Design Buy Build Issue 59 2022 | Page 74

LIFTS , STAIRS & BALUSTRADES

THE RISING TREND OF LIFTS IN HOMES

• Lifts - up to five people travel between floors with a choice of door options , finishes and configurations .
• Through-floor lifts - up to two people travel between the ground and first floor , best suited to smaller spaces .
• Service lifts / Dumbwaiters - transporting food , groceries and goods between floors , ideal for properties with three or more floors , or where the kitchen , garage and / or dining area are on different levels .
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A LIFT
People are moving house less often . In the last two decades , people on average moved every 20 years , in the 90s it was every nine years . This change now means people are buying and building homes to live in for many years to come .
People looking for their forever home want to ensure the house is future-proofed to cover every stage of life . The rise of future-proofing and the trend for building high specification luxury homes sees developers and owners alike , including the convenience of a lift .
LUXURIOUS DESIGN STATEMENT
A lift is an ultimate statement , a lifestyle choice and practical feature . It not only boosts the price of a home but also makes it more attractive , creating a one-of-a-kind focal point .
HOME-OWNERS FUTURE-PROOFING FOR YEARS TO COME
Lifts provide a fantastic practical purpose , for many , continuing to live in the same house as they age is important , as is the ease of moving groceries between floors . A lift can allow them to do just that . Plus , a lift costs less than moving house !
A RESURGENCE OF THE DUMBWAITER
Not just peoplemoving lifts that play their role . As the trend grows for new townhouses with several floors , service lifts ( or dumbwaiters ) are regaining popularity due to their smallness and installation ease .
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOME LIFTS
Properties come in all shapes and sizes - and so do lifts . In a new dwelling , a lift can be part of an Architect ’ s plans . In an existing home , there is a need to place the lift around the current house layout . The choices are endless and broadly fall into these categories :
Narrow your search and choose whether ; it will take people or goods ; how many floors of travel and space you have . Along with a few further considerations :
• Cost - put aside £ 15- £ 25k in your budget for the supply and install cost of a lift to move people or £ 6-7k for a dumbwaiter .
• Professional input - if the lift is designed into your project from the start then you will limit major issues . For an existing home , get a lift survey , and for a new development , speak to the lift company to decide the perfect product . They can assist in making sure you ’ ve covered all of the technical requirements .
• Location - it ’ s always a good idea to locate a lift for people next to the stairs and in a central location . That way it will be easily accessible from every part of the home .
• Size - it might seem attractive to fit in a smaller lift , but go for the largest you can . Ideally create a space that is big enough for a wheelchair and another person . That way , you will also be able to use the lift to transport furniture and other larger items between floors .
• Style - choosing the style of the lift , from glass shafts , custom walls , door options , to bespoke flooring – a lift can be a sleek and stylish addition as well as a life-long practical choice .
• Installation - lift installations will likely require building work , varying on the type of lift . It is advisable to consult with a specialist early on in your project .
Even if you decide a lift isn ’ t an option for now , a home can be futureproofed by ensuring you design a space where it can be installed at a later date .
Whatever your requirement , Stannah can supply all these product types . To enable an easy decision , we guide you through the complete process . With your perfect lift chosen , installation is a few days , then it is ready for use - with the reassurance of local service , nationwide .
The possibilities of home lifts are endless , taking homeowners , family and guests , or goods , around a home .
Contact Stannah - 01264 343692 www . stannahlifts . co . uk
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