Outdoor elevators cost $6,000, on average, or between $2,000 and $10,000. An outdoor elevator is a solid option with a tight budget or if the existing property doesn't allow for an internal elevator. These models offer high-strength, weatherproof and temperature-proof materials. Users can access the elevator indoors via an entryway in the wall; your elevator installer will build and attach the elevator against the wall.
Vertical platform lifts cost around $12,500. You could pay as little as $5,000 or as much as $20,000. This type of lift works similarly to a forklift and is a popular option where function is preferable to form.
Vertical platform lifts are a common choice for those operating on a tight budget but who need to move a wheelchair between floors. The lower cost is because this elevator type doesn't need a full shaft, pit, or mechanical room.
Shaftless, or church elevators, cost around $20,000, and you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000. Church elevators don't require a shaft and take up very little floor space. However, their compact size and shaftless style mean that they can only work over two stories, only one person can use them at a time, and they cannot accommodate mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.
Cable-driven elevators cost an average of $25,000 to install, with a typical range of $15,000 to $35,000. A cable wrapped tightly around a drum raises and lowers the elevator as it winds and unwinds. The lifts themselves have fairly small footprints, but they need lots of space for the drum. Although affordable, you must have the cable replaced every five years for safety reasons.
Geared traction elevators cost around $31,500, or somewhere between $25,000 and $38,000. They have a maximum travel distance of 250 feet. This type of elevator has a system of geared pulleys that operate the elevator. They're slower than gearless models, but attractive because of their low energy consumption.
Installing a hydraulic elevator typically costs $37,500, but you could pay as little as $22,000 or as much as $53,000. Hydraulic models are popular because they don't require a machine room, taking up less space and requiring less home modification than those that require a machine room.
The elevator mechanism is a hydraulic cylinder and piston setup housed inside the elevator shaft. However, just like cable-driven models, hydraulic systems have a cable that requires replacement every five years. Some hydraulic models also require the cylinder to go deep into the ground, so a pit is necessary to accommodate it.
Gearless traction elevator installation prices are around $42,000, or somewhere between $29,000 and $55,000. This type of elevator has a track and counterweight to raise and lower the cab.
Gearless traction models don't have a huge footprint and do not require mechanical rooms or pits, making them a popular option for retrofitting existing properties. However, not all existing homes have enough space to accommodate the extra space at the top of the shaft that houses the mechanisms.
The price of installing a chain-driven elevator is around $44,500. Expect to pay somewhere between $27,000 and $62,000. Chain-driven elevators have a counterweight and a chain that raises and lowers the elevator. Although this type of elevator doesn't require a mechanical room, it does require a larger shaft to accommodate the counterweight and chain system.
Pneumatic elevators typically cost $47,500, or between $35,000 and $60,000 to install. They operate via a vacuum tube that pulls the elevator up and pushes it back down. No pit or machine room is necessary, and these models take up the least space.
Therefore, for those who can afford it, pneumatic elevators are a popular choice. However, because they can't easily hide away, most people who choose them opt to make a feature out of them, which can increase costs.
"When you choose to add an elevator to a house, consider what could happen if you decide to sell your house. A prospective buyer may not want an elevator, so if possible, outfit the elevator with a door and trim that is similar to the other doors in your house to help it blend in." Cati O'Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.
Installing an elevator can be a game-changer for many households. It makes many tasks easier for the entire household. Chores like carrying endless loads of laundry or heavy objects upstairs suddenly become infinitely easier. Whatever your mobility, an elevator makes getting about your home easier.
It's also safer for those who have issues with weakness or balancing, and makes aging in place safer, helping people to retain their independence for longer, whether they're at an increased risk of falls, suffer pain from arthritis or other conditions, or need a wheelchair to get around.
Since installing an elevator is extremely complicated and requires an expert to confirm it will be safe, it’s not appropriate to DIY. A professional can ensure that all aspects of the project meet accessibility standards and your expectations. When you’re ready to find home elevator installers near you, be sure to:
Ask for experience working on accessible projects, including references.
Request an in-person consultation.
Get at least three quotes before you choose a pro.
Beauregard said: Click to expand...
I still think $1400 is still pricey for installation but to each their own.My install took a about 4.5 hours including unloading, smoke and chat breaks lol. These guys do this everyday and have everything setup like clockwork with forklift, ladders and all. It's not overly complicated to drill holes and square things up - especially if you do this multiple times a day week-in, week-out for dealerships and shops. 2 Guys with 2 SDS Rotary Hammers with 12" Bosch Bits drilled and cleaned all the holes in only a few minutes.Installer liability is very limited once you sign off on the job as well but will depend on local laws etc. For example, if you have insufficient concrete and something fails that's not their problem nor is a failure due to improper loading of the vehicle. Most failures are due to operator error.That's just my 2 cents.