ᐅ Elevator in a two-story house – who has actually implemented this?
Created on: 23 May 2017 07:52
M
montessalet
We are currently in an early planning phase.
Starting point: We want to build our "retirement home." To do this, we are considering two options: a bungalow (all on one level) and a two-story house (flat roof). This depends on the lot size, the building envelope, and the access possibility.
As a preliminary inquiry, we would like to know what the cost of an elevator in a single-family home would be. We are planning this because the entire house is intended to be age-friendly (i.e., wide doors and a level elevator). The elevator entrance should be at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) wide to be wheelchair accessible.
Has anyone had experience with this? What costs should we expect for the elevator?
Starting point: We want to build our "retirement home." To do this, we are considering two options: a bungalow (all on one level) and a two-story house (flat roof). This depends on the lot size, the building envelope, and the access possibility.
As a preliminary inquiry, we would like to know what the cost of an elevator in a single-family home would be. We are planning this because the entire house is intended to be age-friendly (i.e., wide doors and a level elevator). The elevator entrance should be at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) wide to be wheelchair accessible.
Has anyone had experience with this? What costs should we expect for the elevator?
montessalet24 May 2017 06:57Clearly, it is easier to build a bungalow. However, it is unfortunately difficult to find a suitable (i.e., rather larger) plot of land that also meets our other requirements. The trend towards denser construction is understandably increasing. This also means that the available plots tend to be smaller. We do not want to build on the entire plot—having a garden is important. The land issue should be clarified in the next few months (including the zoning plan): After that, we will consider the possible options.
Based on links and various online research, an elevator for two floors is quite expensive. Therefore, if we build a two-story house, we will likely install a straight staircase with a metal railing (and sufficiently wide): this would at least allow for the later installation of a stairlift (and at the same time, the necessary electrical wiring can be planned).
If anyone actually has experience with elevators, I am still grateful for any tips, experiences, etc. Thank you.
Based on links and various online research, an elevator for two floors is quite expensive. Therefore, if we build a two-story house, we will likely install a straight staircase with a metal railing (and sufficiently wide): this would at least allow for the later installation of a stairlift (and at the same time, the necessary electrical wiring can be planned).
If anyone actually has experience with elevators, I am still grateful for any tips, experiences, etc. Thank you.
C
Caspar202024 May 2017 07:52montessalet schrieb:
that an elevator for 2 floors becomes relatively expensiveWhat do you consider expensive?
montessalet24 May 2017 08:22Caspar2020 schrieb:
What do you consider expensive?For this feature, I already find €20,000 (about $22,000) quite expensive. However, if the elevator itself actually costs around €10,000 to €15,000 (about $11,000 to $16,500) when considered separately, it might be an option. Also, this elevator doesn’t necessarily have to be installed in a shaft—there are apparently “freestanding” elevators—but I don’t know the total costs for those.
Additionally, it was mentioned above that maintenance and activation of an emergency service are required: while these aren’t investment costs, they are still operating expenses.
Building a bungalow would have the advantage of avoiding a space-consuming staircase. I’ll wait and see how the plot division is finalized, how the building plan is officially approved, and how the overall prices for the land are set.
When planning a retirement home where the goal is to live comfortably for as long as possible, I assume children’s bedrooms are no longer relevant. Therefore, I would not build traditionally or necessarily consider installing an elevator. Instead, the focus should be on creating a barrier-free unit on the ground floor with a bedroom and a bathroom with a shower. Upstairs, there could possibly be a room with a bathroom for a caregiver.
If crutches, walkers, or even a wheelchair become necessary, living space on the ground floor allows for easier mobility, while the upper floor can be reserved for guests. I believe this is more comfortable than having to go up and down stairs every day or evening.
An elevator and its associated costs make sense if there are currently family members with physical disabilities involved in the house planning, whereas a stair lift is more suitable for older buildings when the ground floor lacks a convenient sleeping area.
Best regards in brief
If crutches, walkers, or even a wheelchair become necessary, living space on the ground floor allows for easier mobility, while the upper floor can be reserved for guests. I believe this is more comfortable than having to go up and down stairs every day or evening.
An elevator and its associated costs make sense if there are currently family members with physical disabilities involved in the house planning, whereas a stair lift is more suitable for older buildings when the ground floor lacks a convenient sleeping area.
Best regards in brief
montessalet24 May 2017 09:42If we build a two-story house, our approach was different...
Ground floor: living room (large), dining room, kitchen with pantry, small guest room, shower/toilet, utility room, wardrobe.
Upper floor as a "private area": 2 bedrooms (I snore, so everyone gets their own room), 1 bathroom with shower/bathtub/double sink, laundry/ironing room, terrace.
These rooms could of course also be planned accordingly for a bungalow. As I said – we are still very much at the beginning. But at least we know roughly which rooms we want and their approximate sizes.
The partly conflicting “requirements” will still have to be balanced with the structural (and financial) possibilities. We have set the budget fairly tight. However, due to the long lead and planning time, we can proceed much more purposefully and enable the manufacturer (preferred supplier: Keitel-Haus) to include this in the overall planning long term and make necessary decisions step by step.
By the way, this would be my third house build, so I do have some experience. That’s why I really appreciate your input, tips, and suggestions – they help to conduct discussions (notably also with my wife) and make the decisions needed.
Ground floor: living room (large), dining room, kitchen with pantry, small guest room, shower/toilet, utility room, wardrobe.
Upper floor as a "private area": 2 bedrooms (I snore, so everyone gets their own room), 1 bathroom with shower/bathtub/double sink, laundry/ironing room, terrace.
These rooms could of course also be planned accordingly for a bungalow. As I said – we are still very much at the beginning. But at least we know roughly which rooms we want and their approximate sizes.
The partly conflicting “requirements” will still have to be balanced with the structural (and financial) possibilities. We have set the budget fairly tight. However, due to the long lead and planning time, we can proceed much more purposefully and enable the manufacturer (preferred supplier: Keitel-Haus) to include this in the overall planning long term and make necessary decisions step by step.
By the way, this would be my third house build, so I do have some experience. That’s why I really appreciate your input, tips, and suggestions – they help to conduct discussions (notably also with my wife) and make the decisions needed.
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