A residential elevator used to be something you only saw in very large homes. In Southwest Florida that has changed. More homes are built on two or three levels, many coastal homes are raised above flood elevation, and more people plan to stay in the home they love for the long term. Here are the five benefits homeowners mention most when they decide to add an elevator, and what to think about before you do.
1. Every floor stays usable as needs change
Stairs are easy until they are not. A knee replacement, a back injury, a new baby or an aging parent moving in can make the second floor feel out of reach overnight. An elevator means nobody has to give up the bedroom, office or view they chose the house for.
For many couples it is the difference between staying in the home they love and moving. Planning for it before it is urgent gives you more choice about the type of elevator, where it goes and what it costs.
2. It makes elevated Florida homes practical
Homes on Sanibel, Captiva, Marco Island, Fort Myers Beach and much of the coast are built with the living area above the garage and storage level. That means a full flight of stairs, sometimes two, every time you come home. An elevator carries groceries, luggage, beach gear and people straight from the garage to the kitchen.
If your home is raised, our elevator, stairlift or platform lift guide compares the options for that kind of layout, and our Sanibel and Captiva and Marco Island pages cover island homes specifically.
3. Safety for everyone in the house
Falls on stairs are one of the most common causes of injury at home, especially when someone is carrying something heavy or awkward. Taking the load off the stairs, literally, reduces the risk for everyone, not only older family members. Modern home elevators have door interlocks that stop the car from moving unless every door is closed, battery lowering so the car reaches a landing in a power outage, and an emergency phone.
4. It can add to the value and appeal of the home
In a market with many buyers planning to age in place, and many buying second homes they may later live in full time, an elevator can widen the pool of interested buyers. How much it adds to a sale price depends on the home and the market, so ask a local agent rather than relying on a general rule. What is clear is that a well-maintained elevator with service records is a selling point, and a neglected one is a question mark. Agents and property managers can read our page for realtors.
5. Everyday convenience you notice right away
Most owners say they use the elevator far more than they expected. Laundry, groceries, suitcases, holiday decorations, a heavy cooler after a day on the water: anything you would carry up the stairs goes in the elevator instead. It also makes hosting easier when guests of different ages and abilities visit.
What to think about before you buy
- Type. A traditional elevator runs in a hoistway and can serve several floors and carry a wheelchair. A shaftless elevator needs less construction and suits two-story homes with limited space. Our guide to shaftless vs. traditional elevators explains the difference.
- Location. Stacked closets, a corner of the garage, or an exterior tower are common spots. A home visit is the fastest way to find out what your structure allows.
- Cost. New home elevators in our area typically cost $25,000 to $60,000, depending on type, stops and finishes. See our home elevator cost guide.
- Finishes. The cab can match your home. Try the cab designer to explore panels, flooring and fixtures.
- Service. Choose an installer who will also maintain the elevator. Regular maintenance is what keeps it reliable for the long term.
- Alternatives. If you only need to get one person up one flight, a stairlift or platform lift may be all you need, at a lower cost.
Common questions
Can an elevator be added to an existing home?
Often, yes. Shaftless models in particular are designed for existing homes. The home visit tells you which options fit.
Which brands do you install?
We install and service elevators and lifts from Savaria, Stiltz, Inclinator and Garaventa Lift.
Do you work with builders on new homes?
Yes. Planning the elevator into the design from the start is the simplest and usually the most cost-effective approach. See our page for builders and architects.
Next step
Modern Lifts installs and services home elevators across Southwest Florida, Tampa Bay and Sarasota, including Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral and Bonita Springs and Estero. Request a free home visit or call 239.499.4749 to talk through what would work in your home.