliance and will use no more energy than a kitchen appliance. Across a broad range and full range of options, a through floor lift can start from £15,000, hydraulic models typically range from £23,000 to £28,000, traction models from £28,000 to £33,000, and vacuum models from £28,000. Non hydraulic home lifts are often more affordable than hydraulic lifts, and low energy models can also reduce running cost over time. This will not be true for the larger sizes or traction powered models, which is something to take into account when deciding what model works best for you.
Using these questions to help decide on your home lift will ensure that you find the best mobility solution for your needs. To book a home survey or talk through your specific needs contact Multicare Homelifts today and let us take care of all your mobility needs.