Can you put an elevator into an existing home?

Is it possible to add an elevator to your existing home

Most North American homes built within the last 50-60 years are constructed so that a residential elevator can be added with reasonable design and construction measures.

Where to position an elevator in an existing home largely depends on the total project budget and one’s desire to keep the current home’s layout intact. From experience, many customers choose to use the renovation as an opportunity to expand the scope and update their home.

It’s natural to picture the elevator simply added to the exterior of the home, and avoid cannibalizing existing rooms, especially if the square footage is limited. However the engineering and construction costs to create an adjoining foundation and connect the shaft or hoistway with the roofline in an attractive manner may be more substantial than positioning the elevator within the existing building envelope.

Within the home, the ideal location should connect all landings, or as many as possible so the investment provides the highest value to the home and its riders.

Some existing and newer elevator models are being designed for installing in existing homes

Why you should add an elevator to your home

An elevator is a useful convenience that enables homeowners to enjoy their home through all stages of adulthood. Consider an elevator system as a vertical hallway, an easy way to move big or bulky items safely between floors – drastically reducing the hazards of stairway falls. As we age, keep the workshop or laundry in the basement, the elevator allows homeowners to continue enjoying all areas of their homes regardless of the challenges with stairs.

In addition to providing utility while owning the home, an elevator is proven to increase the resale value of the house when selling as it appeals to a wider audience versus comparable listings without.

The relative affordability of this luxury feature is greater now than any time in history. Technology and competition have kept prices largely the same for 20-30 years, however home prices in major urban centers have never been higher.

How much does it cost to add an elevator to your existing home

When considering a home elevator, the cost of putting an elevator in a house depends on many factors; the number of landings it serves, the type of elevator, desired options, within the home structure or added to the exterior and the resulting design/construction costs.

The average cost of a home elevator system in Ontario, Canada is approx. $25,000-35,000. This general range will vary across North America as pricing can depend on local provincial/state codes. It can also increase substantially for custom or luxury designs.

The cost of construction to accommodate a home elevator in an existing home can be between $25,000 and $80,000 as it depends on the house in question, the location within the home and the magnitude of the renovation needed. Construction costs for a new home build is drastically less than the cost for a renovation.

To get a more accurate price for your upcoming project, please contact us.

Elevator options for your existing home

Compact electric elevator

A smaller, traditional home elevator that requires a shaft or enclosure surrounding it. The elevator system is assembled within the enclosed hoistway and attaches to the existing floor joists for support. The reduced capacity and cab size keep the price affordable.

Shaftless personal elevator

An attractive and compact two-story elevator that travels through an aperture between the floors. It can be installed in almost any room in the house given its small footprint, and can be parked on another floor to conserve the useful space for passage.