Accessible Solutions: Multi-Floor Access

To plan for an elevator, home designers should choose a location that would be appropriate for the elevator on each floor. After this location is established, an open shaft can be framed into each floor level. The shaft can be temporarily used for a closet or pantry. While the shaft's structural cost is minimal, the house or addition must be slightly larger in order to accommodate the future elevator option. Stair Lifts - Stair lifts are a less expensive ($3,500 and up) alternative to an elevator. In many existing homes, a stair lift is the only alternative available. Stair lifts can be retrofitted to most stair configurations, although installation costs increase with the complexity of the stair layout. Most existing stair landings are long enough to accommodate stair lifts because the seat swivels. This feature allows the wheelchair user to transfer from a location just beyond the top and bottom step. Stair lifts have several disadvantages. The most important is that the user must be capable of transferring to the lift seat. Some residents cannot transfer independently. An extra wheelchair must also be kept at the top and bottom of the stair run within reach of the stair lift seat.           A residential elevator can provide the homeowner with access to every floor in a multi-story house. Although these products are expensive, in many cases they can be the most economical alternative.       Inclined Platform Lifts - Inclined platform lifts ($7,000 and up) are an alternative that does not require wheelchair users to transfer. However, they are difficult to retrofit into many existing homes. Installation of inclined platform lifts requires a wide, straight-run stair with a long lower landing. In addition, a continuous wall must be available along the stairway and bottom landing to support the structural side rail. These requirements are difficult to accommodate in most existing residential stairwells. If extensive stairwell modifications are necessary to adapt the platform lift, potential cost savings are reduced. While the inclined lift may not be a practical option for retrofit into many existing houses, it can be an effective low-cost alternative in a new home design that provides a suitable stair configuration. To provide for a future inclined lift, wheelchair users should select a home design that includes a straight-run stair. Using this basic plan, minor modifications such as slightly longer landings (5' bottom landing recommended) and slightly wider stairs (4' recommended) can be made to accommodate a platform lift. Cost Comparisons - When comparing the costs of single-level and accessible multi-level homes, it is important to consider other project costs that would be affected, not just the cost of the elevator or lift. The installation of a residential elevator offers the user the best accessibility and, in spite of the high purchase price, may be an economical alternative. If the user anticipates construction of a large home, the choice of a two-story house plan (rather than one-story plan of the same square footage) will require less land. In addition, a two-story home will be less expensive to construct on hilly terrain. The associated cost savings can often pay for a residential elevator or platform lift. Equipment Options There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of equipment that is available to provide access between floor levels. The best choice depends on the specific installation and the user’s preference and capabilities. Equipment Cost Features Elevator   $16,000+   • Most accessible and easiest to operate, but most expensive to install. • Can be difficult to retrofit. • Can serve more than 2 floors for little additional cost. Stair Lift   $3,500+   • Least expensive and easiest option to retrofit. • Not accessible for some homeowners. Platform Lift   $7,000+   • Often difficult to retrofit. • Generally less economical option to serve more than 2 floors. From Accessible Home Design - Architectural Solutions for the Wheelchair User PVA accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information published herein and does not endorse any company or any of the products or services advertised on this web site.

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