Experiences with Elevator in Brownstone

We are moving to a brownstone which needs significant renovation. However, one of the reasons we are moving from our apartment is that my elderly parents will move in with us. Both have mobility restrictions and will be confined to the first floor unless we put in an elevator. We are not rich–but as we have to do extensive renovations, we are considering an elevator. We wanted to know about the costs from anyone with experience–both installation and annual maintenance (as well as which companies are good and which to avoid) Thank you so much for any advice you can offer, and yes, I know our architect and contractor will have opinions but I like to get a sense myself!

melissa.smith

in General Discussion 2 years and 2 months ago

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brokelin | 2 years and 2 months ago

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Presume you saw this post from a few years ago that addresses a lot of the questions:
https://www.brownstoner.com/interiors-renovation/elevator-brooklyn-brownstone-townhouse-renovation-tips-costs-floor-plan/

brokelin | 2 years and 2 months ago

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I knew one person who was happy when her mother-in-law moved into their garden apartment that she couldn’t access the rest of the house – some people need space from their parents. Presumably, you don’t, but think about whether you might like it in the future.

Can’t answer your questions on cost, but if you can swing it, without the elevator being too small (should be large enough for a wheelchair and attendant), or being awkwardly built into into the space (some brownstone floorplans would seem to be too small for one), there are many additional benefits to having one, not just for the elderly who need it for access. It solves many issues for the merely middle-aged and still spry as well.

It is useful for carrying large loads, furniture, laundry, babies/strollers, groceries if kitchen is not on lowest floor, can serve a dumbwaiter function if dining room is on the floor above kitchen floor, or you want to entertain on the parlor floor sometimes and kitchen and dining areas are below, useful for guests of all abilities, useful so you don’t have to move out tempor arily if you break a leg or have surgery to recover from, and makes it possible to age in place there longer yourself if you decide to do so.

justinromeu26 | 2 years and 2 months ago

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Coming from a commercial environment, because of the safety considerations and liability concerns with these machines and the specialized and highly insured (and probably union) contractors who work on them, i suspect you will find such to be prohibitive. Some very old houses in certain areas have them. I work in all neighborhoods in this city and do not see them going in as modern retrofits. I used to manage the maintenance for elevators and the related contracts but cannot recall particulars.

Steve
Brownstonehomeinspection.com

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 2 years and 2 months ago

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Stairlifts might be a less expensive alternative, if your staircases would accommodate them.