Elevator FAQ's

Does an elevator add value to my home? Yes. A study done by Florida State University found that a residential elevator can add up to 10% to a home's value. We have also found that an elevator will significantly reduce the time your home is on the market if you ever decide to sell.

Can an elevator be added to my current home? Yes. To The Top Home Elevators provides the services of an architect, contractor and years of elevator experience and can help you find the best location for an elevator with the least amount of cost and impact to your current home design.

Does an elevator require maintenance? Yes. Just like your automobile, furnace or air conditioner a residential elevator is a mechanical investment. Maintenance costs will vary based on location of the elevtor, amount of use and type of drive system.

Can I install an elevator on my own? No. The current home building codes require a licensed installer with a licensed company to install and maintain residential elevators. An error during installation can result in serious injuries.

How much space is needed for a residential elevator? A good rule of thumb is 5 foot by 5 foot. Some instances will call for a slightly larger location, some will require less. Each elevator is unique.

What does an elevator look like? The elevator is a rectangular box that can come in a variety of finishes. You can visit our photo gallery to view different finishes.

Can I have an elevator that looks more like a commercial elevator? Yes. Otis at Home provides sliding doors and interior cab finishes that will closely resemble a commercial elevator.

What happens when the power goes out? The manufacturers we represent provide a battery back up system standard with your residential elevator. In the event of a power failure, the battery takes over control of the elevator and gets you safely to the nearest, or next lower, floor landing so you may exit the elevator safely.

Are residential elevators safe? Yes, very much so. Residential elevators are built to meet very stringent safety standards as put forth by the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). Additionally, the elevator must be State and local codes and inspections. Fun Fact: You are a million times less likely to get injured in an elevator than climbing a set of stairs!!

What is the best drive system? This depends on your specific needs, the home it is going into and what you expect from your elevator. It is best to sit down with an elevator specialist and determine your specific requirements before choosing an elevator.