Building costs in Northern California are among the highest in the country, and that shapes the price of a residential elevator here as much as the equipment does. If you are budgeting for one, think about the project in three layers.
Layer 1, the equipment
- Pneumatic elevators arrive as a self-contained tube. Price rises with diameter and the number of stops.
- Traditional elevators vary with drive type, cab size, travel and finishes.
- Custom elevators are priced individually.
Layer 2, the construction
This is the part most affected by where you live.
- A traditional elevator needs a framed and finished hoistway and usually a pit
- A pneumatic elevator needs floor openings and little else
- Labor rates in the Bay Area are higher than in the Sacramento region
- Hillside homes and older buildings can add structural work
Layer 3, design, permits and inspection
Elevators are regulated in California, and cities add their own plan review. In some jurisdictions the approval process is quick. In others it adds weeks and fees. Structural drawings may be required.
How to keep the total in check
- Combine the elevator with a remodel you are already planning
- Choose a type that needs no pit or shaft if the house is finished
- Use stacked closets where they exist
- Limit the number of stops to the floors you truly need
Consider what it adds
In a market where moving is expensive and suitable single-level homes are scarce, an elevator can be the less costly way to stay. It is also a feature buyers of multi-level homes increasingly look for.
Ongoing costs
Plan for regular maintenance by a qualified technician.
If the budget does not stretch
A stair lift solves the stairs for a small fraction of the cost and can be installed in a day.
Get a proposal for your home
Nationwide Lifts of Northern California provides a written proposal after a free in-home consultation. Call 888-323-8755.