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FAQs

Stairlift FAQs

The State of Michigan no longer requires an installation permit and inspection for residential stairlift installations. Some municipalities, such as the City of Detroit, may have requirements of their own. Detroit maintains an Elevator Safety Division separate from the State of Michigan.

All stairlift installations in buildings other than a “private residence” must be under state or city permit with inspection following.

No problem. Our lifts can be custom-made to fit even the most complex stairways.

Our specialists utilize state-of-the-art photomapping technology to measure the stairway and the lift is built to your exact specifications. Some manufacturers offer “pretty close” technology to “kind of” fit” turning stairways. Our stairlifts are built and installed to fit your exact stairway.

Our stairlifts are battery powered and will continue to operate in the event of power failure.

Unless you have had specific training in this area it is probably not a good idea. These machines carry PEOPLE and SAFETY should be of paramount importance. Pay a pro and get it done right. Please read the opinion of the Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry at www.aema.com/positionpaper_liftinstallation.pdf.

The installation of a stairlift should not reduce the clear width of the stairs below 20”, so the staircase should be 36” wide. The stairlift should not impede the normal use of the stairs. Our stairlifts are designed with a compact profile and fold when not in use. Our sales specialist will measure the stairs. Our trained technicians will be sure to properly fit the stairlift to make the most efficient use of stairway space.

Unfortunately, Medicare and most private insurance companies will not pay for stairlifts. These products are not a covered benefit.

Some insurance companies do. In Michigan, No-Fault Auto or Workers Compensation Insurance will pay for required home modifications because of an auto accident or work-related accident.

Statistically stairlifts are very safe products. Just be mindful that not all stairlift products are created equal. Our stairlifts meet or exceed worldwide safety standards. We always suggest: “Do your homework”.

YES! How do we know this? Because our stairlifts do not attach to walls. Instead our lifts are fastened to the treads of the stairs. Stair treads are always built to be weight-bearing. Your walls are unaffected.

Platform Lift FAQs

A platform lift is a product designed specifically for handicap accessibility. These units have a platform which will accommodate a wheelchair. These lifts are sometimes called “wheelchair lifts” and “handicapped lifts”.

Typically, an IPL is utilized where space for a VPL does not exist. Because the existing stairway functions as the runway for the lift, floor space in the building is unaffected.

There are two types of platform lifts: vertical platform lifts and inclined platform lifts. Vertical Platform Lifts (VPLs) travel straight up and down and function much like a small elevator. Inclined Platform Lifts (IPLs) travel on an incline over a flight of stairs.
Usually yes, but restrictions may apply. Egress requirements must be considered and there may be other factors limiting utilization.
Generally, platform lifts may be installed in a private residence whenever there is a suitable location for the lift. Our sales specialists will help determine the best type of lift and placement for your needs.
By code platform lifts are limited to 750 lbs. weight-carrying capacity and 18 square feet net platform area. Vertical platform lifts are limited to 14 feet of travel.
Statistically, and when used appropriately, platform lifts are very safe. Our platform lifts are built to meet or exceed Safety Standards of Elevator Codes.

Residential Elevator FAQs

Home elevators add value and functionality to your home. Single level homes cost more to build than a house with two or more floors. With a home elevator the entire house is readily accessible and stairs are never a problem.

Probably. The trick is to create a suitable place for the elevator installation. We can help you sort this out. Also, we offer a product specifically designed for retrofit to existing buildings. Our application specialists will work with you to make your project go smoothly.

The size of the car will dictate hoistway dimensions. Our Planning Guide shows specific requirements. For general purposes think in terms of a 5’ x 5’ space requirement.
Elevator car sizes vary generally from 12 square feet (36” x 48”) up to 18 square feet (42”x60”). There are no minimum car sizes per Elevator Code. The maximum car size, per Michigan Code, is 18 square feet net, inside dimensions with the gate closed. Weight-carrying capacity is related to car size.
The maximum travel of a residential elevator is 50 feet. The maximum travel speed is 40 feet per minute.
Requirements vary by product but most home elevators require a 220v/30A circuit to power the lift mechanism and an 115v/15A dedicated circuit for car lights.