elevator company

Are you considering adding an elevator or lift to your home but don’t know where to start? Luckily, you’re in the right place.

Total Access Elevators & Lifts has been selling and installing residential elevators across our service area in Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland for over 40 years, guiding hundreds of clients through the process. And we’ve created this guide to purchasing a home elevator to help you through the process. 

Guide to Choosing a Home Elevator

We understand that purchasing and installing a home elevator can be intimidating–there’s the question of location, price, space, and much more. Fortunately, modern elevators can seamlessly integrate into your home without major changes to your floor plan. Ultimately, a home elevator is an investment that can significantly enhance your quality of life and boost your property value.

We created this guide to help you choose the right elevator for you. We’ve summarized the pros and cons of all the major home elevators, including pneumatic, hydraulic, and traction elevators. We will also cover their specifications, customization options, safety features, maintenance requirements, installation needs, and costs. Finally, we’ll guide you through the installation process and working with a contractor.

Determine Your Lifestyle Needs

Choosing an elevator starts with identifying your primary needs, goals, and budget. We encourage you to start by creating a ranked list of factors or features most important to you when evaluating different elevator models. Here are some questions to help you identify your primary needs:

1. Who will use the elevator the most? Yourself? Your spouse? Your child or parent?
2. Does that person need special accommodations, such as a wheelchair or walker? This will help determine what size elevator you need and how much space is needed for the installation.
3. How many passengers does the elevator need to hold at once? Once again, this will also determine the amount of space needed.
4. What weight capacity is required? Some elevators have greater weight capacities or can carry more people than others.
5. How much space is available for the elevator? Where are you considering installing your home elevator, and how much room is available?
6. Does it need to fit in a specific part of your home, or is there installation flexibility? An elevator contractor can also help you determine the best placement of your elevator, but it’s good to have this in mind.
7. What is your budget? How much are you willing to spend on a home elevator and its features?
8. What aesthetic features do you want the elevator to include? Some elevator models can be more customized or offer more aesthetic features.

Understanding The Best Type Of Home Elevator To Suit Your Needs

Once you have determined your primary needs and goals, the next step is to determine which elevator type best suits those needs. At Total Access, we offer three primary types of home elevators:  

1. Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator
2. Hydraulic elevators
3. Traction elevators 

Each of these 3 home elevator types: pneumatic elevators, hydraulic elevators, and traction elevators, has different pros and cons, features, and requirements. We’ll break down these main types below to help you determine the best fit for you and your household.

1. Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (PVE)

What is a Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator?

A Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator (PVE) runs entirely on air and suction, eliminating the need for a pre-construction shaft, pit, or machine room. It consists of an exterior cylinder and a steel elevator car. There are three different models/sizes that have various weight capacities, so you can also customize this elevator depending on how large you want it to be.

Pros and Cons of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

Pros of a Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators:

• Easy elevator to adapt to your home
• Require minimal energy consumption during ascent and no energy for descent
• Have an especially space-saving design
• Have very high safety ratings
• Are incredibly low-maintenance elevators

Cons of a Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators:

• Can an be more expensive than other types
• Can be more challenging to install in existing homes compared to new construction
• Are limited to 3 passengers

General Specifications of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

• Number of stops: 2-5 floors,50 feet of travel
• Weight Capacity: 350, 450, or 525 pounds (depending on the model)
• Speed: 35 feet per minute
• Structure: Freestanding on any level ground surface

Customization Options of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

• Reduced noise motor
• Various color options
• Alexa compatibility
• Custom interior light packages and a fold-down seat

Safety Features of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

• Automatic descent and door opening in a power failure
• Fully certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Maintenance of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators

• Minimal maintenance required
• No lubrication needed
• Replacement seal needed every four to five years or 15,000 rides

Installation Requirements of a Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator

• Installation takes 1-3 days
• Requires location assessment by a qualified professional

Cost of a Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator

• Elevator cost: $40,000 to $100,000
• Installation cost factors:
  • Construction of the home
  • New or existing build
  • Necessary adjustments to ductwork, piping, HVAC, etc.

2. Hydraulic Elevators

About Hydraulic Elevators

Hydraulic elevators, including the Telecab, Infinity Home Elevator, and Hydraulic Drive, are built for heavy-duty, long-term use. They run on hydraulics or oil-filled cylinders and are known for quality, safety, and a quiet ride. Hydraulic elevators consist of a more traditional elevator cab and shaft.

Pros and Cons of Hydraulic Elevators

Pros of Hydraulic Elevators:

• Offer high-quality and safety
• Known for quiet operation
• Most suitable for higher floors and weight capacities

Cons of Hydraulic Elevators:

• Require annual maintenance
• Often require longer installation time
• Less environmentally friendly than other elevator options

General Specifications of Hydraulic Elevators

• Number of stops: Up to six, 50 feet of travel
• Weight Capacity: Up to 1,000 pounds
• Speed: 40 feet per minute
• Structure: Traditional cab and elevator shaft

Customization of Hydraulic Elevators

• Various wall materials, light packages, control panel finishes
• Gate color and finish, power gate operators, optional glass wall
• Flooring and trim, exterior call button finish

Safety Features of Hydraulic Elevators

• Battery-operated emergency lowering and lighting
• Manual lowering from the hydraulic tank
• Lockable control panel, elevator door interlocks, emergency stop switch, in-use indicator lights, slack rope safety system

Maintenance of Hydraulic Elevators

• Yearly maintenance required
• Preventive maintenance service is necessary

Installation Requirements of Hydraulic Elevators

• Installation duration: Number of floors + two additional days
• The final steps include wiring the controller, locks, and call buttons

Costs of Hydraulic Elevators

• Elevator cost: $25,000 to over $60,000
• Installation cost factors:
  • Number of floors and stops
  • Distance of mechanics from the shaftway
  • New or existing construction

3. Traction Elevators

About Traction Elevators

Traction elevators like the Whisper Glide and the Eclipse consist of a traditional elevator cab and shaft. They use a system of steel ropes or belts that roll over a grooved pulley to lift the elevator cab up and down. They are highly energy-efficient due to their counterweight system and do not require a machine room, and they are one of the most common types of elevators in use today.

Pros and Cons of Traction Elevators

Pros of Traction Elevators:

• Suitable for both new construction and retrofitting
• Affordable and energy-efficient
• Offer a smooth and comfortable ride
• Require less service over the elevator’s lifespan

Cons of Traction Elevators:

• Require regular annual maintenance
• Have a slightly louder motor

General Specifications of Traction Elevators

• Number of stops: Up to 6
• Weight Capacity: Up to 1,000 pounds
• Speed: 40 feet per minute
• Structure: Traditional cab and elevator shaft

Customization of Traction Elevators

• Wall materials
• Light packages
• Control panel finish
• Gate color and finish
• Power gate operators
• Optional glass walls
• Flooring and trim
• Exterior cab button finishes

Safety Features of Traction Elevators

• Battery-operated emergency lowering and lighting
• Hand-crank manual lowering
• Motorized braking
• Lockable control panel, elevator door interlocks, emergency stop switch, in-use indicator lights, slack chain brake system

Maintenance of Traction Elevators

• Yearly maintenance required
• Preventive maintenance service is necessary

Installation Requirements of Traction Elevators

• Installation duration: Number of floors + one day
• The final steps include wiring the controller, locks, and call buttons

Costs of Traction Elevators

• Elevator cost: $25,000 to over $60,000
• Installation cost factors:
  • New or existing construction
  • Number of floors
  • Number of elevator doors

Guide to Hiring the Right Elevator Contractor

Now that we’ve reviewed the main types of elevators, it’s up to you to determine the best fit for your home and your needs. But this is also where an elevator contractor comes in. Not only can an elevator contractor give you an informed opinion on what elevator model might work best for your space, but they are also required for the actual purchase and installation of the elevator you choose. 

1. Reputation:

• Look for positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations, as these are crucial indicators of a contractor’s reliability and quality of work. 
• Look for testimonials from previous clients or ask for references to get a firsthand account of their experiences dealing with an elevator contractor.

2. Experience:

• A proven track record in elevator installations ensures that the contractor you choose has the expertise needed to do the job right and has experience completing similar projects. 
• Check an elevator contractor’s portfolio and ask about the number of completed installations.

3. Availability:

• An elevator contractor should provide you with a reasonable timeline for your installation and one that aligns with your schedule. 
• Before agreeing to work with them, confirm their availability and ensure they can commit to completing the project within a reasonable timeframe without significant delays.

4. Price:

• Don’t hesitate to compare estimates from different contractors, shop around, and consider various factors. These factors include the complexity of the installation, materials required, and additional services offered. 
• When you get a price quoted, confirm with a contractor that the quote includes all necessary aspects of the installation to avoid unexpected costs.

5. Qualifications:

• The elevator contractor or contractors you employ should be Certified Elevator Mechanics trained and experienced in elevator installations. 
• They should adhere to local building codes and safety regulations to guarantee a compliant and secure installation. 
• Check for any certifications and ask about their knowledge of local codes and standards.

Why You Should Trust Total Access Elevators & Lifts With Your Elevator Installation

Total Access is your premier choice for residential elevator purchases and installation and stands out as a leader in the industry. We have over 10,000 elevators sold and installed in our service area across Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland and 300 years of combined experience in elevator service. We pride ourselves on our reputation, professionalism, expertise, and customer service, and the 6 points below are the qualities that set us apart from the rest. When you work with Total Access, you can expect:

1. Solid Reputation as an Honest, High-Quality Company: Total Access has built a strong reputation for honesty and high-quality service. When you choose Total Access, you can trust that we will help you determine which elevator suits your needs and lifestyle and handle your installation correctly, ensuring that all work will meet the necessary codes and standards. Our commitment to quality ensures that your investment is protected and safety is prioritized.

2. Highly Qualified Licensed Professionals: We only employ highly qualified, licensed professionals trained in-house and overseen by our experienced team, which ensures that experts who understand every detail of our products install every elevator we sell. Our team’s thorough training and expertise guarantee that your installation will be carried out efficiently and with the highest skill level.

3. Comprehensive Knowledge and Expertise: We pride ourselves on our deep understanding of every residential elevator we sell. With a team equipped to handle your purchase and installation from start to finish, you can be confident that every aspect of the process is managed with precision and care. Our 150 years of combined knowledge, experience, and expertise mean that you are in good hands every step of the way.

4. Seamless and Painless Installation Process: Total Access ensures that adding a residential elevator is fast, painless, and minimally intrusive. From selecting your ideal elevator and preparing your home for installation to delivering and installing your elevator, our team is here for you every step of the process. We understand the importance of maintaining the comfort and functionality of your home during installation, and we strive to complete our work with as little disruption as possible.

5. Exceptional Customer Service: Our commitment to customer satisfaction extends far beyond the sale and installation. All our elevator mechanics are highly skilled technicians trained in-house on all the elevators we sell and service and are on-call to provide any routine or emergency maintenance you might require. 

6. The Total Access Advantage: Choosing Total Access means choosing a company with a proven track record, unmatched expertise, and a dedication to quality and customer service. When providing you with your residential elevator, trust the experts at Total Access to guarantee a superior experience from start to finish.

Guide to Installing Your Home Elevator

The quality of your elevator installation is crucial for ensuring safety and performance in your home. In our 40-plus years in the home elevator business in Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, we know there are certain standards that elevator contractors must meet for a successful purchase and installation experience, and they’re qualities that Total Access has been proud to offer our customers. 

Schedule a Home Consultation With Your Elevator Contractor

Once you’ve determined the right elevator and elevator contractor, the next step is to schedule a home consultation with a sales engineer to assess feasibility and determine preconstruction requirements. Total Access offers Free initial home consultations in our service area, which includes Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.

Our sales engineers will provide the pros and cons for each elevator option and offer a formal quote. When the homeowner agrees to the formal quote, Total Access requires a 50% deposit to order the elevator. The remaining 50% due will be split between shipment and installation. The timeline from deposit to installation is typically 3-4 months.

Choosing a Location In Your Home For an Elevator

Though an elevator contractor and home consultation can help advise the location of your home elevator, it’s still helpful to have a location in mind. Most home elevators can be easily added to your floor plan, though location can impact your options. Here are our top tips for choosing the installation location:

1. Install near the stairs for structural reinforcement and convenience.
2. Consider entry and exit points based on your home’s layout and frequent travel paths.
3. Consider pitless or shaftless elevators like the PVE in cases where space is limited.
4. Schedule a home visit with Total Access for personalized placement recommendations.

Start Your Home Elevator Journey Today

Determining the best residential elevator for your needs, style, space, and budget is the first step toward enhancing your home’s functionality and value. If you live in Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, or Maryland and are looking for a company that can help to purchase, install, and service a home elevator, contact Total Access today to schedule a free consultation.