Management Tips

How to Select a Vertical Lift for Your Home

Lifts are useful for creating accessibility in so many different types of buildings. They are used in residences as well that have several stories. When selecting a lift, there are many factors that you need to consider. You should also have a reliable lift supplier who will be able to install the unit according to standards.

The size of the lift is the main concern when it comes to selection. The standard size is usually three by four feet when it comes to residential lifts but you will find that Adelaide vertical lifts come in several different sizes. Generally, when a residence is being designed, the architect will leave a provision for the lift and the size of the lift core will be determined at this stage. They will contact lift suppliers and consult structural engineers for this. If there is no prior provision for the lift, you will need to carry out the required structural changes. The lift company will be able to calculate the loads and discuss the requirements with you to recommend the size that is suitable for the home. Load capacity is an important consideration at this point. You need to consider how many people will be using the lift and this will depend on the number of people living in the building and the number of visitors expected. You will need to choose a lift with a higher load capacity if you are expecting a high level of traffic. Lifts come with a load limit and if you can’t find one that fits your specifications, you can discuss with the lift supplier to see if a lift can be custom designed for your requirements.

The lift supplier or installer will also discuss the drive system for the lift. There are different drive systems available and some common examples are the counterweight chain drive and the winding drum. Depending on the type of drive system, you may require a machine room. When it is a passenger lift, you have to consider the security aspect. There should be several measures that are put in place to ensure that people travelling on the lift are safe. Some of these systems will include a brake system, a backup power system and an alarm system. In the event of an emergency, most lifts will have a telephone installed inside so you can call for help or get instructions on what to be done.

One of the first things you need to check when selecting a lift is the price. In the lower price ranges, you will find smaller lifts that come with basic options. And at the other end of the price scale are more luxury lifts that are larger in size and have more features. These will also include customisations specified by the client. If you haven’t planned for a lift when building the house, you will need to carry out a renovation to include this and it will be an additional cost. So you will need to consider this as well for the total price of a lift installation. You will also need to pay for the relevant consultants who get involved in the project such as designers, architects, engineers etc. 

Hester Griffith
the authorHester Griffith