Elevators aren’t just for the very old or the very rich. Part of the interest results from the introduction of a smaller, less expensive model that is a practical addition to any home. Called a pneumatic vacuum elevator, it was developed a couple of years ago specifically for residential homes. A basic two or three story version costs $20,000 to $28,000, including installation.
Some developers are building single-family homes with elevators as a way to maximize square footage on smaller land lots. The idea is to make multi-level homes attractive to a wider net of clientele.
Some developers are building single-family homes with elevators as a way to maximize square footage on smaller land lots. The idea is to make multi-level homes attractive to a wider net of clientele.
Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators LLC, is responding to a growing trend for affordable elevators. Current models are 37 inches in diameter and do not require a separate machine box. The models available at this time have doors that are about 20 inches, which are not wide enough for a wheelchair, but they are planning a larger model that will be available this fall.
The pneumatic lifts have room for only one or two persons and can be installed quickly and inexpensively, as they do not require a shaft or a control room to house hydraulic machinery. The elevator looks like a tall, see-through tube, an enclosed cab, and an 11” pump box at the top. It moves up and down using the force of suction.
Whether you are just plain lazy and want to enjoy the convenience of having an elevator in your home, are looking at it as a smart investment, or are an aging baby boomer looking for a practical way to stay in your multistory home, it is a concept to consider.
Source: “Going Up? Elevators Invade Suburban Homes; New Technology Makes Lifts Cheaper to Install.” Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan. Wall Street Journal. New York, N.Y. April 28, 2005. Page D.1
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