There are two ways that a home lift can be installed: as part of a new home construction, or as a retrofit to an existing home. If you don’t have an immediate need for a lift, it can be difficult to decide whether to install the lift as part of a new build or as a retrofit further down the track.
Axis Lifts are your local home lift specialists. For free, personalised advice on choosing the right residential lift for your needs as well as deciding when to install it, give us a call on 1300 002 947. In the meantime, consider the following factors when making the decision between a retrofit and a new build.
New Build Home Lift
There are three main benefits of installing a home lift as part of a new build:
- Easily incorporated into the design of the house
- More lift options available
- Save money
Easily Incorporated
Installing a residential lift during the building stage of your home makes it much easier to incorporate your lift into the design layout of your home. This means that the lift can be installed wherever you want without having to consider whether there is enough space or sacrificing floor space to incorporate the lift.
Additionally, incorporating the lift into the home’s original design will ensure that the lift feels like part of the house rather than a hasty addition, and gives you more options for concealment if you don’t like the look of having a lift out in the open.
More Lift Options
Installing your home lift as part of a new build also gives you more options when choosing the type, size, and location of your lift. This is because, rather than having to work to the existing spade you have available, the lift can be added into the house plans, allowing whatever size of lift you want.
Similarly, a new build installation gives you more options when it comes to choosing the right type of lift for your home. This is because some lifts require more room for installation than others such as lifts that require an engine room or a larger pit. Fitting a lift with these additional requirements into an existing home is much more challenging and may even be impossible, limiting the type of lifts you can choose from.
Save Money
Finally, installing your home lift while your house is being built can save you money. This is because the lift can be integrated into the original plans of the home. Conversely, if installed after the house is built, you may have to pay extra for any additional construction required to fit the lift.
Retrofit Home Lift
Although in many cases installing a lift as part of a new build is ideal, it is not always an option. If you’re thinking about installing a home lift in an existing house, consider the following factors.
Higher Cost
Retrofitting a home lift can be more expensive than installing in a new build as additional construction work may be required. However, there are many modern lifts available that are small enough to fit in any home for a hassle-free installation at an affordable price.
Limited Lift Options
Installing a lift in an existing home can limit your choice of lift size and type depending on the available space. However, some lifts can be installed externally allowing homes with little space to spare to have larger wheelchair lifts installed.
Quicker Access
Retrofitting a home lift into your existing home comes with the benefit of immediate wheelchair access to your home, rather than having to move house or potentially even build a new house.
Customise To Fit Decor
Axis Lifts offers a range of home lifts with customisation options including colour, glass, and materials used. This means that even if your lift is installed as a retrofit, you can customise your lift to seamlessly fit into the style and decor of your home.
Your Local Queensland Lift Company
Whether you’re looking to install a residential lift as part of a new build, install a lift in your existing home, or you’re still not sure, Axis Lifts has the solution. Call us today on 1300 002 947 for personalised advice and a free quote.
