Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 15, 1995 TAG: 9508150025
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Since you expect to live in your new home indefinitely, you are wise to consider an elevator now. Although residential elevators are still relatively uncommon, they're no longer considered just a luxury. Many people give up their homes in later years as stair climbing becomes difficult or impossible. Accessibility can also become a problem if a family member becomes disabled.
Enactment of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has spawned a burgeoning market for low-rise commercial elevators. The result: Affordable elevators are now available in a variety of styles, many of which are suitable for residential use. Lower prices and greater selection, along with an increased awareness of the importance of accessibility, have all contributed to a sharp rise in demand for home elevators.
Besides the obvious benefits, an elevator adorned with polished brass, beveled mirrors or stained glass can add a dramatic flair to your home. On the other hand, you can opt for a simple elevator with a paneled interior, hidden behind a conventional out-swing door. In either case, an elevator will add to your home's resale value while expanding the pool of prospective buyers as aging baby boomers approach retirement.
As a rule, older homebuyers usually limit their search to homes on one level. Although that may come as no surprise, it's easy to overlook the considerable cost penalty implicit with single-level homes. Depending on local construction and land costs, a multi-story home with an elevator may actually cost less to build than an equivalent single-story home, especially when lot size is an issue.
Depending on the design of your home, it may be possible to add an elevator at a later date. The ideal layout is to have "stacked" closets at least four feet deep. Some designs need as little as ten inches below the lower-level floor (the "pit"), and twelve inches above the upper-level ceiling.
Since your home is not yet under construction, you're better off if you can modify your plans to accommodate the future addition of an elevator. Manufacturers will gladly provide written specifications to your builder or architect. However, be prepared to do some homework. You must at least choose the size and type of elevator you will eventually install.
The least expensive design uses a winding drum - usually mounted above the hoistway. A variation is the traction elevator. It relies on a counter-weight to reduce the load on the motor. Hydraulic lifts are the quietest; direct hydraulic requires a deep hole for a telescoping plunger while roped hydraulic uses an above-grade plunger to pull the lift cables. Typical speeds range from 30 to 36 feet per minute.
One unique elevator doesn't even need a hoistway! The 27"x42" car has windows on three sides and moves up and down steel guide rails attached to a wall. A hatch covers the hole between the upper and lower levels like a square manhole cover. As the car ascends, it lifts and carries the hatch on its roof. Upon descent, the hatch settles back into place, leaving an uninterrupted upper floor.
Elevators aren't the only option if you're concerned about climbing stairs. Remember the stairway lift from yesteryear? They're back! A drive rail, attached to lower part of the stairwell wall, guides a push-button operated seat up and down the stairs. Special stairway lifts and vertical lifts are also available for wheelchairs. The latter is often used for short hops such as a front porch or landing.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture residential elevators, please send $1.50 (please don't send cash) and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-525, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products. You'll also receive information on stairway lifts, wheelchair lifts and dumbwaiters.
by CNB