Home Elevators
Shaftless Home Elevators Explained
The least disruptive way to add an elevator to a house that was not designed for one.
- A shaftless lift travels through a cut opening in the floor, with no framed hoistway.
- Typical installed cost is $25,000–$45,000 for two stops.
- Footprint is roughly 12 to 16 square feet.
- Most models plug into a standard circuit and need no pit.
How the installation works
A crew cuts an opening between floors, installs the drive rails floor to ceiling, and fits a self-closing floor panel at the upper level. Installation is typically two to three days, and no machine room is required.
Tradeoffs against a traditional elevator
Shaftless lifts are smaller, slower, and generally limited to two stops. In exchange you avoid framing, drywall, and most of the permitting complexity. For a retrofit in an occupied home, that tradeoff is usually worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Does a shaftless elevator need a pit?
Most models do not, which is a large part of why they suit retrofits. Confirm for the specific model, since a few require a shallow recess.
Keep reading
Marcus Thorne
Senior Editor, Mobility Equipment
Marcus covers stair lifts, home elevators, and platform lifts for Home Access Advisor. He spent eleven years estimating residential remodels before moving into consumer publishing, and he reads dealer quotes for a living — which is why most of his guides start with the line items other sites leave out.
Covers: Stair lifts · Residential elevators · Installation pricing · Dealer quotes
Make Your Home Safer and Easier to Live In
Practical home-accessibility advice, product comparisons, and cost guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam, no pop-ups. Unsubscribe any time.
