Table of Contents
What Are Domestic Lifts, and Why Would I Need It?
There are two main types of domestic lifts
Why Should You Install Domestic Lift?
Which do you prefer: A domestic lift or the traditional elevator?
How Does a Domestic Lift Work?
How Do I Choose the Right Domestic Lift for My Home?
How Much Does Domestic Lift Cost In Australia?
How Much Time Required for Full Installations?
What Are Domestic Lift Platform Sizes?
Domestic Lift VS Stairlifts: Which Is Better?
Benefits of Having Domestic Lifts At Home?
What Safety Features Does a Domestic Lift Should Have?
Do you need special permission to install a domestic lift?
Why Domestic Lifts is the Best Choice?
Is It Possible to Make Personal Modifications To The Lift?
What Are The Maintenance Requirements For A Domestic Lift?
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has difficulty climbing stairs, a domestic lift may be the perfect solution.
A domestic lift can make it easier and safer to move up and down your home, whether you’re going to bed or getting the groceries from the car.
This blog post will discuss some of the key factors to consider when choosing a domestic lift for your home.
This guide will look at the various types of lifts accessible and how they work.
We’ll also discuss domestic lift, its size, real usefulness, and pricing in Australia so you can figure out which option is ideal for you and your money.
What Are Domestic Lifts, and Why Would I Need It?
Domestic Lifts are small-sized lifts that are designed for domestic use, usually in a single-family home. They can be used to transport people or goods between floors. If you have difficulty climbing stairs, or if you need to transport heavy items up and down your home, a domestic lift can make your life much easier.
There are two main types of domestic lifts:
Platform lifts:
These lifts are designed to transport people or goods between floors. They typically have a platform that lowers or raises to the desired level, and they can be operated manually or automatically.
Stairlifts:
Stairlifts are designed specifically for people who have difficulty climbing stairs.
They attach to your staircase and provide a seat or platform that you can ride up and down the stairs. Stairlifts can be operated manually or automatically, and they typically have safety features to prevent accidents.
See our stairlifts and wheelchair stairlifts.
Why Should You Install Domestic Lift?
There are many reasons to install a domestic lift. The most common reason is to improve accessibility in the home, especially for people with mobility issues. A domestic lift can also make it easier to move heavy objects up and downstairs, such as luggage or grocery bags. A domestic lift can make it easier to carry if you have young children.
1) Accessibility for Elderly Person
An increasing number of people are choosing domestic lifts to improve accessibility in their homes.
This is especially true for elderly people, who may find it difficult to climb stairs.
A domestic lift can make it easier and safer for them to move around their home, whether they’re going to bed or getting the groceries from the car.
2) Convenience
Another common reason for installing a domestic lift is convenience. If you have young children, a domestic lift can make it easier to carry them up and down the stairs.
Domestic lifts can also be used to move heavy objects, such as luggage or grocery bags. Also, if you have a multi-story home, a domestic lift can make it easier to move between floors.
3) Improved Property Value
Installing a domestic lift can also add value to your property. If you’re planning on selling your home, a domestic lift can make it more attractive to potential buyers.
And, if you’re not planning on selling, a domestic lift can still add value by making your home more accessible and convenient.
4) Personal Satisfaction
Finally, many people choose to install domestic lifts for personal satisfaction.
If you or a loved one has difficulty climbing stairs, a domestic lift can make your life much easier.
And, if you’re looking for a way to improve your home’s value and convenience, a domestic lift is a great option.
Which do you prefer: A domestic lift or the traditional elevator?
A common misconception is that domestic lifts are just miniaturized versions of the large, commercial elevators. However, domestic lifts have several key differences that make them a more attractive option for many people.
First and foremost, domestic lifts are much smaller than traditional elevators. This makes them more convenient for use in a single-family home. They also typically cost less to install and maintain.
Another key difference is that domestic lifts typically have more safety features than traditional elevators. This is because they’re designed for domestic use, and they need to meet strict safety standards.
On the other hand, an elevator system offers a few key advantages. First, they can transport more people and goods than domestic lifts.
Second, they’re typically faster than domestic lifts. And finally, they offer a more luxurious experience.
So, which is right for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a convenient, safe, and cost-effective way to improve accessibility in your home, a domestic lift is a great option.
How Does a Domestic Lift Work?
A domestic lift is a platform that is raised or lowered using a motor. domestic lifts can be either hydraulic, gearless or pneumatic. Hydraulic domestic lifts use oil to raise and lower the platform, while pneumatic domestic lifts use air pressure. Both types of domestic lifts are safe and reliable.
The Procedure of domestic lifts is pretty similar to commercial lifts.
Domestic lifts typically have a weight limit of 250-500kg.
If you’re planning on carrying heavy objects, it’s important to check the weight limit before purchasing a domestic lift. See home lift comparison
How Do I Choose the Right Domestic Lift for My Home?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a domestic lift for your home:
The Purpose Of Use:
Before you choose a domestic lift, you need to think about the purpose of the domestic lift.
Are you looking to improve accessibility for one person or multiple people?
Are you looking to transport heavy objects? Once you know the purpose of the domestic lift, it will be easier to choose the right domestic lift for your needs.
Your Budget
Generally speaking, domestic lifts are more affordable than traditional elevators. However, the cost of a domestic lift will vary depending on the type of lift, the size of your home, and the complexity of the installation.
It’s important to consult with a professional to get an accurate estimate of the cost of a domestic lift for your home.
See home lift prices for more accurate pricing.
Your Needs
Domestic lifts are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. It’s important to choose a domestic lift that is the right size for your needs.
If you’re only looking to improve accessibility for one person, a smaller domestic lift will suffice. See domestic lift for a single person.
However, if you’re looking to improve accessibility for multiple people, a larger domestic lift may be necessary.
The Complexity of Your Home
Domestic lifts can be installed in homes of all shapes and sizes. However, the complexity of your home will impact the cost and installation time of your domestic lift.
If you have a complex home, it’s important to consult with a professional to ensure that your domestic lift is installed correctly.
Your Timeline
Another important factor to consider is your timeline. Domestic lifts can be installed relatively quickly. Though when you want to install the domestic lift must not be a factor to overlook.
You need to identify how long you’re willing to wait for the domestic lift to be installed.
Take note, that due to the Covid-19 crisis in 2020, international freight was delayed, affecting most shipments throughout Australia.
Your Home Space:
Domestic lifts are available in a variety of sizes.
You need to make sure that you have enough space in your home for the domestic lift. It’s important to consult with a professional to ensure that your domestic lift will fit in your home.
How Much Does Domestic Lift Cost In Australia?
The price of a domestic lift is determined by type, size, and complexity of installation.
But the price is between A$44,000 – A$65,000 which is really not a bad idea to spend that amount of money on a domestic lift.
You are also getting a product warranty and maintenance service. Click the link for a more accurate home lift price.
How Much Time Required for Full Installations?
It takes around 2-3 days for the domestic lift to be installed in your home.
But it also depends on the domestic lift you choose and your home’s formation.
If you have a hard and lower space home, it may take longer for the domestic lift to be installed.
You also need to factor in the time it will take for the domestic lift to be delivered.
Due to freight delays, it can take up to a number of weeks for the domestic lift to be delivered to your home.
What Are Domestic Lift Platform Sizes?
Domestic Lift Platform Sizes means the size of the base or platform of the domestic lift. The platform size will determine how much weight the domestic lift can carry.
The standard platform sizes for a domestic lift are:
- Compact ( 1 person 300kg) 750 x 650
- Medium: (2-3 person, 360kg) 1200 x 1000
- Large: (4-5 person or wheelchair 400kg) 1100 x 1400
- Extra-Large: (1400 x 1200mm)
- For rounded lift ( External cylinder diameter: (750mm / 30 inches)
You need to make sure that you choose a domestic lift with a platform size that is appropriate for your needs and will not occupy too much space in your home or business.
Domestic Lift VS Stairlifts: Which Is Better?
A stairlift is a cheaper alternative to a domestic lift. But it is not as good as the domestic lift because the stairlift only goes up and down the stairs. It cannot go from one floor to another like a domestic lift.
Stairlifts are also less durable than domestic lifts. Stairlifts have a shorter lifespan and require more maintenance than domestic lifts. Moreover, stairlifts can only be used by one person at a time.
Benefits of Having Domestic Lifts At Home?
Safety
The great feature of the domestic lift is the safety features and automatic backup system.
Also, it can accommodate 2-5 persons, unlike stairlifts which can only accommodate 1 person or 1 wheelchair user and carers.
- Electric outage: Manual lowering mechanisms are required for safety. The passenger in a home elevator can manually descend through the domestic lifts manual lowering system in the event of an electric outage.
- Doors: Lift doors are only supposed to open when and where they are supposed to. Domestic lifts have locking doors that can only be opened up to a certain extent unless forced open.
- Inside the Cabin: Inside the cabin, an emergency lighting system should be present that activates automatically in the case of a major power outage. Lift phones and alarms are also a must.
There’s also an emergency phone in the domestic lifts’ cabins that may be used by a passenger to contact others in the event of an emergency. In addition to the phone, home elevators include an alarm system.
Longer Lifespan
The most important factor is that domestic lifts have a much longer lifespan than stairlifts. Domestic lifts can last for 20 years or more with proper maintenance.
On the other hand, Stairlifts have a shorter lifespan of around five to seven years (depending on usage).
This is because stairlifts are less durable than domestic lifts and require more maintenance.
Easier to Use
Another great benefit of domestic lifts is that they are much easier to use than stairlifts.
Stairlifts can be difficult to operate, especially for elderly and disabled people.
Domestic lifts are very easy to use and can be operated by anyone and are able to cater to wheelchair lift users.
Cheaper in the Long Run
Even though domestic lifts may be more expensive than stairlifts, they are cheaper in the long run.
This is because domestic lifts have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than stairlifts.
Quicker
If you compare the time it takes for a domestic lift to go from one floor to another with the time it takes for a stairlift, you will see that domestic lifts are much quicker.
The fastest speed domestic lift we have in our range is the X-range which runs from 1m/s to 1.6m/s
Stylish and lucrative
The new models of the domestic lift are very stylish and can add value to your home.
If you are planning to sell your home in the future, having a domestic lift will make it more valuable.
See our most stylish home lifts available from Cibes.
Durable and Sturdy
Domestic lifts are very durable and sturdy. They are made to last for many years with proper maintenance.
Not only are they sturdy but also they provide a smoother ride.
You will not have to worry about the lift breaking down or getting stuck.
Optimum Capacity
Though domestic lifts aren’t built for the entire family, they can accommodate more than one person.
Most domestic lifts have a capacity of 300-500kg, which is enough for two or three people.
see home lifts comparison.
What Safety Features Does a Domestic Lift Should Have?
A domestic lift should have a few important safety features to ensure the safety of users. These features include:
- An emergency stop button can be used to stop the lift in case of an emergency.
- A safety edge on the platform that will prevent the platform from moving if something is in the way.
- A weight limit sensor that will prevent the lift from moving if it is overloaded.
- A door interlock system that will prevent the doors from opening if the platform is not in the correct position.
- Automatic rescue in case of power failure, usually it’s added as a standard option
These are just a few of the safety features that a domestic lift should have.
Do you need special permission to install a domestic lift?
Council approval is not required for an interior domestic lift installation if there are no structural changes.
However, for an exterior domestic lift, a notification from the council will be required and in some other states, a building permit may be required.
Why Domestic Lifts is the Best Choice?
There are many reasons why domestic lifts are the best choice for your home. These lifts are cheaper in the long run, have a longer lifespan, and are much easier to use than stairlifts.
Domestic lifts also provide a smooth ride and can accommodate more than one person.
However, the other factorial consideration is that they significantly improve the resale value of your home.
If you are planning to install a lift in your home, then domestic lifts are the best option for you.
You will not regret your decision to install a domestic lift in your home.
See this article for more detailed benefits of having a domestic lift. Click here
Is It Possible to Make Personal Modifications To The Lift?
Of course, it is possible to make personal modifications to the lift.
You can choose the custom colour, model, and finishing of the domestic lift that you want.
Many more upgrades are available for our Linea, Flex-e, and Cibes domestic lifts.
Get in touch with Direct Lifts to learn more about how to conduct personalized modifications to the lift.
What Are The Maintenance Requirements For A Domestic Lift?
The maintenance requirements for a domestic lift are not very different from the maintenance requirements for any other type of lift.
You will need to regularly inspect the lift and make sure that it is working properly. You should also have a qualified technician service the lift on a regular basis.
You should make sure that you follow the maintenance requirements for your domestic lift to ensure that it remains in good working condition.
Conclusion:
In the end, we know the common saying ” Prevention is better than cure”. So, it’s better to take some safety measures before facing any problem.
That’s why we suggest you install a domestic lift in your home for your family’s safety. It will help you to move easily from one floor to another without any difficulty.
Furthermore, A domestic lift is a great investment for your home. It will increase your home’s value, beauty, and aesthetics and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
So, if you plan to sell your home in the future, installing a domestic lift is a great option for you.
If you have any questions or need any help with choosing the right domestic lift for your home, then please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you for reading this blog post and we hope that it has been helpful to you.
Have a great day!
A man who knows his way around the world of mobility. He has been in this industry for decades and has seen it all!
He started his career in Brisbane with mobility scooters, and progressed to stairlifts, and ultimately platform lifts. He gained a newfound interest in elevators while working in the lift industry and took advantage of the opportunity to work in both residential and commercial lifts. He is now the official distributor of Nova Elevators Italy, Cibes, Ascendor, Otolift & ThyssenKrupp products in Australia. Offices and showrooms expanded in Brisbane, Sydney & Coffs Harbour while establishing partnerships in major cities such as Melbourne, Northern Territory.
He is a current member of the Lift Engineer’s Society of Australia (LESA), providing advice regarding lift standards, their implementation, good industry practices and compliance with applicable AS standards, guidelines, and codes