Adding an elevator to a home is no longer just about accessibility; it’s a smart design decision that enhances everyday convenience, future-proofs a space, and can even increase property value. Yet, despite its growing popularity, elevator planning is often left too late in the design process, leading to avoidable compromises, unexpected costs, or retrofits that feel like an afterthought. For architects and builders, early elevator planning isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic advantage. Whether you’re building a new custom home, working on a multi-generational layout, or renovating with aging-in-place in mind, planning for an elevator early ensures a smoother integration, better functionality, and more design freedom. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key considerations on how to choose a home elevator, from choosing the right model to understanding space requirements and code compliance.
For a quick primer on types and use cases, see Which Type of Elevator Is Best for a Home?
Step 1: Identify the Purpose and Users
Before diving into technical specifications or layout details, it’s important to start with a simple but often overlooked question: Who will be using this elevator, and why is it being installed?
The answer will shape every decision that follows, from the type of elevator you or your client choose to the cab size, door configuration, and accessibility features you include.
Is the elevator for convenience or necessity?
Some homeowners add elevators for general comfort and future readiness, especially in multi-level homes where climbing stairs may eventually become a challenge. Others need a solution right away to accommodate mobility issues, whether it’s for aging parents, wheelchair users, or someone recovering from an injury.
Short-term use or long-term lifestyle planning?
If you’re planning for aging in place or a multi-generational household, you’ll want to prioritize long-term usability. This often means considering wider cabs, accessible button placement, and smooth integration into the home layout, not just what works today.
Residential Elevator: The Right Fit for a Home
For most homes, a residential elevator is the ideal solution. It provides essential accessibility and convenience while blending seamlessly into your home’s design. Choosing the right features early on ensures the elevator enhances the home’s function and flow without over- or under-designing the solution.
Step 2: Determine the Elevator Type That Fits
Once you’ve defined who the elevator is for and how it will be used, the next step is choosing the right type of elevator for the project. Not every model is suitable for every space, so understanding the core differences helps narrow down your options early, before design decisions become locked in. This is central to how to choose a home elevator effectively.
Hydraulic Elevators
Best for:
- Homes with adequate space for a machine room
- Multi-level residences with moderate travel distances
- Projects where comfort and long-term performance are key client priorities
Machine Room-Less (MRL) Elevators
Best for:
- Homes where mechanical space is limited
- Modern builds that prioritize clean integration
- Builders working in flood-prone or coastal regions
Shaftless Elevators
Best for:
- Homes with limited space or tight layouts
- Required travel between only 2 floors
- Projects requiring minimal construction disruption
Electric Elevators
Best for:
- Clients focused on sustainability or energy efficiency
- Smooth, quiet operation with reliable performance
- Projects where sustainability and low maintenance are key
Deep dive on dimensions and fit: Residential Elevator Dimensions
Choosing Based on Layout, Not Just Preference
As a builder or architect, layout and structure are foundational, often more so than finishes or style. In fact, understanding how to choose a home elevator starts with evaluating what the space can support.
For instance, a hydraulic system might offer more design flexibility in a custom new build. At the same time, a shaftless elevator could be the best fit for an existing home with limited room for modifications.
Step 3: Understand Space and Structural Requirements
Proper planning ensures the elevator fits the space, both physically and architecturally.
Hydraulic, MRL, and models like the Electric E50 require a hoistway, pit, and overhead clearance. Shaftless elevators, on the other hand, are more flexible and often easier to integrate into existing homes.
Structural allowances should be built into floor plans from the beginning. For retrofits, work with your supplier to understand what changes are required to accommodate the system. To avoid client disappointment, always determine the ideal cab size first; this will guide the hoistway dimensions and help ensure the final fit meets expectations. For sequencing and trades coordination, see the Home Elevator Installation Process.
Step 4: Consider Code Compliance and Safety Standards
Every elevator must comply with local building codes and accessibility regulations. Depending on your location, you may need to meet requirements under the Ontario Building Code, AODA, or ADA standards.
- Design considerations include:
- Door and cab size for wheelchair access
- Handrail placement and control panel height
- Fire-rated doors and emergency power features
Built-In Safety Features
When researching how to choose a home elevator, safety should always be a top priority. Regardless of the model, all of Cambridge Elevating’s products are engineered with safety in mind. Features include:
- Emergency stop and alarm buttons
- Obstruction sensors
- Battery backup systems
- Automatic door interlocks
- Smooth start and stop technology for a comfortable ride
Step 5: Define Design and Aesthetic Preferences
For architects, elevators are a chance to elevate the design, literally and aesthetically. It should feel like a natural extension of the home’s design. When specified early in the planning phase, elevators can be seamlessly integrated into the overall architecture, with finishes and features that reflect the homeowner’s personal style.
Cab Finishes and Materials
Whether your style leans modern, traditional, or transitional, there are thoughtful design options to suit your vision. Personalization includes:
- Wood veneers and decorative melamines in various tones and textures
- Glass wall panels to create an open, contemporary feel
- Painted and custom-finished MDF walls for clean, seamless styling
- Stainless steel cab wall finish for a sleek, modern look
- Ceiling designs with integrated LED lighting to match your home’s ambiance
- Mirrors, handrails, and accent trim to enhance both form and function
You can explore a full range of visual examples and material choices on our Features & Finishes page.
Doors and Entry Configurations
Door placement plays a key role in how the elevator fits into your floor plan. Cambridge Elevating offers flexibility in entry configurations, including:
- Single Entrance/Exit
- Through Entry (Front and Rear)
- 90-Degree – Additional Side Entry/Exit
These options allow the elevator to be placed in convenient locations without disrupting adjacent rooms or hallways.
Step 6: Plan for Smart Technology and Future-Proofing
When thinking about how to choose a home elevator, it’s worth considering not just current needs, but future expectations, especially around smart home integration.
Homeowners expect their spaces to evolve with their needs. As a builder or designer, offering smart elevator integration positions your project as forward-thinking and adaptable.
Depending on your setup, you can integrate features like:
- Voice command operation
- App-based elevator control
- Integration with home automation systems like lighting, security, or smart assistants
This technology doesn’t just add a touch of luxury; it increases ease of use, especially for those with limited mobility or vision impairments.
Remote Monitoring and Maintenance
Cambridge Elevating offers a Remote Monitoring System, allowing for proactive maintenance and performance tracking. This means your elevator stays in optimal condition with fewer surprises, improving reliability and reducing downtime.
Step 7: Collaborate with the Right Manufacturer
Partnering with a manufacturer that understands your workflow is critical. Cambridge Elevating works closely with architects, builders, and designers to ensure smooth integration, from design development to final installation.
Questions to Ask Your Elevator Provider
- What level of customization is available?
- What are the lead times for delivery and installation?
- Are there compact or retrofit-friendly options?
- What post-installation support is offered?
- How does the system integrate with home automation or smart tech?
- What warranty coverage is included?
- Are replacement parts readily available for servicing and maintenance?
The answers can help you vet true design collaborators from basic suppliers and ensure your client’s investment performs long-term.
Step 8: Budgeting and Cost Considerations
Understanding how to choose a home elevator also means knowing what to expect when it comes to cost. Prices can vary depending on the type of elevator, installation complexity, and finish options. Generally:
Shaftless systems are more cost-effective for retrofits.
Hydraulic or MRL elevators may have higher upfront costs but offer broader functionality and customization. While the E50 is relatively energy-efficient, it still requires annual maintenance.
Step 9: Final Tips for Smooth Project Integration
Even the best elevator system can cause delays if not coordinated properly. Integrating elevator planning into your project workflow ensures smoother construction, clearer communication, and fewer costly revisions. For scheduling and trade handoffs, revisit the Home Elevator Installation Process.
Builder/Architect Best Practices:
- Bring in your elevator supplier early to avoid structural redesigns later
- Coordinate with trades for electrical, framing, and finishing needs
- Build elevator installation into your schedule and milestones
- Allow buffer time for final details, like flooring transitions and trim
Bringing It All Together
Learning how to choose a home elevator goes beyond selecting a model; it’s about enhancing how a home functions today and adapts for tomorrow. For architects and builders, integrating it early means delivering better outcomes for your clients.
By considering users’ needs, system types, space requirements, aesthetics, and smart tech early on, you’ll ensure a smooth project from start to finish.
Ready to incorporate elevator planning into your next project?
Contact our team to explore tailored solutions that align with your build, your client’s lifestyle, and your architectural vision.
