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Home Elevators
Recently smaller, less expensive elevator
models have been introduced that make it
more practical for elevators to be installed
in the average two story house, townhouse,
or apartment. Home elevators are not only
for the elderly or the infirm: home elevators
are very useful for those who are looking
to maximize square footage on smaller plots
of land and younger buyers who plan to stay
in their homes into their retirement years.
As a result, home elevators are becoming
a standard home status feature that can increase
the value of any property.
Most home elevators are pneumatic vacuum
models that will lift only one or two people.
These can be installed more quickly and cheaply
than regular elevators because they do not
require a shaft or a control room to house
hydraulic equipment. These pneumatic elevators
move up and down using suction created by
a small pump at the top of a tall translucent
tube enclosing a small cab. They are about
37 inches in diameter and do not require
a pit under them or a separate machine box.
Those who want a larger elevator
fitting
at least two to three people
will need to
install a hydraulic model. These
are more
expensive and take up more room
because they
require building an elevator
shaft. They
need about 25 square feet of
space on each
floor. A pit at least 6 inches
deep beneath
the elevator and a small closet
to house
the mechanisms are also necessary.
These
elevators can be luxuriously
paneled in marble
or oak.
You may need to have a permit to install
a home elevator and that periodic safety
inspections may be required by your local
building codes. Check with the seller or
your local government for more information. |
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