How Much Space Does a Home Elevator Really Need?
One of the first questions homeowners ask when considering a home elevator is: How much space will it require? Traditional elevators often require a dedicated shaft, machine room, and deep pit, making them impractical for many private homes.
Modern compact home lifts are different. They are designed to maximize living space while providing safe and comfortable movement between floors. Many models can be installed with minimal building work and without the need for a conventional elevator shaft.
Can a Home Lift Be Installed in an Existing House?
Yes. When homeowners consider adding a home lift to their property, the first concern is almost always space. However, today’s compact lift technology allows installation in many existing homes.
Traditional home elevators require a deep pit dug into the lower floor. Modern compact home lifts and shaftless home elevators are different eliminate this hassle entirely. For example, both the EMB100 and EMB120 require no pit at all (featuring an ultra-thin platform thickness of just 56–65 mm), meaning they can be installed directly on your existing floor.
At the top floor, you only need to ensure standard residential ceiling heights. With a maximum travel height of up to 3000 mm (2 stops), these lifts are perfectly tailored for standard two-story houses.
Compact vs. Wheelchair Accessible Options
The actual floor space required depends heavily on your specific needs. Are you looking for an ultra-compact solution just to move between floors, or do you need to accommodate a wheelchair? To make it easier for homeowners, modern shaftless lifts generally come in two distinct sizes:
- The Ultra-Compact Option (2 Passengers): If your space is extremely limited, you can opt for a lift that takes up less than one square meter of floor space. For instance, the Barduva EMB100 compact home lift features an incredibly small footprint of just 1046 x 731 mm. It is perfect for tight corners, hallways, or stairwells, yet comfortable enough to carry 2 passengers (up to 170 kg).
- The Wheelchair-Ready Option (3 Passengers): If you need full accessibility but still want to avoid major construction or building a dedicated shaft, a slightly larger layout is required. Models like the Barduva EMB120 wheelchair accessible home lift expand the dimensions to 1076 x 1431 mm. This footprint is engineered to comfortably accommodate up to 3 people, or a person in a full-sized wheelchair with an accompanying attendant, supporting up to 250 kg.
Both models utilize a lightweight design with plexiglass walls, ensuring that no matter which size you choose, the lift blends discreetly into your interior without cluttering your living area.
Why Compact Home Lifts Are Becoming More Popular
Homeowners today are looking for solutions that combine functionality, comfort, and modern design.
Compact home lifts offer several advantages:
- Minimal space requirements
- No traditional elevator shaft required
- Quick installation
- Quiet operation
- Modern, elegant appearance
- Improved accessibility for people of all ages
- Increased long-term property value
They are no longer considered a luxury product but a practical investment that supports independent living and future-proofs the home.
Conclusion
In addition to saving space, modern home lifts are designed to integrate seamlessly into both new and existing homes. Their compact footprint, low energy consumption, and minimal maintenance requirements make them an ideal residential elevator solution for homeowners seeking greater comfort, accessibility, and independent living without compromising interior design.
You do not need a mansion to enjoy the comfort, safety, and independence of a home elevator. Thanks to advanced belt-driven systems and compact footprints, modern solutions prove that a premium home lift can fit into almost any residential environment.
If you are exploring compact lift solutions, discover the full range of Barduva Compact Home Lifts, including the EMB100 and EMB120, and find the model that best fits your home and lifestyle.
