Accessibility Needs Buyer’s Guide

Your starting point for choosing the right elevator or lift

The Main Types of Home & Commercial Lift Solutions

Before choosing a system, it helps to know the basic categories and what problems they solve.

Traditional Home Elevators

A full-function elevator installed inside a shaftway. Ideal for multi-story homes, larger remodels, or aging-in-place planning.

Luxury & Glass Elevators

Architectural showpieces featuring glass or high-end finishes. Common in modern custom homes and high-end commercial settings.

Shaftless Home Elevators

Compact, two-stop elevators that require no pit, no machine room, and minimal construction. Good for small homes or tight retrofits.

Stair Lifts

A budget-friendly solution installed on existing stairs. Ideal for users needing safe daily access between floors.

ADA Vertical Platform Lifts

Provide wheelchair access to stages, entrances, and short-rise areas when a full elevator isn’t required.

LULA Elevators

A Limited Use / Limited Application elevator for low-rise buildings where space or budget constraints make a full passenger elevator impractical.

Know Your Space Requirements Before You Begin

Each lift type has unique structural needs. Understanding these early on helps narrow your choices.

  • Footprint & Location

    • Traditional home elevators require a framed shaftway.
    • Shaftless elevators require the least amount of space and can be added to many existing layouts.
    • Platform lifts need room for a clear platform and travel path.
  • Travel Distance

    • Shaftless units support two floors.
    • Traditional elevators and LULAs support multiple floors.
    • Stair lifts follow the existing stairway.
  • Power & Structural Needs

    Area Access evaluates supporting walls, available electrical access, and floor reinforcement during an on-site elevator assessment.

What Installation Typically Involves

Most homeowners and facility managers want to know what to expect. Here are the basics.

  • Home Installations

    • Stair lifts can be installed in a single day.
    • Shaftless elevators typically require limited construction and shorter timelines.
    • Traditional elevators involve coordination with your builder or remodeler.
  • Commercial Installations

    • LULAs and ADA platform lifts must meet specific code requirements.
    • Older buildings may require adjustments to be made for compliance.
    • Area Access provides elevator consulting services to simplify planning.

Prepare for Long-Term Maintenance & Support

Every accessibility solution benefits from consistent care.

  • Scheduled Maintenance

    Regular service keeps systems running smoothly and ensures safety features work as intended.

  • Repair & Part Availability

    Lift lifespan depends on manufacturer support, environment, and usage. Area Access helps you plan for the long-term reliability of your chosen system.

  • When Modernization Becomes Necessary

    Older elevators or lifts may need updates to improve safety, ride quality, or available parts, especially in commercial settings.

Not Sure Where to Begin? Start With an Evaluation

A consultation helps determine the best match for your space, accessibility goals, and budget.

Area Access technicians walk you through layout considerations, product types, required construction, and next steps so you can make a confident decision.