Adding a lift isn't something that needs to be planned when a home is first built. For many New Zealand homeowners, retrofitting a lift into an existing property can provide a practical way to improve access between levels, future-proof the home and make everyday living easier.
But every home is different, and choosing the right lift involves more than simply deciding where you'd like it to go.
Here are some of the key things to consider when exploring a lift for an existing home.
Start with how you need to use the lift
The first consideration is what you want your lift to achieve.
Perhaps stairs are becoming more difficult to navigate, you're planning ahead for future accessibility needs, or you simply want the convenience of easier access between floors.
Think about who will use the lift, how frequently it will be used and whether it needs to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility equipment.
Understanding these requirements will help determine which type of lift is most appropriate for your home.
Consider the layout of your home
One of the advantages of modern residential lifts is that there are solutions available for a wide variety of properties.
A through-floor lift provides access between levels inside a home and can be incorporated into an existing property via a lift shaft. Finding the right location involves considering the layout of both floors and how the lift will integrate with the surrounding rooms.
For smaller changes in level, such as steps, entrances or split-level areas, a short-rise lift may provide a simpler solution.
Having an experienced lift provider assess the property early can help identify the most practical options.
Think about space
Homeowners are often surprised by how efficiently a lift can be incorporated into an existing home.
The amount of space required will depend on the type and size of lift, as well as the configuration of the property. The aim should be to find a location that provides convenient access without unnecessarily compromising valuable living space.
This is particularly important when retrofitting, where the lift needs to work with the home's existing layout rather than being designed into the building from the beginning.
Understand the building work involved
Retrofitting a lift will generally require some building work, and the extent of this will depend on the property and lift selected.
This is where involving your lift provider, builder and other relevant professionals early in the process can make a significant difference.
Planning the installation properly from the outset helps ensure the structural requirements, electrical work, access and finishing details are all considered before work begins.
Consider how the lift will look in your home
A residential lift doesn't need to feel like an afterthought.
Good planning can help a lift integrate neatly into the existing interior, with its location and surrounding finishes considered as part of the overall design.
For homeowners renovating at the same time, there may be even greater flexibility to incorporate the lift into the new layout.
Plan for tomorrow, not just today
One of the biggest benefits of retrofitting a lift is the opportunity to make your home work better for the future.
Your current needs may be relatively simple, but considering how those needs could change over time can help you choose a solution that continues to work for you.
For some homeowners, installing a lift is part of a wider plan to remain in a much-loved family home for longer. For others, it's about creating a more accessible and convenient home for everyone who lives there or visits.
Either way, thinking ahead can make the investment even more valuable.
Talk to Q Lifts early
You don't need to have everything figured out before talking to a lift specialist.
In fact, involving Q Lifts early can help you understand what's possible within your existing home and identify the most suitable solution before you commit to other renovation or building decisions.
Our team works with homeowners, builders and designers throughout New Zealand to provide practical lift solutions for both existing properties and new builds.
Thinking about adding a lift to your existing home? Talk to the Q Lifts team about the options available for your property.
