A home elevator used to be for the rich and famous, but it’s becoming an essential solution for homeowners looking to “age in place” in their existing homes. It’s a useful tool for those who would otherwise lose access to an entire floor of their home—or be faced with having to move house completely. Fortunately, elevator retrofits are easier and more cost-effective than ever, giving homeowners an accessible option for moving safely between floors in their homes.
WHY IT EARNED THE GH SEAL
Stiltz’s Home Lifts, including the Duo Alta Lift and the Trio Alta Lift, impressed our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab with their ability to help homeowners maintain independence and stay in their homes longer. Our engineers praised the innovative mechanics, while our design experts liked how seamlessly the elevators can be integrated into the home’s interior (a more elegant solution than a stair lift).
The brand’s proven track record, including more than 35,000 systems installed around the world over the last decade, brings yet more peace of mind to this life-enhancing home upgrade.
1. STREAMLINED ENGINEERING Traditional residential elevators involve complex hydraulics that tie into the home’s load-bearing structure, which translates into complicated and expensive installations. Stiltz’s elevators, by comparison, run on a unique dual-rail system (aka “stilts”) that enables the system to be installed just about anywhere in the home. The elevator can even be tucked into an existing closet, where it will be completely hidden from view.
2. DESIGN VERSATILITY Stiltz’s elevators come in a range of styles and configurations to suit any home. The entry-level Duo lift, which can carry two people, has a compact footprint of less than 7 square feet, allowing for the most widespread installation option. The Trio Lift is big enough for three people or a standard wheelchair; with a larger footprint of 13.5 square feet, it typically travels between a downstairs living area and an upstairs bedroom.
3. INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION With the safety issues of adding a home elevator in mind, our engineers verified that all aspects of Stitlz’s design, fabrication, and installation process are in full compliance with the industry's safety and performance standards (known informally as "The Elevator Code”). This encompasses critical safety requirements like the inclusion of obstruction sensors, which will immediately stop the lift if anything (or anyone) is below the cab. On top of that, every Stiltz installation is inspected by an independent Qualified Elevator Inspector to verify that the unit has been installed according to code.
4. A FULL-SERVICE SOLUTION With its U.S. headquarters in Easton, PA, Stiltz has more than 150 authorized dealers operating nationwide. The company’s trained staff is involved every step of the way, from the initial personalized in-home assessment to the professional installation to the ongoing maintenance, which typically consists of an annual service call to ensure that all parts and safety features are in proper working order.
