What Exactly Are Exterior Home Lifts?
Let’s demystify the term. Simply put, exterior home lifts are mechanical devices designed to transport a person (often including a wheelchair or walker) from one outdoor level to another. Unlike indoor lifts or stairlifts, these units are specifically built to withstand the elements – rain, sun, snow, and temperature changes.
They provide a safe and reliable alternative to using stairs outside your home. Whether it’s accessing a raised porch, deck, garden level, or even navigating from a driveway up to the main entrance, exterior home lifts are engineered for outdoor use. They are a vital component of making a home truly accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Why Consider Exterior Home Lifts?
The reasons for installing these lifts are varied but often center around enhancing quality of life and ensuring safety. They aren’t just for people with permanent mobility significant challenges; they can benefit a wide range of individuals and situations. Thinking about your current or future needs is key.
Accessing different levels outside your home shouldn’t feel like a daunting task or pose a risk. Exterior home lifts eliminate the physical strain and danger associated with navigating outdoor steps. They turn inaccessible areas into usable and enjoyable parts of your property.
Addressing Mobility Challenges Head-On
For individuals who use wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers, outdoor steps can be an absolute barrier. Exterior home lifts provide a smooth, stable platform that can safely carry them and their mobility device. This opens up their world, allowing them to participate fully in outdoor activities at their own home.
Even for those who can walk but have difficulty with stairs due to age, illness, or temporary injury, a lift offers invaluable assistance. It reduces the risk of falls, which can have severe consequences, especially for older adults. It’s about maintaining dignity and independence.
The Benefits Go Beyond Just Getting Upstairs
While overcoming physical barriers is the primary function, the advantages of installing exterior home lifts extend much further. They significantly impact daily life and long-term well-being. Consider the convenience of easily moving between levels with groceries, heavy packages, or even playful pets.
These lifts also contribute to aging in place, allowing homeowners to remain in the home they love for longer. By making all areas accessible, they eliminate the need to move due to outdoor inaccessibility. Furthermore, a well-chosen and professionally installed exterior home lift can actually enhance the value of your property by making it attractive to a wider range of potential buyers in the future.
Types of Exterior Home Lifts
When you start looking into exterior home lifts, you’ll find a couple of main types. The specific type you choose will depend on factors like the height you need to travel, the space available, and your budget. Understanding the options is helpful.
Each type of exterior home lift has its own set of features and ideal applications. Consulting with a professional is the best way to determine which design is most appropriate for your specific needs and home structure. They can assess your property and recommend the safest and most effective solution.
Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs)
These are perhaps the most recognizable type of exterior home lifts. VPLs consist of a platform that travels vertically along a rail or tower. They are commonly used to access porches, decks, or short flights of stairs, typically traveling up to 14 feet.
VPLs can be open-air or partially enclosed, depending on the model and weather protection needed. They are a cost-effective and space-efficient option for overcoming moderate elevation changes outdoors. Many models are designed specifically to be rugged and weather-resistant.
Enclosed Cabin Lifts
For higher rises or when maximum weather protection and comfort are desired, enclosed cabin lifts might be considered. These are more akin to traditional elevators but installed on the exterior of a home. They offer a fully enclosed cabin for passenger transport.
Enclosed cabin lifts provide a higher level of protection from the elements and can often travel greater vertical distances than VPLs. They are generally a more significant investment but offer a smooth, protected ride regardless of the weather conditions. These are often custom-designed for the specific home.
Key Considerations Before Getting an Exterior Home Lift
Getting an exterior home lift is a significant investment and decision. Several factors need careful thought before you proceed with a purchase or installation. Planning ahead will save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.
This isn’t a purchase to be made lightly; it requires research and professional consultation. Thinking through these considerations will help you choose the right lift for your specific needs and ensure a smooth installation process. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Planning and Permits
One of the first steps is a thorough site assessment by a qualified professional. They will evaluate the location for the lift, considering factors like available space, the required travel distance, and the ground or deck structure where it will be installed. Proper foundation work is crucial for stability.
You will almost certainly need building permits for installing an exterior home lift. Local building codes and regulations vary, so it’s essential to understand the requirements in your area. A reputable lift provider will usually assist with navigating the permit process and ensuring compliance.
Choosing the Right Exterior Home Lift
Selecting the correct lift involves evaluating your specific mobility needs, the layout of your home, and your budget. Consider who will be using the lift, whether they use a mobility device, and the maximum weight it needs to accommodate. Think about current needs and potential future changes in mobility.
Look for lifts explicitly designed for outdoor use with durable, weather-resistant materials. The climate in your region is a critical factor in material selection and required weatherproofing features. Discuss these aspects in detail with your provider.
Key Features to Look For
Different exterior home lifts come with various features that enhance functionality, safety, and usability. Pay close attention to the specifications. Important features include the weight capacity (ensuring it meets or exceeds your needs), the travel distance (how high it goes), and the platform size (enough room for the user and device).
Consider the ease of operation – are the controls simple and intuitive? Features like a constant pressure control or automatic call/send buttons are important for user convenience. Battery backup can be a lifesaver during power outages, ensuring you’re not stranded.
Prioritizing Safety Features
Safety is paramount when it comes to exterior home lifts. Ensure the unit you choose is equipped with essential safety mechanisms. Look for features like an emergency stop button that is easily accessible.
Safety gates or doors are crucial to prevent falls from the platform. Non-slip surfaces on the platform provide secure footing. Obstruction sensors stop the lift if something is in its path, whether above or below. A manual lowering mechanism allows the lift to be safely brought down in case of mechanical or power failure, while an alarm can be used to signal for help if needed.
Installation, Maintenance, and Cost of Exterior Home Lifts
Understanding the practical aspects of getting and owning an exterior home lift is vital. This includes how it’s installed, what’s needed to keep it running smoothly, and the financial investment involved. These are long-term considerations.
Proper installation and regular maintenance are non-negotiable for the safe and reliable operation of your lift. Don’t underestimate the importance of these steps. They ensure your lift performs as expected for years to come.
Professional Installation is Key
Installing exterior home lifts is a complex task that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. It should always be performed by trained, certified professionals experienced in outdoor lift installations. Attempting a DIY installation is highly dangerous and can void warranties.
Qualified installers will prepare the site properly, including any necessary electrical work and foundation modifications. They ensure the lift is securely anchored, calibrated correctly, and tested thoroughly before it’s put into use. They will also walk you through its operation and safety features.
Looking After Your Exterior Home Lift
Like any mechanical device, exterior home lifts require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently. Manufacturers provide recommended maintenance schedules, which typically involve periodic inspections and servicing by a technician. This helps identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Regular cleaning is also important to remove dirt, debris, and prevent corrosion, especially given its exposure to the elements. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your lift, ensures continued safety, and helps maintain its warranty. Neglecting maintenance can lead to malfunctions and safety hazards.
The cost of exterior home lifts varies widely depending on the type of lift, travel distance, features, complexity of installation, and required site modifications. Vertical platform lifts are generally less expensive than enclosed cabin lifts. Get detailed quotes from multiple reputable providers. Factor in not just the purchase price but also installation fees, permit costs, and ongoing maintenance expenses. While the initial cost can be substantial, the long-term benefits of independence, safety, and the ability to stay in your home often outweigh the financial outlay.
Enhancing Your Home’s Accessibility and Value with Exterior Home Lifts
Investing in an exterior home lift is more than just buying a piece of equipment; it’s investing in your quality of life and the future of your home. It transforms inaccessible areas into functional, enjoyable spaces, allowing you to fully utilize and appreciate your property.
Making your home accessible is a valuable improvement, whether for your current needs or for future resale. Exterior home lifts are a visible commitment to universal design, making your home appealing to a broader market. They demonstrate foresight and care in designing a space that is welcoming and functional for everyone.
By removing the barrier of outdoor stairs, you regain freedom and spontaneity – the ability to step out onto your porch for a cup of coffee, work in your garden, or simply enjoy the sunset without worrying about the journey back inside. This return to independence is truly invaluable.
Conclusion
Stairs shouldn’t dictate where you can or cannot go in your own home. Exterior home lifts offer a powerful, reliable, and safe solution to overcome outdoor accessibility challenges. They provide independence, enhance safety, and significantly improve the quality of life for users and their families.
Whether you need a vertical platform lift for a porch or an enclosed cabin lift for greater travel, there’s an outdoor solution designed to fit your needs and your home. By carefully considering your options, planning properly, and working with qualified professionals for installation and maintenance, you can enjoy the freedom and convenience that exterior home lifts provide, allowing you to love every level of your home, inside and out.