Home Lift Installation & System Design
Home lifts provide practical access between floors within private houses and residential properties. Also referred to as domestic lifts or residential lifts, they can be installed to improve accessibility, make everyday movement between floors easier or form part of the design of a new-build home.
Every home lift installation is specified around the property. Available space, travel height, number of floors, structural layout, accessibility requirements and intended use all influence the type of lift that can be installed.
Domestic lifts can be considered for both existing houses and new developments. Depending on the system and property, compact, low-pit and other configurations may help reduce the structural alterations required for installation.
A site survey allows the available space and building requirements to be assessed before the appropriate residential lift system is specified.
Why Choose a Home Lift?
A home lift can improve access between floors for people with reduced mobility while also providing greater convenience for other members of the household. Unlike a stairlift, the lift travels independently of the staircase and can be specified around different passenger and accessibility requirements.
Residential lifts are also increasingly considered during renovations and new-build projects where future accessibility is being planned into the property from the outset.
The appropriate system depends on the available space, number of floors, intended users and the level of structural work that can be accommodated within the property.
Choosing the Right Home Lift
Every property is different, which is why home lifts are available in a range of designs and configurations. The most suitable system depends on the available space, structural layout, number of floors, accessibility requirements and the level of customisation required.
Below are some of the residential lift systems available for new-build and existing homes.
Luxury Home Lifts
Luxury home lifts with high-spec finishes and tailored design options for premium residential properties.
Wheelchair Lifts
Wheelchair lifts providing safe and accessible vertical movement between levels in residential properties.
Compact Home Lifts
Compact home lifts for properties with limited space and restricted installation areas.
Low Pit Home Lifts
Low pit home lifts for properties where reduced pit depth and minimal structural work are required.
Round Home Lifts
Round home lifts with a cylindrical design, suited to modern interiors and feature installations.
Eltec Lifts
All-electric home lifts manufactured by Eltec, designed for residential installation with compact footprints.
Aritco Home Lifts
Aritco home lift with compact design and modern finishes, suitable for residential installation in new and existing properties.
Hydraulic 250
Hydraulic 250 vertical lift designed for residential use, providing reliable movement between floors.
Traction 400
Traction 400 lift with single-phase drive, designed for residential installations with space-efficient door configurations.
Domestic Lift Options for Different Properties
Luxury Home Lifts
Luxury home lifts are designed for projects where the appearance of the lift and its integration with the surrounding interior are important considerations alongside access between floors.
Compact Home Lifts
Compact home lifts can provide an option where available installation space is limited, with the appropriate system determined by the layout and structural requirements of the property.
Low Pit Home Lifts
Low pit systems can provide an option where the property cannot accommodate the pit depth required for a conventional lift installation.
Wheelchair Home Lifts
Wheelchair home lifts are specified around the space required by the user, available installation area, travel requirements and layout of the property.
Hydraulic Home Lifts
Hydraulic home lifts use a hydraulic drive system and can be considered for a range of residential installations depending on the property and travel requirements.
Electric Home Lifts
Electric home lifts use an electric drive system rather than hydraulic technology. New Lift Solutions offers electric residential lift options including Eltec home lifts and the Traction 400, with the appropriate system specified around the property, available space and installation requirements.
Home Lift Configuration Options
| Feature | Available Options |
|---|---|
| Installation | New-build or existing property |
| Lift Type | Specified according to property and access requirements |
| Pit Requirements | Standard pit or low pit |
| Floors Served | Two floors or multiple levels |
| Capacity | Passenger or wheelchair accessible |
| Cabin Design | Various sizes, finishes and layouts |
| Doors | Single entrance or through-car configuration |
During the design stage we’ll recommend the most suitable configuration based on the layout of your home, accessibility requirements and future needs.
Home Lift vs Stairlift
Many homeowners compare a home lift with a stairlift before deciding which solution best suits their property and long-term requirements.
| Home Lift | Stairlift |
|---|---|
| Travels between floors within its own lift structure | Travels along an existing staircase |
| Suitable for standing passengers, wheelchair users and transporting household items | Primarily designed for one seated passenger |
| Leaves the staircase completely unobstructed | Occupies space on the staircase |
| Provides access between floors for different household users | Provides assistance for individual stair users |
| Wide choice of sizes, finishes and designs | Limited design options |
The most suitable option depends on the property, available space and the needs of the people using it. During the consultation we’ll explain the advantages of each solution before making a recommendation.
Can a Home Lift Be Installed in an Existing House?
Yes, home lifts can often be installed within existing houses, although the available options depend on the property. A site survey is required to establish the available floor space, travel route, structural conditions and suitable position for the lift.
The installation may involve alterations between floors, provision of a suitable lift structure or shaft, electrical work and other builder’s work depending on the system selected. Where structural space is restricted, compact or low-pit lift configurations may provide additional options.
For properties being renovated, considering the lift early in the project can make it easier to coordinate the installation with other structural and interior work.
Home Lift Installation Process
Every project begins with an initial consultation to understand the property, the available space and how the lift will be used.
Following a site survey, we’ll recommend the most suitable lift system, explain the available options and identify any structural requirements before producing a detailed proposal.
Once the specification has been agreed, the lift is manufactured, installed and fully tested by our experienced engineers. Before handover, every system is commissioned to ensure it operates safely, reliably and exactly as intended.
Why Choose New Lift Solutions?
Residential lift design, installation and ongoing support across the UK.
Every Home Is Different
No two properties are the same. We specify every home lift around the available space, structural layout and accessibility requirements rather than recommending a one-size-fits-all solution.
Residential Lift Specialists
Our team works with homeowners, architects and developers throughout the UK, delivering residential lift installations ranging from compact domestic systems to bespoke multi-floor projects.
Installation, Servicing & Ongoing Support
Our involvement doesn’t end once the lift has been installed. We also provide servicing, maintenance and technical support to help ensure reliable operation throughout the life of your lift.
Hydraulic vs Electric Home Lifts
Home lifts are available with different drive systems, including hydraulic and electric traction systems. The most appropriate option depends on the property, available space, travel requirements and the lift being specified.
| Hydraulic Home Lifts | Electric Home Lifts |
|---|---|
| Uses a hydraulic drive system | Uses an electric drive system |
| Available for residential installations | Includes traction and gearless electric systems |
| Suitability depends on the property and lift specification | Suitability depends on the property and lift specification |
| Installation requirements vary by system | Installation requirements vary by system |
The most appropriate drive system depends on the property, available space, travel requirements and the particular lift being considered. We’ll recommend a suitable system following an assessment of your home and requirements.
What Affects the Cost of a Home Lift?
The cost of a home lift is influenced by more than the lift itself. Factors including the number of floors, travel height, cabin size, level of customisation, structural alterations and the amount of building work required all contribute to the overall project cost.
During the design stage we’ll assess your property, explain the available options and provide a quotation based on the most suitable lift solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Lifts
The cost of a home lift depends on the type of system, the number of floors served, the available space and the level of customisation required. Structural preparation, access, finishes and any associated building work can also affect the overall project cost. Following an initial consultation and site survey, we can provide a tailored quotation based on your property and requirements.
Yes. Many home lifts can be installed within existing properties as well as new-build homes. The most suitable option depends on the available space, floor layout, travel height and structural arrangement of the property. Compact, low-pit and self-supporting systems can help reduce the amount of alteration required, although a site survey is needed before the installation requirements can be confirmed.
The space required depends on the type of home lift, its capacity, door arrangement and the number of floors it will serve. Some compact systems have a relatively small footprint, while wheelchair-accessible and larger cabin lifts require more room. The site survey will assess the available space, headroom, floor openings and any pit requirements before the most suitable options are recommended.
In most cases, installing a home lift does not require planning permission, particularly for internal lifts. However, if the installation involves external alterations or work on a listed building, permissions may be required. Our team can advise you on any planning considerations during the consultation stage.
Internal home lift installations will not usually require planning permission, although building regulations and structural requirements may still apply. Planning permission may be needed where the project changes the external appearance of the property, involves an external lift structure or affects a listed building. Requirements vary by property and local authority, so confirmation should be obtained from the relevant planning department or professional adviser.
The response depends on the lift model, but many modern home lifts include battery-backed emergency operation or an emergency lowering system. This allows the lift to travel to a safe landing or enables an authorised person to lower it so the passenger can leave. The emergency arrangements for the selected system will be explained during specification and handover.
Installation time depends on the type of lift, the condition of the site and the amount of structural preparation required. Some residential lift systems can be physically installed within a few days once the property is ready, while larger or more complex installations may take longer. The full project programme also includes surveying, design, manufacture, preparation, installation, testing and commissioning.
Yes. A home lift should be serviced at the recommended intervals to maintain safe, reliable operation and identify wear before it develops into a larger fault. Servicing normally includes checks of the drive system, doors, controls, safety devices and emergency functions. The required schedule will depend on the lift model and how frequently it is used.
Have something specific in mind?
Discuss Your Home Lift Project
Contact our team to discuss your property, available space and what you need from your home lift. We can arrange a site survey, assess the installation requirements and recommend a suitable home lift system.