How COVID-19 has accelerated the installation of Retrofit home elevators

Retrofit home elevator, shaft location

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We’ve all read the articles, heard the stories, and seen the news regarding the extraordinary stress COVID-19 has played on our hospital and nursing home systems, causing many people to rethink their future healthcare and proactively put “aging-in-place” on their to-do lists.  Thankfully, today there are many innovative home modification options, like retrofit home elevators, helping consumers reimagine their current residences to fit their future needs while also adding great style and value.  

“We’re seeing a lot more retrofit type of inquiries. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the retrofit market has changed dramatically and increased to approximately 25 or 30% of our installations.” – Evan Petrower – President of Day Elevator & Lift

Getting ahead of these plans while one is in their pre-retirement years, ensures you are not only better able to manage your at-home needs for the future, but you can also enjoy the benefits of these modifications for longer too (because who doesn’t love an elevator ride).

Reimagine the Possibilities

In the early 2000s, a home elevator was considered a luxury. Now, since they have become more compact, affordable and can be retrofitted into existing residences, the thinking has changed and individuals can visualize elevators in their own homes.  If your goal is to remain in your home for as long as possible, installing an elevator now can be a smart move. 

Elevators simplify everyday life, minimize daily movements of carrying items up and down stairs, and make moving heavy or bulky objects easier. For people with mobility issues, elevators provide independence and offer a safe way for them to move around their home with ease. 

To help you reimagine your residence with a lift system, here’s what you need to know about installing an elevator in your own home:

The 3 F’s of Retrofitting Your Space

Function: Innovative Solutions 

Know Your Needs: The first consideration is that you are fitting individual needs rather than just fitting the home with an elevator.  What are your future aging-in-place requirements? Is there a limitation involved (bad hips or weak knees) or a disability? Any specific needs such as space for the use of a walker or wheelchair? Remember to be honest with yourself and your anticipated needs…as there are no do-overs.

Save on Space: Believe it or not, home elevators take up less space than stairwells. Compact models are ideal for homes of all sizes as they are designed to take up a limited amount of space for the cab, hoistway, and electrical equipment. Many homeowners use stacked closets to allow transportation from floor to floor. Another option is installing the elevator outside on an external wall, providing an indoor entry at each level.

Form: Stylish Design

Enjoy the “Vue”: Elevators not only enhance at-home mobility but to also add a stylish characteristic to one’s home. Panoramic elevators, such as the Savaria Vuelift Round Home Elevator, are fantastic for retrofitting because they allow you to visually keep the space open through glass or acrylic enclosures. A centerpiece of home design; many architects place the cylindrical elevator within a staircase or mirror its elegant curves in other design elements.

“This class of elevators have definitely opened up the market for retrofitting in the last few years.” – Evan Petrower – President of Day Elevator & Lift

Financial: Money Matters

Balance Your Budget: When planning for a retrofit elevator, you want to balance the amount of construction versus the cost of the lift and explore the least invasive solution wherever possible.  At DAY, we are here to help you choose the retrofit elevator that will work best with your mobility needs, your space, and your budget. For each project, we set up an evaluation at your home to review project details. All of this is at no cost to you. 

Raise Your Resale: A home elevator can increase the worth of your house. An elevator can be an attractive amenity as most buyers prefer a move-in ready home. Installing a residential elevator is a profitable investment that can make your property rise above the others.

Connect with Us Today!  
With nearly 30 years of experience, let us lend our trusted expertise to create a customized plan that fits your home and lifestyle needs.  We provide accessibility equipment consultation, design and installation services for homeowners, builders, architects, and contractors in the New York and New Jersey area.

Call (800) 758-5438 or fill out our online contact form today to consult with a home expert about retrofit elevators or schedule a showroom appointment to browse 3,000 square feet of working elevators, wheelchair lifts, material handling products and more!