A detailed overview of home lift types, costs, and installation considerations.
There are many reasons why people choose to have a residential lift installed within their home which range from wheelchair access, difficulty climbing the stairs, overcoming steep flights of steps to the front door to future proofing a property. With more of us adapting our domestic environment to accommodate not just living, but working, exercising and socialising, home lifts have evolved in design and functionality as well as becoming an affordable solution.
What is a Home Lift?
The term “home lift” became popular at the start of 20th century when the concept of introducing a lift into a domestic environment was embraced by high-end developments and affluent estates as a luxury item. Towards the end of the 20th century, manufacturers then quickly realised the potential of home lifts to meet the growing demand from homeowners wanting to adapt their living space rather than downsizing.
Understanding the Different Types of Home Lifts
It is important to understand the distinction between the two main types of residential lifts which are designed to travel over 3 metres to an upper floor.
Home Lifts: Through-Floor Lifts
No permanent external shaft – the cabin itself is the enclosure. It travels through a ceiling aperture along guide rails which are fixed at the ground floor, mid-floor and ceiling upstairs, with infill panels that cover the opening when the lift is parked at either level. Designed for internal use only.
- Requires a floor/ceiling aperture to be cut-out
- Basic operation and appearance
- Best suited for lower budgets (costs start at around £15K)
- Limited travel height (one floor)
Home Lifts: A vertical platform lift
Has a complete self-supporting shaft that fully encloses the travel path. The platform moves up and down inside the shaft and provides a similar experience to a traditional passenger lift. Can be installed internally or externally.
- Requires a 50mm pit, or directly to the floor with a ramped entrance
- Greater design flexibility and bespoke options
- Travel up to 13 metres high with multiple stops
- More sophisticated features and finishes
- Weather-resistant options available
- Costs start at around £20,000.00
Outdoor Home Lifts with a self-supported shaft
If you face challenges with steep entrance steps of over 3 metres, use a wheelchair, or need alternative access to upper levels of your home, a vertical outdoor home lift offers an ideal solution.
Key features:
- Travel height up to 13 metres with up to 5 stops (remember the maximum travel speed is 0.15 metres per second)
- Access multiple levels (ground floor to balcony to top floor)
- Weather-proof shaft as standard
- Corrosion-resistant models available for coastal properties
- Can incorporate full-size thermally insulated doors with interlocking systems (models like the DuraPorte)
Indoor Home Lifts
The biggest appeal of vertical platform home lifts is their stylish appearance which can seamlessly integrate within an interior without the need for extensive structural modifications. Specifying a home lift is now like purchasing a piece of bespoke furniture.
- Colour schemes – Choose from a wide range of finishes to match your décor
- Platform floor coverings – Select materials that suit your style and existing flooring
- Glazed doors – Fully glazed options for a contemporary, open feel
- Luxury finishes – Premium materials and detailing available
- Smart technology – Control mood lighting and safety features like child locking via smartphone or tablet
- Flexible sizing – Various platform dimensions to accommodate wheelchairs and provide adequate turning circles
Space-Saving Installation Benefits
One of the most attractive aspects of contemporary home lifts is their compact design and straightforward installation process:
- Minimal structural changes – Most installations don’t require costly building work
- Flexible pit requirements – Can be fitted with just a 50mm pit, or directly to the floor with a ramped entrance
- Small footprint – Designed to fit in tight or awkward spaces
- No separate machine room – Screw-and-nut driven or guided chain systems eliminate the need for hydraulic machine rooms
- Low headroom solutions – Half-height doors at upper levels accommodate properties with limited ceiling height
- Quick installation – Many installations complete within 2-3 days
Home Lifts Safety Features
Modern home lifts incorporate comprehensive safety systems:
- Automatic emergency lowering power supply
- Emergency telephone communication
- Child lock functionality
- Safety sensors and automatic stop mechanisms
- Compliant with UK & EU safety regulations and standards
A home lift can be life changing
A home lift provides independence, helps bring families together, maximises your living space, creates ease of living and future-proofs your home for many years to come.
Summary: Home Lifts at a Glance
✓ Easy to install without extensive structural changes or costly building work
✓ Energy efficient with low operating and maintenance costs
✓ Available for outdoor or indoor installation (model dependent)
✓ Enhanced safety features including emergency power, telephone, and child lock
✓ Extensive design flexibility with multiple finish options
✓ Compact design with various platform sizes to suit different needs
✓ Affordable options available
Ready to explore your options?
Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation quote. Our expert team are here to discuss your specific requirements and provide the best possible solutions.
