Home lift installations
In order for a homelift to enhance your life and your home, it is important that it is installed correctly. You should always seek professional homelift installation from a reputable company.
Homelift installations can vary in complexity and timeframes. Compact electric homelifts take as little as 1-2 days to install, whereas other models will take longer. For more information on specific installation processes for different models, call us and speak to a homelift expert.
Pre-installation considerations
Before installing a homelift, you will need to consider where you would like it to fit into your space. This is something you could discuss with your homelift installation consultant who will be able to advise on how to best optimise the space you have available. A reputable company will conduct a home visit free of charge.
The space you have and your homelift requirements will inform the model of homelift which will be best for you. For example, if you are limited on space and you don’t use a wheelchair, a single or double person homelift would be ideal. If you are a wheelchair user, a wheelchair homelift will be the best option for you, and the company carrying out your homelift fitting will be able to ensure you have the space to accommodate a slightly bigger model.
Depending on the type of homelift you choose will inform the level of structural work required and how long the building process will take. If you choose to go with an electric homelift, there is minimal structural work required because they are self-supporting, plug into a regular plug socket, and don’t require a motor room. Compact electric homelifts are the simplest of lifts to install and can take 1-2 days to install. Similarly, these types of electric homelifts do not require planning permission to install. Think of it like a large home appliance, rather than a structural add-on.
Large, bespoke homelifts, which include a lift shaft, on the other hand, require extensive structural work and have longer installation processes. You may also require planning permission for this kind of work, particularly if you are in a listed building, or if there is a lift shaft which will be external to the existing structure. For tailored advice, call us today and speak to a homelift expert. They will be able to advise you on the installation process and the timeframe for your desired model.
These are considerations which a reputable homelift installation company will be able to help you with. A consultant will be able to visit your home, assess your homelift requirements, and recommend a model and configuration which will best suit your needs and complement your home.
The homelift installation process
Typically, a homelift installation will have three stages. These are as follows:
- Assessment and quote:
You can expect a homelift consultant to visit you in your home to discuss your various options with you. They will take measurements, look at your space and then provide a quote for different homelift model options for you to look at in your own time. It is important that you don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision. A reputable homelift company will recognise that it is a big decision and will allow you ample time to consider your options, and usually offer this service free of charge.
- Survey and order:
Often, when you have decided to proceed with your homelift installation, the company you select will arrange for a survey to be carried out at your home to ensure a structurally sound installation. There is also normally a deposit to pay at this point. Your homelift provider will arrange any preparatory work to be carried out and will set a date for the installation that is convenient for you.
- Preparatory work and installation:
If you have selected an electric rope drum homelift, installation is quick and easy. Once building work has been completed ,you can expect the installation to be completed in 1-2 days by a qualified engineer. Once the lift is installed, it’ll move from floor to floor smoothly and quietly. You can expect the homelift engineer to give you a full demonstration of how to use your new lift and ensure everything is clean and tidy before leaving.
Costs of installing a homelift
The size and model of the homelift you choose will affect the price, as well as the optional upgrades which you can choose to customise your homelift to further cater to your specific needs.
On average, you can expect a double person compact electric homelift to cost £. A standard wheelchair electric homelift will cost £. You can expect that either of these models will come with optional extra upgrades for an additional cost, for example:
- Extra handrails
- A seat inside the cabin
- A special ‘compact design’ to accommodate homelifts in spaces with low ceilings
- Additional hand controls
Bespoke large homelifts will be more expensive than compact electric roped-drum homelifts and will vary massively in price as they are made especially for each space. The price will be affected by the amount of structural work required, the cost of materials and the amount of time it will take to install.
Post-installation checks and maintenance
It is important to keep your homelift in good working order for your peace of mind and safety, so after you have had your homelift fitted, it is important to consider servicing and aftercare. With a reputable homelift company, you can expect your homelift to come with a warranty and annual services, just like other major household appliances. Something to look out for is that once any warranty has expired, there is a cost-effective service contract to ensure your homelift is maintained for years to come.
It is also important to ensure that your homelift is fitted with a battery backup so that you can return to the ground floor and not be trapped.
An important question to ask of your homelift provider is whether they are available for emergency repair callouts for your complete peace of mind.
Ready to start your homelift journey?
Be sure to seek professional advice on which homelift model, size and configuration would suit your individual needs and the space you have. Speak to multiple providers before making a decision.
As much as price is an important factor, it is important to go with a reputable company that provides a complete service: from an initial assessment to installation, and then to thorough after-care.