Should You Consider an Elevator in Your Home Renovation?

It started with a pencil sketch on the back of an envelope.

She had just come home from her physical therapy appointment, sat down at the kitchen table, and mentioned that she wished she could still get to her bedroom upstairs without worrying. He listened, nodded quietly, and pulled out an envelope from the stack of unopened mail. In the margin, he sketched out a tiny square, then another one, drawing two floors connected by a neat little box.

“What if we added an elevator when we renovate?” he asked.

She didn’t laugh. She didn’t roll her eyes. Instead, she looked at him for a long second and said, “You really think we could?”

That was the moment it went from a wild idea to a serious consideration. Not just a dream, but a real, possible part of their lives. And they were far from alone in that line of thinking.

More and more families, whether renovating historic homes or updating a lifelong residence, are asking themselves this same question. Should we add an elevator? Would it make life easier now? Could it help us stay here longer? Would it even fit?

The answer is rarely a simple yes or no. It is more of a journey through needs, priorities, layout, budget, and lifestyle. But it is a journey worth taking because a well-planned home elevator can transform how you move, how you live, and how you feel about the place you call home.

More Than a Luxury

For many, the word “elevator” still conjures images of downtown office buildings or high-rise apartments. It may seem like something extravagant or reserved for sprawling estates with grand foyers. But modern residential elevators have quietly shifted away from that image. They have become more compact, more stylish, and more attainable.

A couple shared how they had initially hesitated, assuming it would look out of place in their modest two-story home. They imagined something loud and bulky. What they found instead was a slim, quiet model that blended beautifully with their design choices. The shaft fit within a corner of their renovated laundry room and rose into a sunny hallway upstairs.

“It’s not about showing off,” the homeowner said. “It’s about being able to do the laundry upstairs and bring it down without needing help. That’s independence. That’s comfort.”

What once might have been viewed as a splurge is now seen by many as a smart, future-forward investment. It allows people to stay in their homes longer. It supports guests and family members with mobility concerns. And it often adds value and convenience in ways you might not fully understand until it’s part of your daily routine.

Planning for Now and Later

One of the most compelling reasons to install a residential elevator during a home renovation is the chance to plan ahead. Renovations are already an opportunity to reimagine space, reconfigure layout, and modernize utilities. Adding an elevator at this stage can be significantly more cost-effective and less disruptive than retrofitting one years later.

One woman reflected on her parents’ experience. They had remodeled the kitchen and bathrooms with aging in place in mind, widening doorways and replacing floors with smooth, low-resistance materials. But they skipped the elevator. A few years later, after her father’s injury, they found themselves scrambling for a solution. The renovation had opened the door to future planning, but the missed opportunity became a regret.

By contrast, another couple in a similar position chose to install a simple two-stop lift when converting their attic into a studio space. They didn’t need it daily at first, but over time, it became essential. “We didn’t realize how useful it would be until we had it,” they shared. “Now we use it for everything from groceries to grandkids.”

Thinking ahead doesn’t mean predicting every need. It means creating flexibility, peace of mind, and the kind of comfort that grows with you.

Fitting It Into Your Space

The idea of adding an elevator can feel daunting when you look around your home and wonder where it would go. But with today’s options, fitting a residential elevator into an existing or new floor plan is more achievable than ever.

One homeowner was surprised to learn that a shaftless elevator could be installed between her living room and upstairs hallway with minimal construction. It took up less space than she imagined and didn’t interfere with her existing staircase. “It was like adding a new door to an old room,” she said. “It just made the house flow better.”

Other homes make use of underutilized areas, like oversized closets, corners near stair landings, or the space between garages and main floors. Every layout has its quirks, but creative design teams can often find elegant solutions that preserve both function and aesthetics.

A family renovating their farmhouse used the space between their kitchen pantry and upstairs guest room. The lift connected both floors in a straight shot, and they clad the door in reclaimed barn wood to match their rustic décor. It became a focal point, not an eyesore.

It is not just about where an elevator fits. It is about how it complements the home’s existing rhythm.

Style Without Compromise

One of the myths about home elevators is that they will clash with your interior design. But modern lifts are anything but one-size-fits-all. They come in a range of finishes, sizes, materials, and door styles. Some have glass walls and panoramic views. Others are built to disappear entirely, with flush walls, concealed panels, or wood detailing that mimics built-in cabinetry.

One couple incorporated their elevator into a newly added reading nook, surrounding it with bookshelves and a soft bench. The lift itself had a frosted glass door with a brushed brass handle. “People don’t even realize it’s an elevator until it opens,” they laughed. “It just looks like part of the home.”

Another homeowner opted for a clear cylindrical lift in the corner of their stairwell. It became a design statement, catching natural light during the day and softly glowing in the evening.

Elevators can be subtle or bold, minimalist or traditional. Whatever your style, there is likely a design that suits it. The key is to choose a lift that respects both your needs and your taste.

Supporting Multigenerational Living

For many families, the decision to add a home elevator ties into the evolving needs of multigenerational living. When aging parents move in or grown children return home, the dynamics of shared space change. Elevators can help smooth those transitions and create dignity for everyone involved.

One family installed a lift after their mother moved into the upstairs suite. They wanted her to maintain independence while also having access to shared living spaces. “It wasn’t about treating her differently,” the daughter explained. “It was about including her fully.”

The mother no longer had to wait for help or feel like she was limited to certain parts of the house. And during her recovery from a minor surgery, the elevator made it possible to heal in the comfort of her own room rather than relocating temporarily.

Another family installed an elevator with their future selves in mind. “We’re healthy now,” the husband said. “But this is our forever home. We want to enjoy every inch of it, no matter what age we are.”

Elevators in family homes are not just functional. They send a message. Everyone belongs. Everyone can participate. And everyone can move freely within the space.

Everyday Use That Adds Up

Even in homes where no one has a mobility challenge, elevators often find unexpected daily uses.

One woman with a newly built townhome said she used the elevator more than she ever imagined. “It started with moving boxes upstairs when we first moved in,” she said. “Then it became the best way to carry laundry. Now I use it for groceries, cleaning supplies, and anything else that needs to go up or down.”

She laughed about the fact that her teenage son uses it for fun, riding up with his backpack instead of taking the stairs. But beneath the humor was appreciation. “It makes life smoother,” she said. “It’s a convenience I didn’t know I’d value so much.”

Elevators can ease strain on knees and backs. They can reduce the risk of accidents on slippery staircases. And they can make homes feel more connected, especially when kids and adults live on different floors.

What starts as a helpful feature often becomes an essential part of daily life.

Financial Perspective and Value

Cost is always part of the conversation when it comes to renovations. Elevators vary widely in price based on model, features, installation, and construction needs. But many families discover that the long-term value often outweighs the initial investment.

A couple who installed a home elevator while updating their kitchen and bathrooms said it added to their property value and widened the appeal for future buyers. “Not everyone needs an elevator,” they said, “but more people appreciate having one than we realized.”

For those planning to age in place, the investment can eliminate or delay the need to relocate to single-level living or assisted care environments, which often come with higher ongoing costs. It can also increase peace of mind, knowing that their home is prepared for whatever comes.

Some families explore financing options or seek grants available through aging-in-place or disability support programs. A good contractor or accessibility consultant can often guide you toward resources that make the process more affordable.

The Emotional Impact

Beyond cost, layout, or logistics, one of the most powerful impacts of installing an elevator is emotional. It restores a sense of ownership. It preserves dignity. It allows people to stay connected to spaces they love.

One man said he hadn’t been in his attic studio in years. After installing a home elevator, he returned to painting. “I felt like I got a part of myself back,” he said.

Another woman shared how her guests felt more welcome once they could access her entire home with ease. “It’s not just for me,” she said. “It’s for the people I care about.”

Elevators can quietly support connection, creativity, and independence. They don’t just move people between floors. They open doors to more living, more doing, and more being.

Conclusion: Elevating Life, Thoughtfully and Beautifully

At KGC, we understand that a home is more than a structure. It is a place full of memory, possibility, and identity. When you consider a home elevator, you are not just choosing convenience. You are choosing connection. You are investing in comfort and honoring your desire to live with grace and freedom across every level of your home.

Our team works alongside you to design and install home elevator solutions that reflect your unique layout, lifestyle, and aesthetic vision. Whether you are renovating a classic space or building something new, we bring thoughtful expertise, customized options, and a deep respect for your journey.

Because when it comes to accessibility, you should not have to sacrifice beauty or individuality. You should feel supported every step of the way.

To learn more about how we can support your renovation plans, visit our KGC Contact Page.