American Home Elevator offers answers to your questions

We can answer your questions about stair lifts and residential elevators

Questions:
1. Are residential elevators safe?
2. Are residential elevators expensive?
3. Does the stairway need to have a wall on both sides to accomodate a stair-lift?
4. How wide does a stairway need to be in order to use a stair lift?
5. Can you use a stair lift on a stairway with a landing or turn?
6. Can I remove my stairs and install the elevator in their place?
7. Is a phone required in a residential elevator?
8. How big is a residential/home elevator cab?
9. Can a hoistway door be opened when the car is not there?
10. What happens if there is a power failure?
11. Can an accessibility lift be self-installed?
12. What is the difference between ramps and a lifts?

At the American Home Elevator Company we are the experts in providing safe, economical stair lifts, residential elevators and other lift products that make life easier for the residential community. The experienced professionals at American Home Elevator can answer all of your questions about residential elevators and stair lifts

1. Q: Are residential elevators safe?

A: Yes, residential elevators are safe as long you follow the rules set forth by code and manufacturer’s recommendations. There are a variety of different types of home elevators. Make sure that the home elevator you purchase follows all safety requirements and your installer is trained and certified by the elevator manufacturer. We require that all equipment be installed to national and state codes for residential elevators.

2. Q: Are residential elevators expensive?

A: Residential elevators are not expensive when you consider the benefits and resale value to your investment. Safety, reliability and service are key to enjoying your elevator for years to come. American Home Elevator sells high quality residential elevators at competitive prices. We also offer service so if you do have any problems with your home elevator, we will respond right away.

3. Q: Does the stairway need to have a wall on both sides to accommodate a stair lift?

A: No, stair lifts are typically anchored to the stair treads, so a wall is not needed.

4. Q: How wide does a stairway need to be in order to use a stair lift?

A: Most stair lifts are designed to fit in a standard 36” wide stairway. When the seat is folded, most stair lifts only take up 13” – 15” of the stairway. This leaves ample room for someone to pass by the lift when it is not in use. Elevator code dictates there be a minimum of 20” of clearance when the unit is folded and not in use.

5. Q: Can you use a stair lift on a stairway with a landing or turn?

A: Yes, custom built stair lifts can accommodate almost any stair configuration: landings, curves, spirals, multiple angles with inside or outside radius situations.

6. Q: When installing a residential/home elevator, can I remove my stairs and install the elevator in their place?

A: No. Building codes require a stairway regardless of the placement of the home elevator.

7. Q: Is a phone required in a residential elevator?

A: Yes, in case of an emergency, a land line phone is required. Cell phones are not acceptable. A phone is provided with every home elevator we install; the homeowner is responsible for providing the service.

8. Q: How big is a residential/home elevator cab?

A: The standard size for most manufacturers is 3’x4’ or 12 square feet with a 750 pound capacity. The largest car permitted by Ohio code is 15 square feet with a lifting capacity of 950 pounds.

9. Q: Can a hoistway door be opened when the car is not there?

A: No. Hoistway doors are secured by an interlock that only allows the door to be opened when the car is there.

10. Q: What happens if there is a power failure?

A: There is a battery back-up system that will allow the car to lower to a designated floor and unlock the door.

11. Q:Can an accessibility lift be self-installed?

A: Most manufactures discourage the installation of accessibility lifts by anyone other than a trained and authorized dealer and most will not honor any warranty if an accessibility lift is self-installed.  In commercial applications, accessibility lifts are required to be installed to conform to local and National Codes and to be inspected by the local authority having jurisdiction prior to placing the unit in service.  If a unit is not installed to code by trained technician the accessibility lift would not pass inspection and could make the installation unsafe.

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12.Q: What is the difference between ramps and a lifts?

A: When selecting one of these accessibility options, several factors should be considered: Cost, Space Limitations, Aesthetics, Upkeep, Ease of Use, Achievability, Building Size, and Travel Distance. 

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