Californians are remodeling, adding second stories and building accessory dwelling units at a remarkable pace. If you have a project like that under way or in planning, it is the best moment you will ever have to add an elevator, or at least to prepare for one.
Why now
- Walls and floors are already open
- Your architect and engineer are already engaged
- Permits are already being pulled
- The marginal cost is far lower than doing it later
Second-story additions
Adding a floor creates stairs where there were none. Ask your architect to stack a closet on each level, sized for an elevator. You can install the elevator immediately or use the space for storage until you want it.
Whole-house remodels
With the plan being redrawn, the elevator can go where it serves you best, typically near the garage entry and the kitchen, opening onto a hall on each floor.
ADUs and multigenerational living
Many ADUs are built for parents. A unit over a garage needs a way up. Options include:
- A stair lift on the ADU staircase
- A compact elevator from the garage level
- A platform lift for a short rise to a raised unit
If the ADU is at ground level but the main house is not, think about access between the two.
What your contractor needs from the elevator company
- Shaft or opening dimensions
- Pit depth and overhead clearance, if any
- Structural loads
- Electrical requirements
- Door positions on each floor
Get these before framing begins.
Choosing a type
A traditional elevator is well suited to a major remodel, where a shaft can be framed. A pneumatic elevator needs only floor openings and can be added late in the project.
Sequence
Order early, since elevators are built to order. Installation usually follows drywall and precedes final finishes.
Future-proofing costs little
Even if you are certain you do not need an elevator, framing the space and running a conduit adds very little and protects your options.
Bring us into the project
Nationwide Lifts of Northern California works alongside architects and contractors. Call 888-323-8755 for a free consultation.