Home Elevator vs. Stairlift: Which Is More Suitable for You?

When you live in a multi-level house and need to move between the levels frequently, consider installing a home elevator or stairlift. It might help you go up and down more easily. However, choosing between the two can be confusing. 

You may wonder which product is better for you. The answer might depend on a variety of factors. To determine which option is more suitable for you and your home, go through the key considerations as well as the pros and cons of both products given below.

Stairlift vs. Home Elevator

Consider the following factors when you are deciding between a home elevator and stairlift installation.

• Installation Cost 

Home elevators are generally more expensive compared to stairlifts. Considering stairlift pricing, you might need to spend $2,800 to $5,000 for professional installation, depending on the features, brand, etc. But if you want to install a home elevator, it can cost from about $10,000 to $20,000 for purchase and installation. 

If you consider renting your stairlift, you will have to spend less. You may only have to pay the installation fee of about $500 to $750, with a monthly payment of $85 to $400.

• Appearance

When some stairlifts can be folded away, you still may need to consider the platform, railings, and some other parts that you can not conceal. Based on the brand, the stairlift and the chair might come in various colors and finishes, so the lift may complement the staircase. 

In the case of home elevators, you will find their appearance depends on the type of elevator you purchase. If an elevator includes a shaft, the inside can be designed in various ways to hide the shaft from sight. 

Pneumatic elevators, on the other hand, are generally constructed of plastic or glass tubing since they are designed to be open. This will make them difficult to conceal.

• Space

Both elevators and stairlifts come in a range of widths and sizes so that they might fit in your home. However, they do need a varying amount of space in your house. 

Stairlifts come in various sizes to suit different kinds of staircases, but house elevators need room for the elevator shaft and motor, which takes up space above, behind, as well as underneath the machine. 

Certain stairlifts can fold away when not used, whereas an elevator requires a permanent location.

• Installation

Installing a stairlift will take less time. Specifically, you can install them within three to four hours. Whereas, elevators might take weeks or days to install. It depends on having a shaft or not and what kind of machinery they use.

• Return on Investment

Installing an elevator can increase your property value by about 10%, which (in certain situations) exceeds your investment return. The style and kind of elevator installed might also impact the amount of your home’s value. 

However, stairlifts might not raise your home’s resale value or price as they are not in high demand among buyers. Sometimes, you might need to remove the stairlift while selling to avoid restricting the number of interested buyers.

• Noise

Though both elevators and stairlifts make noise, stairlifts are made to make the noise less. They generally make minimal amounts of noise. 

The noise of elevators might vary as per their brand and model. You will find Pneumatic vacuum elevators are quieter compared to the standard or cable-driven home elevators, which can make a lot of noise. 

Although installing acoustic paneling to block out elevator noise is an option, it comes with an additional cost that you should take into consideration.

To determine if you should pick a stairlift or elevator, you may also look at the advantages and disadvantages of each assistance option. It might make it easy to choose what is best for you.

Advantages of Home Elevators

The benefits of having a home elevator are as follows.

• Location Flexibility: Though a stairlift goes in a single place (i.e. on the stairs), your home elevator might go almost everywhere in your home.
• Increasing the Home’s Value: An elevator can complement the style of your home. This will definitely boost its resale value.
• Configuration and Design Customization Options: Elevators can be customized to adapt your décor and style, giving them even more customization options than stairlifts.
• Reliability: Home elevators are more reliable. It is because they are equipped with extra safety measures, such as an emergency stop button, a phone, emergency lighting, etc which doesn’t come with stairlifts.
• Independence: Some stairlifts require assistance from a second person while an elevator doesn’t. It allows you and your family to move around the house independently.

Disadvantages of Home Elevators 

Home elevators have some disadvantages also. Installing home elevators might be quite expensive. To install the elevator, your house will need to undergo construction. To do so, you must adhere to all building codes throughout the process.

It might take a long time to install an elevator too. Before installation even starts, a lot of time needs to be spent on determining the location, deciding on a brand and style, and making other considerations.

Advantages of Stairlifts

The benefits of having a stairlift are:

• Affordability: Stairlifts are less expensive than home elevators, whether you install them or rent them. 
• No Remodeling or Construction: There is no need to plan for construction while installing a stairlift.
• Easy installation: Installing a stairlift is a simple process. It might take only a few hours to get it attached to the tread of the staircase.

Disadvantages of Stairlifts

The disadvantages of stairlifts are:

You will find stairlifts with limited design options. Since the railing might need to be omitted in certain cases, a stairlift may detract from your interior design. You will not find as many decorative styles and designs to pick from with stairlifts. It does not add value to your home and increases resale values. It is limited to smaller weights compared to the elevators as well.

The stairlift only allows access to one additional floor. You will need to install multiple stairlifts on different stairways to gain access to other additional floors in your home. 

Final words

If you are concerned about the cost, installing a stairlift will be more suitable for you. While it will make your movements easier, it will also be a great way for elderly people who have restricted mobility but still wish to live in their homes. 

On the other hand, a home elevator can improve your multi-level home‘s resale value and offer numerous levels of access, as mentioned above. It comes with a variety of possibilities to design or personalize your elevator. 

It can be the best choice for wheelchair users. Considering all the above-mentioned facts before installing one will make sure that you have made the right decision.