Most people don’t even think about putting an elevator in their home because of a few common misconceptions, but in reality, an elevator can be a great addition to your home. Here are 3 myths about residential elevators that you shouldn’t believe.
1. Residential elevators are unsafe and prone to malfunction
Stereotypically, people think that residential elevators are less reliable than their commercial counterparts, and therefore are unsafe. This is far from the truth. There are many safety regulations and laws that have to be followed when installing an elevator in your home. These laws regulate things like speed, how much weight an elevator can hold, and the safety protocols that are required.
When thinking about potential elevator malfunctions, people tend to worry about a cable breaking and the elevator falling. Elevators are equipped with multiple cables, so if one breaks there are backups. People worry that they will exceed the weight limit and cause the elevator to fall. This is also untrue. If an elevator is holding too much weight, it will make noise and stay still until people get off and the weight drops below the limit.
Finally, there are concerns about power outages. Most elevators today are equipped with backup battery power, so if the power goes out, the safety features will engage and lower you to the nearest floor. Just because an elevator is being installed in a home as opposed to a commercial area doesn’t mean it’s any less safe. Similar safety protocols are followed either way.
2. Residential elevators require tons of maintenance/repairs
People might think that a home elevator will break down all of the time and require constant maintenance or repairs. This is why it is important to choose the right company to install your elevator. At Godwin Elevators, we ensure that your elevator is properly installed and works correctly. We also stress the importance of preventative maintenance. If you get your elevator checked every year as we recommend, you are less likely to have unexpected problems. It may seem like home elevators need more maintenance but that is because companies are more likely to have their commercial elevators checked than homeowners.
3. Residential elevators are only for the wealthy
Many people don’t even consider the option of a home elevator because they associate them with the affluent. This is a myth. Prices for residential elevators can vary based on the number of floors or cab type. Home elevators can vary in price, but if they seem too pricey there are other cheaper options like chair lifts to make your home accessible for everyone.
Residential elevators can be a great addition to your home. Contact us today to talk more about your options.