Future-Proof Your Home: Planning for an Elevator Now for Aging in Place

Building a new home is an exciting venture, ﬁlled with countless design decisions and possibilities. While it’s easy to focus on immediate needs and aesthetics, it’s also crucial to think long-term. Planning your home with future accessibility in mind can ensure that it remains comfortable and functional as you age. One key feature to consider is installing or preparing for an elevator. Whether you’re in your twenties, ﬁfties, or beyond, designing your home to include an elevator can offer numerous beneﬁts. Let’s explore how to work with your architect, builder, or design team to integrate this forward-thinking feature into your home.

Why Plan for an Elevator Now?

The concept of “aging in place” means designing your home so that you can live there comfortably and independently, no matter your age or physical condition. While it may seem premature to think about accessibility features when you’re still young and active, it’s a smart move for several reasons:

Future Accessibility: As we age, mobility can become an issue. An elevator ensures that your home remains accessible, regardless of physical limitations.
Convenience: Elevators aren’t just for those with mobility issues. They’re incredibly convenient for everyday tasks like carrying groceries, moving heavy items, or even for ease during pregnancy.
Property Value: Homes with built-in accessibility features can be more attractive to a broader range of buyers, potentially increasing your property’s value.

Working with Your Design Team

Integrating an elevator into your home design is a collaborative process that involves your architect, builder, and an elevator specialist. Here are key steps to take:

1. Discuss Your Vision and Needs

Start by discussing your vision with your architect or designer. Explain that you want to plan for an elevator, even if you don’t install it right away. This conversation should cover:

Potential locations for the elevator.
Structural considerations.
Aesthetic preferences and how the elevator will integrate with your home’s design.

2. Explore Elevator Options

There are various types of residential elevators to consider, each with its own beneﬁts:

Shaftway Elevators: These are traditional elevators that require a shaft. Planning for one during the building phase makes future installation easier.
Closet Shaft: If you’re not ready for an elevator yet, designating a closet that can later be converted into a shaftway is a practical option.
Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators (PVE) and Vuelift: These modern elevators don’t require a machine room and can be installed in tighter spaces, offering sleek, stylish alternatives.
Shaftless Elevators: Ideal for homes with limited space, these elevators travel between ﬂoors without the need for a dedicated shaft.

3. Design with Flexibility

Ensure your home’s design can accommodate an elevator in the future. This might involve reinforcing certain areas, leaving space for a potential shaft, or planning electrical and plumbing setups accordingly.

4.Collaborate on the Details

Work closely with your builder to ensure all structural elements are in place. They’ll need to coordinate with the elevator specialist to ensure everything is built to speciﬁcations.

Beneﬁts of Installing an Elevator Now

Even if accessibility isn’t a current concern, having an elevator can optimize your living experience in various ways:

Ease During Pregnancy: Pregnant women often ﬁnd stairs challenging. An elevator provides a safer, more comfortable way to navigate the home.
Convenience for Heavy Items: Moving heavy items like furniture, groceries, or laundry between ﬂoors becomes effortless.
Child-Friendly: Young children can safely and easily move between ﬂoors without the risk of stairs.
Enhanced Guest Experience: An elevator can be a blessing for visiting elderly relatives or friends with mobility issues.
Minimize Disruption: By planning for and possibly installing an elevator during the initial construction of your home, you avoid the need for extensive renovations later on. This means you only have to deal with the noise, dust, and inconvenience of construction once, rather than disrupting your life again in the future.

Building a home that’s ready for an elevator, whether installed now or later, is a wise investment in your future comfort and convenience. By collaborating with your architect, builder, and design team, you can seamlessly integrate this feature into your home’s design. Whether for aging in place, everyday convenience, or enhancing property value, planning for an elevator now ensures your home remains a haven of accessibility and ease for years to come.

So, as you embark on your home-building journey, think ahead. The decisions you make today can signiﬁcantly enhance your quality of life tomorrow. Speak with one of our experts today about how we can help you incorporate an elevator into your new build. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 800.898.5090 and we will be in touch!