Pros and Cons of Having Elevators in the House

At an age when convenience is highly sought after, a home elevator is a unique feature you don’t see often. And since we all know that multi-story houses will always be in fashion, it’s high time elevators in houses started hitting the trends. This may also come at a time when accessibility awareness is becoming more widespread. Besides, the added touch of luxury makes home elevators all the more desirable.

Having an elevator in your home can offer a number of benefits, including practicality as well as aesthetics. However, these advantages may also come at a cost — the most obvious of which is the hefty price tag. Weighing both the pros and cons of installing private elevators will help you determine whether it’s a worthwhile investment.

Pros of Having an Elevator in Your Home

Raises Home Value

Besides the convenience and luxury a home elevator adds to your home, it is also known to raise property value by a considerable margin. Should you ever decide to sell your house in the future, this added home value will definitely come as a benefit. Elevators in houses often have attractive features that you can use as a bargaining chip for a potential buyer. And the mere fact that your home comes with an elevator will appeal to a large portion of house hunters who value convenience.

Having an elevator installed in your house is a  great way to boost property value.

Allows for Smoother Navigation

Going up and down a staircase can sometimes get tedious, especially when you have to do it more than once in a short period of time. Stairways can also be somewhat of a pinch point in a busy household. Not only does having an elevator in the house make it easier for you to manage your time, but it also allows for smoother and more effortless navigation around your living spaces. And when dinner is ready, a home elevator will minimize the stampeding around the house as everyone rushes over to the dining room. 

Makes It Easy to Move Heavy Items 

You may not realize the number of heavy items you move up or down the stairs until a home elevator makes your life easier. Whether it’s a packed suitcase, a stroller, bags of groceries, laundry, or anything bulky, an elevator in the house will take the load off your hands. Your stairs and your back will also thank you as moving heavy objects up and down the steps can cause damage to your home and your body. 

Offers Convenience for the Elderly 

Home elevators allow older members of the household to navigate from one floor to another more conveniently.

Older family members don’t often have the energy or strength to navigate stairways. And in many cases, it puts them in a vulnerable situation where they’ll need help from others. This makes them hesitant to move up and down floors as much as they may want to. A home elevator allows the elderly to be independent and not feel like they’re limited to one area of the house. If you happen to be sharing your home with an aging parent or a grandparent, an elevator in the house can be a worthwhile investment. 

Promotes Safety for the Whole Family

We all know how reckless and overly active our little ones can get — especially around stairways. And let’s not forget the fact that most accidents happen in the house, a lot of which are linked to stairs. A home elevator can help in reducing the risk of a restless child or a clumsy family member tripping down a flight of stairs — especially if the staircase type is relatively dangerous such as a spiraling one.

Helps With Immobilities

If you have a family member in your household who suffers from an illness that limits mobility, a home elevator can come in handy. As with other accessible home designs, having an elevator in the house will prevent them from feeling helpless.

A private lift is also a great way to future-proof your home and not have to worry about the immobility that comes with age or diseases such as osteoporosis. Knowing that your home is built to support the accessibility needs you may have in the future is the peace of mind you deserve. A home elevator can even come in handy for pets because even they may eventually struggle with stairs as they age.

Adds Architectural Appeal

A private elevator can add visual interest to the architecture and design of a house.

Another advantage of elevators in a house is the architectural appeal they add to the overall structure. The architecture of your home will become a lot more visually interesting with a private elevator. Aside from the convenience it provides, a sleek and stylish lift with high-end features also enhances the interior decor. If you’re looking for something that would make your house truly stand out, a home elevator might just be that special touch you need. 

A Treat for Visitors

Homeowners who choose to invest in a private elevator mainly do so for personal needs or for the needs of a family member. However, an elevator in the house can come to an advantage for certain guests as well. A visiting grandparent or a friend with mobility issues, for instance, will be able to enjoy the added accessibility. A private elevator can also be great for visitors with inquisitive young children who may hurt themselves while playing on the stairs. 

A Great Conversation Starter

There’s no denying the practical benefits of having a private elevator in your home. But it’s also worth acknowledging how unique and elegant they can be. That being said, a home elevator can draw the attention of your guests who may be impressed by its mere presence. A visiting friend or relative may even want to see it in action and try it out themselves. As a matter of fact, an elevator in the house can be a great conversation starter. 

Cons of Having an Elevator in Your Home

Promotes a Lazy Lifestyle

The lifestyles we currently lead are probably more sedentary than any of the previous generations. In many cases, using the stairs is one of the few chances we get to get our muscles going. And adding an elevator in the house may only make our lives all the more lethargic. It enables our laziness, making us more susceptible to weakness and a number of diseases such as obesity. 

Relies on Electricity

A common reservation around home elevators is their reliance on electricity.

Another disadvantage of lifts is that they typically rely on electricity. And in the event of a power out, you naturally won’t be able to use your elevator. If you happen to be using the elevator while the electricity goes out, chances are you’ll be stuck there until the power comes back — unless you have a generator. This is one of those cases where a stairway has a clear advantage over a home elevator. 

Can Pose a Safety Hazard

While home elevators certainly have some advantages when it comes to safety, they may also pose a hazard — especially if they’re low-quality or poorly maintained. An elevator of low quality, for instance, may not have the mechanism required to prevent unfortunate accidents. Or if the door sensor on the elevator is faulty or stops functioning for some reason, it can lead to serious injury. 

A Major Investment

Installing a private lift is a huge financial investment. This is probably the most obvious disadvantage of elevators in a house. The overall costs involved, including labor, will require you to break the bank. Bear in mind that the installation will most likely involve some structural alterations to your house, which can incur additional expenses. Needless to say, having a lift installed is not something you can do yourself — such as a DIY walk-in closet or a backyard koi pond, for instance. And let’s not forget the maintenance costs you’ll be dealing with down the line. After all, you’ll need to take good care of your elevator if you want it to keep it in good running order — much like a car.