What Most People Don’t Know About Home Elevators

From the debut episode of “The Elevator Pros” podcast

When most people think about adding a home elevator, they assume it’s only for the ultra-wealthy, for people with serious mobility challenges, or something you consider way down the line. But the truth? Home elevators today are more accessible, more customizable, and more useful than ever — and we’re here to set the record straight.

In the debut episode of The Elevator Pros podcast, Kayla Fawe and CH Elevator sales manager Jason Fawe break down the top misconceptions, questions you should ask, and red flags to watch for when you start exploring residential elevators.

🚫 Myth #1: “Home elevators are only for the rich.”

Once upon a time, maybe that was true. But not anymore. The residential elevator market has exploded with innovations in design, drive systems, and price points. From sleek shaftless models to traditional cabs and space-saving pneumatic vacuum elevators, there are more options than ever — many of them within the same budget range as a kitchen remodel.

⏳ Myth #2: “I don’t need one now, so I’ll deal with it later.”

This is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Whether you’re 35 or 65, planning ahead gives you more flexibility — and often saves money. You don’t need to install an elevator right away, but planning for one (like stacking closets or allocating space in the blueprint) can make a huge difference down the road. Elevators aren’t just for mobility issues — they’re great for hauling luggage, laundry, groceries, or even holiday decorations.

⚠️ Myth #3: “Aren’t they unsafe?”

Not when you work with professionals. Residential elevators must meet strict code requirements, and responsible companies like CH Elevator stay up-to-date on local and national safety standards. From backup power systems to enclosed cabs and keyed access, today’s elevators are packed with features that keep your family safe — whether you live in a bustling city or a remote lakeside cabin.

What You Should Be Asking Before You Buy

Before you invest time or money, here are the questions every customer should ask:

What type of elevator is right for my space? (Traditional, shaftless, pneumatic, etc.)
Is it wheelchair accessible now — or can it be in the future?
What happens if the power goes out?
Who installs and services the elevator?
Are inspections or permits required in my area?
Can it be customized to match my home’s design?

Pro tip: If you’re buying online or looking at a bargain deal, make sure to ask what’s not included in the quote. Some companies leave out important elements like flush frames, safety inspections, or permit coordination — and those extras can cost you big time later.

🚩 Red Flags in the Industry

There are good companies out there… and some not-so-good ones. Here’s what to watch for:

Too-good-to-be-true pricing (watch out for bait-and-switch tactics)
No local service team or maintenance plan
Online “DIY” elevator kits — these are often not code-compliant and can be unsafe
Elevator companies that don’t offer installation
Lack of transparency about permits and inspections

Bottom line? You get what you pay for — and in the case of a home elevator, safety and support are worth every penny.

🎙️ Ready to Go Deeper?

This was just the first of many episodes where we’ll be unpacking the elevator industry, sharing tips for homeowners, talking through design decisions, and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the real challenges and benefits of adding a lift to your home.

👉 Subscribe to “The Elevator Pros” podcast and catch new episodes every Friday! Listen on Amazon Music, Spotify, or wherever you catch your podcasts!

🎧Listen Now

Have a question or topic you want us to cover on the show? Let us know in the comments or send us a message. We’d love to hear from you.

About C. H. Elevator

With over 20 years of experience, Country Home Elevator specializes in providing high-quality residential and commercial elevators, stair lifts, and accessibility solutions. Serving the Midwest regions of Missouri, Southern Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, we are committed to enhancing mobility and independence through expert installation and service.

Interested in a career at C. H. Elevator? Reach out to Craig for more information on our technician training program.

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