Home Elevators - Atlanta Design Directory Article

Home Elevators Invade Suburban Homes Residential elevators continue to gain momentum in new home developments across North America. Baby boomers who are considering major renovations or who are looking towards buying their last home are considering home elevators as an important upgrade for the long term.
an article by Bob Harvery
Five years ago, home elevators were mainly being considered for large custom homes as a status symbol. Today, builders are looking at residential elevators as the next appliance. Home elevators are allowing the builder to differentiate themselves from their competitors and to attract home buyers with something unique. Architects are building into new home designs the possibility of converting closet space on upper and lower floors to match a home elevator shaft size to allow for future installation. Home elevator manufacturers are consolidating into a group of about 5 key suppliers in North America. Competition is expected to increase as the market size expands. Some models require a machine room in addition to the shaft to enclose the elevator. Newer models are being designed to avoid the extra space requirements of a machine room by having the lifting device at the top of the shaft. A vacuum elevator hit the market a few years ago and continues to gain market share in limited space and specialty site applications. Elevator sales are expected to double in the next few years as the market place becomes more aware of the options and models available.
About the Author: Bob Harvey Founder of Silver Cross Elevators
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