The following blog was written by Nancy Philips, owner of Legacy Builders NRV and builder for The Homes at Berry Ridge. It first appeared in print in Blackburg Living.
Residential elevators have become a hallmark of modern living, seamlessly blending functionality with luxury to redefine how we navigate our homes. No longer confined to commercial spaces or the realm of science fiction, these elevators have found a comfortable niche within residential settings, offering convenience and true accessibility in a compact package right here in the New River Valley. With no more space required than stacked walk-in closets, an elevator shaft can easily be created for future installation into your home plans. The elevators we have been installing are not those often found at a beach home, where you must step out of them if you drop your keys. Instead, they are spacious enough for someone to roll a person in a wheelchair into them. Fully customizable, the floor and walls are a true thing of beauty.
One of the significant advantages of residential elevators is their role in enhancing accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities. As our society increasingly prioritizes creating inclusive environments, residential elevators have become a practical solution to making multi-level homes more accessible. This promotes independence and ensures that everyone, regardless of their mobility, can fully enjoy and utilize every corner of their living space for years to come.
Beyond their utilitarian function, residential elevators have evolved into design elements that add a touch of sophistication to homes. Interior designers and architects now view elevators as opportunities for creativity, incorporating various materials, styles, and finishes to complement a residence’s overall aesthetic. Whether it’s a sleek and modern glass elevator or a more traditional wooden design, these elevators can integrate into the existing architecture, becoming a focal point that marries form and function or disappearing behind a solid interior door.
The compact footprint and affordability of residential elevators make them suitable for various home layouts, from spacious mansions to more modest-sized homes. Costing less than a typical main-level master suite, a two- or three-stop elevator also makes sense financially regarding the overall cost of building a custom home. Creating the needed space in the design phase of your new home makes it an intelligent choice from the start, whether you install the elevator while you build or a year down the road. I don’t know many homeowners who would object to stacked walk-in closets on each level of their home. Sometimes, the space inside just does not allow for a future elevator. In that case, consider stacking three-foot-wide windows or doors on top of one another. This will facilitate adding an elevator outside of your home in future years.
Residential elevators contribute to the future-proofing of your home. As the population ages, the demand for accessible living spaces is on the rise. Installing an elevator not only adds value to a home but also positions it as a viable option for individuals or families looking for a dwelling that can adapt to changing needs over time. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the concept of “aging in place,” allowing homeowners to stay in their residences comfortably as they grow older. Sadly, accidents may happen at any age. The flexibility of accessing every level of your home, should the need arise, is part of excellence in design.
Safety features have also played a crucial role in the widespread acceptance of residential elevators. Advanced technology ensures smooth and secure rides, with features like emergency braking systems, backup power sources, a phone inside the cab, and user-friendly controls. These elements not only prioritize the well-being of the passengers but also offer peace of mind to homeowners who may have initially hesitated to integrate an elevator into their living space.
Residential elevators have transcended their utilitarian origins to become symbols of convenience, accessibility, and design innovation. From enhancing mobility to serving as architectural statements, these elevators are reshaping the way we perceive and interact with our living spaces.