There are two main types of lifts used in private residences:
Hydraulic Lifts, are the most popular small lifts that operate using a “fluid pump and hydraulic ram” to push the lift cabin up and down. These lifts are quite simple (i.e. less maintenance – once per year), take up a small amount of space (i.e. 1.5M x 1.5M), they are smooth and quiet, energy efficient and relatively low cost. However, they are relatively slow (i.e. 0.2M to 0.3M per second), have a limited carrying capacity of 4 to 6 passengers or 300kg to 500kg and a lifting range of 2 to 5 floors. The cost range of hydraulic lifts is currently approximately $40k to $70k.
Traction Lifts, are the more traditional lift system that are used in most commercial buildings. They operate using an electric motor and gear box, a series of steel cables and pulleys and several “counter weights”. So, they are slightly more complicated than a hydraulic lift and require more regular maintenance (i.e. every 6 months). However, traction lifts are twice as fast at 0.5M per second and can carry up to 10 passengers over 2 to 6 floors. Traction lifts take up a little bit more space (i.e. 1.5M x 1.7M minimum lift shaft size) and are slightly more expensive with a cost range of $60k to $100k.
The main cost items when specifying a residential lift are:
- The cabin size and number of floors it travels
- The speed of the lift
- The type of doors (i.e. swung or sliding, manual or motorized)
- The amount of glass (i.e. glass doors, glass cabin or glass lift shaft?)
- The finishes and fit out of the cabin.
As land becomes more and more expensive and land plot size becomes smaller and smaller in our capital cities, multi-level living is becoming more common and desirable. Residential lifts are therefore a key component to enable higher density living. Installing a lift in a private residence has a range of benefits and advantages such as, the lift will future proof the house enabling the owners to live in the home well into their twilight years. It will also add significant value to the home and make it easier to sell. A lift makes using the home extremely easy and convenient especially if the living is spread over several levels and the home has a basement garage. Residential lifts can also be retro fitted into an existing building. They come “flat packed” and are built on site in a few days with no need for large cranes or equipment.
Here are a few “pro-tips” if you are thinking of installing a lift in your new home:
- Try before you buy, make sure you visit several showrooms and try out several types and brands.
- Decide on a list of requirements and features.
- Set a budget and obtain 2 or 3 quotes.
- Integrate the lift into your design plans i.e:
- size of lift shaft?
- type of lift shaft structure?
- services required (power, telephone, drainage)
- Plan ahead, most lifts are fully imported and have a 20-week lead time.
* This article was written with the assistance of Bradley Wood from The Lift Shop Melbourne www.liftshop.com.au
