As accessibility becomes a more pressing concern for many homeowners, homelifts are growing in popularity across the UK. These compact, stylish lifts provide a convenient solution to mobility challenges, allowing homeowners to move between floors without the need for stairs. But for those who aren’t sure if a homelift is the solution for them, a key question remains: will a homelift fit into any home?
In this article, we’ll explore the possibilities of installing a homelift, with a focus on the Taunton Homelift, a modern, electrical lift designed with ease of installation and home integration in mind.
Your Taunton Homelift
A homelift is a smaller, more compact version of a traditional elevator designed specifically for residential use. Unlike traditional elevators that require extensive pits, shafts, and machinery, the Taunton Homelift is an efficient, self-contained system that runs on electricity, making it easier to install and maintain. It provides numerous benefits, such as improving mobility, convenience, and accessibility for those with mobility issues or for homeowners planning to age in place. With a homelift, you no longer have to navigate stairs, reducing the risk of falls, a common concern in UK households, where over 43,000 people are hospitalised yearly due to falls on stairs.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Taunton Homelift is its ability to blend seamlessly into your home’s existing design. Gone are the days of homelifts resembling hospital equipment. Liberation Homelifts, the creators of the Taunton model, have taken steps to ensure that our homelifts are not only functional but aesthetically pleasing. They offer a range of customisation options, allowing you to choose finishes and styles that complement your home’s décor. Whether you live in a modern or traditional home, the Taunton Homelift can be tailored to match your personal taste, thanks to the 30 colours available for its faux leather interior.
Compact and Minimalist Designs
A common concern for homeowners is whether a homelift can fit into their available space. Fortunately, the Taunton Homelift is designed with compactness in mind, offering minimalist options that take up very little room. You don’t need to sacrifice large areas of your home to install one. In fact,
“the Taunton Homelift typically requires only about 25 square feet of floor space”,
and its entire mechanism is housed within the top of the car, so there’s no need for additional pits or machine rooms. This makes it a perfect solution for homes of all sizes, even those with limited space.
Can You Retrofit a Homelift?
If you’re worried about whether your existing home can accommodate a homelift, the answer is likely yes. Many homes, even older ones, can be retrofitted for a lift system. The process is often simpler than you might expect, simply requiring an aperture to be cut between floors. Often, a small portion of your home’s existing layout, such as a hallway or cupboard, can be repurposed to house the lift.
Space Requirements for a Homelift
So, what exactly does a homelift installation involve in terms of space? Generally, you’ll need 25 square feet of floor space for the installation of a homelift. The Taunton Homelift is designed to be installed directly on the floor, with no pit or shaft required. This means it can be placed in various locations around the home, including hallways, living rooms, or stairwells, wherever is most convenient for you. A compact model,
the interior of the Taunton measures 2.5 feet wide by 2.7 feet deep,
making it an excellent option for homes with tighter spaces – installed with minimal disruption to your home’s floor plan, making it a flexible solution for most properties.
Structural and Architectural Considerations
One of the biggest advantages of a Taunton Homelift is that it requires very little in the way of structural modifications. A self-contained lift system that requires no shaft or pit means installation is quick and straightforward. Typically, only a hole between the two floors needs to be cut to make room for the lift.
Installation usually takes just two days,
meaning that the disruption to your home and daily life is kept to a minimum. In some cases, minor alterations to your home, such as removing part of a staircase or adjusting wiring or plumbing, might be necessary, but these modifications are usually minor and can be handled as part of the installation process.
Power and Electrical Requirements
As an electrically powered system, the Taunton Homelift requires access to a standard household power supply. As such, it will need its own outlet and must stay connected at all times. The Taunton is also fitted with an inbuilt battery system that kicks in in the event of a power outage, ensuring your lift remains operational even in emergencies and providing peace of mind for users who rely on the lift for mobility.
Where Is the Best Location for a Homelift?
One of the key benefits of the Taunton Homelift is its versatility in terms of location. It can be installed almost anywhere in your home.
Popular locations include hallways, living rooms, or even within an existing staircase. Some homeowners also opt to install their homelift in more practical spaces, such as from the garage or basement up to the living areas, allowing for easier transportation of groceries or other heavy items. The best location will depend on your home’s layout and your personal needs, but with the compact design of the Taunton Homelift, there’s plenty of flexibility.
Planning for Future Needs
Installing a homelift is not just a convenience; it’s an investment in your home’s future. For those planning to age in place, a homelift offers the comfort of knowing that mobility issues won’t force you to move out of your beloved home. It can also add resale value, making your property more appealing to potential buyers who may have similar accessibility needs.
Consultation and Professional Assessment
Before deciding on a homelift, it’s crucial to consult with a professional who can assess your home’s specific requirements. A home installation expert can provide guidance on the best lift options, location, and any structural changes that may be needed. This ensures that your homelift not only fits your home but also meets your individual mobility needs.
A homelift, such as the Taunton Homelift, offers a stylish, practical, and space-efficient solution for mobility issues in your home. With customisation options, easy installation, and minimal disruption, it can fit into almost any home, old or new.
To find out if a homelift is right for you, consult with a professional and take the first step toward improved mobility and independence in your home.