As lifestyles change and housing needs evolve, more homeowners are asking if they can add an elevator to an existing home. The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is yes.
Whether you’re planning for the future, improving accessibility, or adding value, a residential lift can often be installed in an existing home.
The suitability of retrofitting a home lift will depend on several factors, including:
- Available space within your home.
- The location of existing services.
- The level of building works required.
- The budget allocated to the project.
We always recommended consulting with both a builder and an elevator supplier early in the process. They can assess your home’s layout and determine the most suitable solution.
Many home elevators can be installed inside an existing home structure. Where this isn’t suitable, an external lift installation may be the best solution. In these cases, openings are created into the home, where appropriate, and in accordance with your builder’s recommendations.
Many homeowners also worry that installing a lift may impact the aesthetics of their home. Fortunately, residential lifts are designed to blend seamlessly into a home’s architecture and interior design.
At West Coast Elevators, we custom-design and manufacture every lift to suit the unique requirements of each home, offering a wide selection of colours, materials, and luxury finishes to complement any style and aesthetics of the home.
What Factors Determine Whether You Can Retrofit a Residential Lift?
The purpose of your lift installation will often influence the space requirements and design considerations. For example, if your home lift must fit a wheelchair or pram, a larger cabin offers more comfort and easier use. If the lift will support future mobility or ageing in place, a smaller cabin may be enough. It can still offer convenience and reliable everyday access.
During the planning stage, factors such as the following will all be assessed to determine the most suitable lift location and solution for your home.
- Floor layouts
- Structural requirements
- Available space
- Electrical services
- Access points
Each home is unique. This is why it’s important to seek advice from a builder before starting with a lift retrofit.
Planning a renovation or extension, it can be one of the most cost-effective times to incorporate a home lift. Planning for a lift early in the design process helps builders, architects, and lift specialists work together. This creates a smooth solution that improves the home’s function and style.
We collaborate regularly with builders, architects, and homeowners to deliver beautiful, accessible homes. From planning to installation, our team ensures each home lift fits the homeowner’s lifestyle, access needs, and plans.
How Much Space Does a Home Lift Require?
One of the most common questions homeowners ask during this process is how much space a home lift actually needs. Modern residential elevators require far less space than many expect. Depending on the residential lift you choose to install, some home lifts can fit in a lift shaft as small as 1100mm x 1100mm.
During your assessment, your builder and lift company will identify suitable locations throughout the home. Common installation areas include:
- Stair voids
- Unused corners
- Underutilised rooms or areas
- Other unused spaces
Where internal space is limited, an external lift installation offers a practical way to maintain safe and convenient access between floors.
Why More Families Are Choosing To Install a Residential Lift
Home elevators are no longer installed solely for accessibility needs or ageing in place. Today, many homeowners are choosing to install a residential lift to enhance convenience, comfort, and everyday living.
Parents with young children often like how a lift moves prams, baby carriers, shopping, laundry, school bags, and other items between floors. Pet owners also appreciate the ease of helping older pets or larger dogs move throughout the home without the strain of stairs.
For athletes and active individuals recovering from sports injuries or surgery, a home lift can make moving between floors safer and easier. It also allows homeowners with temporary mobility limitations, such as broken bones or knee reconstruction, to access every level of their home comfortably throughout recovery.
As land sizes continue to decrease, many families are building upwards and embracing multi-storey living. At the same time, multigenerational living is becoming increasingly popular, with everyone all sharing the same home.
A residential elevator helps ensure the home remains practical and accessible for every family member, regardless of age, mobility or lifestyle.
Beyond everyday convenience, a home elevator can also enhance the long-term appeal of your property. As more buyers look for homes that support ageing in place and flexible family living, a professionally designed lift can become a valuable feature that helps future-proof your investment.
Is Retrofitting a Home Elevator Worth It?
Retrofitting an elevator into an existing home is often more achievable than many people realise. With careful planning, expert advice, and a custom home lift, you can improve access and convenience. You can also future-proof your home and add long-term value to your property.
That’s why it’s important to choose a residential lift system that meets both your current needs and future requirements.
Planning for changing mobility needs, supporting a growing family, recovering from injury, or simply looking to make everyday life easier? You can tailor a home elevator to suit your home and lifestyle.
Our team works closely with you and your chosen builder. We assess your property. We listen to your needs. We then recommend the best home lift solution. From the initial planning stage of the process through to installation, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
At West Coast Elevators, planning and Installation are just the beginning, but our support continues long after installation. providing ongoing service and expert advice to ensure reliable performance and complete peace of mind.
Find more details about the factors that influence the cost of your home lift here, or come down to our Perth showroom to have a peek. While you’re there, we can discuss the best possible lift placement in your home.