More and more homeowners are asking for elevators in their new builds, and not just for luxury. Whether it’s about accessibility, future-proofing, or simply convenience, building a home with an elevator is quickly becoming part of modern home design in Canada.
If you’re a builder or architect, planning for an elevator early in the process makes everything smoother for you and your client. Here’s a practical guide to what you should keep in mind.
Why Elevators Are Showing Up in More Custom Homes
Let’s face it: elevators used to be a rare feature in residential construction. Now, they’re a smart addition for families thinking long-term.
- Aging in place: Clients want homes that can grow with them.
- Daily convenience: Moving laundry, groceries, or even luggage becomes easier.
- Market appeal: Homes with elevators stand out in competitive markets.
If your client is even considering building a home with an elevator, it’s smart to design for it from the start. Retrofitting later can be complicated and expensive.
One simple way to prepare is by stacking closets vertically. Learn how this fits into broader planning for home elevators.
Which Type of Elevator Works Best?
Not all residential elevators are built the same. Depending on the home’s layout and budget, you’ve got a few solid options:
- Hydraulic: Provides a smooth, reliable ride. Requires a separate machine room, so it needs a little more space.
- Electric (MRL – Machine Room-Less): Offers a compact footprint and does not require a separate machine room, making it ideal for tighter layouts.
- Shaftless Elevators: A clean, modern option perfect for spaces where a full hoistway isn’t possible. Great for retrofits or where minimal construction is preferred.
Think about footprint, noise, power requirements, and how the system fits into your build. It’s worth looping in your elevator supplier early—they’ll help match the system to your specs.
Need help comparing? See our guide on which type of elevator is best for a home.
Planning the Location
Proper hoistway and machine room planning is essential to a smooth elevator installation. Key factors builders must address include:
- Central Access: Position the elevator centrally, near high-traffic areas like kitchens, garages, or main living zones to maximize client convenience.
- Floor Stacking: Align floors vertically to simplify the hoistway structure, minimizing framing complexities and mechanical challenges.
- Door Orientation: Confirm early whether the client needs same-side entry/exit or different-side entry/exit on different floors. Architectural plans must precisely reflect these needs to prevent costly adjustments during construction.
- Exterior Access Points: If the elevator services a garage or rooftop terrace, consider adding a weather-sealed vestibule or specifying a sealed swing door, available as an option for outdoor stops on models like the Elmira, Heritage, or E50 to protect against cold, moisture, and drafts.
- Hoistway and Machine Room Coordination: For hydraulic elevators, place the machine room as close as possible to the hoistway. This reduces hydraulic line lengths, improves efficiency, and simplifies mechanical planning.
The more thought you put into placement upfront, the less you’ll need to rework layouts later.
For additional layout strategies, check out our post on space planning for home elevators.
What to Plan for During Construction
When building a home with an elevator in new construction, a few technical requirements need to be addressed early in the design process. Proper coordination between the builder, architect, and elevator supplier ensures compliance with Canadian building codes and a smooth installation.
Shaft Space
- Plan for a clear, vertical hoistway that supports safe elevator operation.
- The shaft must accommodate the cab, guide rails, and clearance as per the elevator specifications.
- Finalize shaft dimensions early to avoid design revisions later in construction.
For standard sizes, see our guide on residential elevator dimensions.
Pit Depth
- Most home elevators require a shallow pit at the lowest landing for proper leveling and safety.
- Typical pit depth ranges between 6 to 12 inches, depending on the elevator model and provincial codes.
- Pit design should be included in the foundation and framing plans.
Overhead Clearance
- Provide adequate overhead space above the top landing to meet operational and safety requirements.
- Overhead clearance varies depending on the elevator system.
- Required clearances must align with Canadian Elevator Safety Codes (B44) and manufacturer recommendations.
Load-Bearing Support
- Elevator systems add significant static and dynamic loads to the structure.
- Reinforced framing or additional load-bearing elements may be necessary around the shaft.
- Coordinate structural requirements early with your engineer to meet both the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and local standards.
Electrical Access
- Elevators require dedicated and reliable electrical service.
- Plan for a dedicated 120V and/or 220V circuit, based on the elevator’s motor specifications.
- Backup power, such as battery-lowering systems or standby generators, may be required depending on provincial regulations.
- Ensure electrical rough-ins are coordinated with shaft and machine room locations.
Elevator Car Size
- Cab size impacts more than user experience, it directly affects construction details.
- Larger cabs require wider shafts and broader door openings, impacting wall layouts.
- Select a cab size that meets immediate needs and potential future accessibility requirements (including CSA B355 for barrier-free design where applicable).
Machine Room Location
- If required, the machine room must be thoughtfully located relative to the hoistway.
- Ideally, it should be adjacent to or near the shaft for efficient layout and access.
- Machine room-less (MRL) elevator models offer flexibility, especially in space-constrained designs.
And remember: in Canada, residential elevators need to meet CSA B613 standards. Partnering with a company that knows the codes can help you avoid permit delays or costly changes down the line.
For construction coordination tips, read the home elevator installation process.
Build with Safety in Mind
Your clients expect safety as a given, and so do inspectors. Make sure your elevator includes:
- Battery backup for power outages
- Door interlocks and sensors to prevent accidents
- Child safety features to prevent misuse
- Safety isn’t just about code compliance, it’s about peace of mind for the homeowner.
See more on maintenance and safety in our guide to home elevator maintenance and upgrades.
Talking Budget: What Should Clients Expect?
Elevators are an investment, and helping your clients budget properly sets the tone for the whole project. It’s important to clarify that pricing for elevators typically covers the elevator unit and installation only; construction costs (like the hoistway, machine room, and electrical work) are additional and should be factored separately.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what clients can expect for elevator and installation costs:
- Basic units: Starting around CAD $30,000
- Mid-range elevators (with some customization options): Around CAD $50,000
- High-end, bespoke cabs: CAD $70,000 and up
Ongoing Costs:
After installation, annual maintenance is generally recommended at least once a year to keep the system running safely and smoothly, though it can be scheduled more frequently if desired.
Accessibility Funding:
If the elevator is being installed for accessibility reasons, some clients may qualify for government grants or tax credits, depending on the province. It’s worth directing them to available resources early in the project.
For a breakdown of price drivers, see how much a home elevator costs.
Don’t Forget the Design Details
For architects, especially, an elevator isn’t just a utility; it’s an opportunity to enhance the home’s design.
Today’s options are more versatile than ever:
- Cab materials: Options typically include wood, glass, or even stainless steel, allowing flexibility to match the home’s style and design preferences.
- Lighting: From minimal LEDs to decorative fixtures.
- Doors: Elevator doors are typically categorized as manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic, each with different space requirements and impacts on traffic flow within the home.
Bringing the elevator supplier into early design discussions ensures the system complements the home’s architecture, not competes with it.
Explore cab finishes and customization in our home elevator design guide.
Work with the Right Elevator Partner
The right elevator company makes your job easier. Look for someone who:
- Knows the local codes
- Offers customizable solutions
- Is responsive throughout the build
- Can support maintenance and service after the fact
At Cambridge Elevating, we’ve been working with Canadian builders and architects for over 30 years. Our residential elevators are manufactured right here in Ontario, and we know what it takes to integrate an elevator seamlessly into new construction, from concept to completion.
Coordinating Timelines: When to Bring in the Elevator Partner
One of the most common missteps in residential elevator planning is waiting too long to bring the elevator team into the process. Elevators touch multiple phases of the build, framing, electrical, and finishes, so getting the timing right keeps the project running smoothly.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Design Phase: Bring in the elevator supplier during schematic design or early planning. This helps align the shaft location, clearances, and access points before structural or mechanical layouts are finalized.
- Framing Stage: The hoistway should be framed before drywall or finishing work. Accurate specs at this stage prevent delays and costly changes.
- Pre-Drywall Inspection: Elevator contractors often require a rough-in inspection to ensure shaft dimensions and access points meet specs.
- Final Installation: Elevator installation usually happens near the end of construction, once the environment is controlled and finishes are protected.
For scheduling insights, see our home elevator installation timeline.
Final Thoughts
If you’re building a home with an elevator, starting the conversation early is key. When planned properly, elevators are straightforward to install, add real value to the home, and deliver a better experience for your clients.
Need help specifying the right elevator for your next project?
Let’s talk.
Cambridge Elevating is here to help.
