If you’ve started exploring the idea of adding a home elevator, you’ve probably discovered something quickly: there are a lot of decisions to make. Style, paint colors, cab finishes, safety features, doors… the list goes on.
But one of the biggest questions homeowners ask us early in the process is:
“Can my home elevator be any size I want?”
It’s a great question, and the short answer is yes… mostly.
Let’s dig into what’s possible, where the limits are, and how we help homeowners and builders find the perfect fit.
The Reality: Elevators Are Customizable, But Not Unlimited
One of the best parts of choosing a residential elevator with Fox Valley Elevator is that we offer true customization. This means your elevator’s size, style, and design can be tailored to your home, not the other way around.
However, while you do have flexibility, there are industry standards, safety codes, and structural considerations that set the boundaries.
Think of home elevator sizing like building kitchen cabinets, they can be customized, but they still need to work with the room, the structure around them, and the way the space is designed to function.
What Determines the Size of Your Home Elevator?
Several important factors shape how large or small your elevator can be:
1. Local and National Safety Codes
Residential elevators must meet specific safety requirements. These codes dictate maximum cab sizes, door specifications, and other details necessary for safe operation.
The good news? Our experts handle all of this behind the scenes so you don’t need to guess.
2. The Space Available in Your Home
Whether you’re retrofitting an existing home or designing one from scratch, the footprint of the elevator shaft (or hoistway) is the biggest driver of size.
- New construction: Your builder and our engineering team can work together early on to design the perfect layout.
- Existing homes: We help identify the most efficient location to minimize renovation while still giving you the space you need.
3. The Type of Elevator System You Choose
Different elevator drive systems, such as hydraulic or winding drum,have different space requirements depending on configuration within the hoistway. Certain gate choices may also take up more hoistway space.
Some allow for larger cab sizes, while others are better suited for tight spaces where every inch counts.
4. Accessibility Needs
If you’re planning to age in place or need wheelchair accessibility, a larger cab is recommended. Even if you’re not currently using mobility aids, many homeowners choose to plan for the future.
So How Big Can It Be?
Elevator code limits the cab to 15 sq ft maximum, although a larger size may be possible with approval from local authorities. You can plan on the hoistway taking up about a 5×5 space within your home. Cab dimensions often fall somewhere between:
- 48″ x 36″
- 54″ x 40″
- 36″ x 60″
These aren’t the only options, just common standard sizes.
We frequently work on custom sizes as long as the design meets safety code, fits within the hoistway, and aligns with what your home can structurally support.
And How Small Can It Be?
We often design elevators to fit surprisingly compact areas.
We’ve customized elevators to be installed within stacked closets, converted pantries, corners of stairwells, you name it. As long as you can fit the required machinery and structural equipment, and meet code requirements for space around electrical components, we can likely fit your unique home design.
Working Together to Find the Perfect Fit
When you work with Fox Valley Elevator, you don’t have to navigate sizing decisions alone. Our team and our network of authorized dealers will collaborate with you, your builder, and your architect to design an elevator that:
- Meets code
- Fits your space
- Matches your aesthetic
- Functions beautifully for years to come
Whether you’re building your forever home or looking to improve accessibility in your current one, we make sure your elevator feels like it belongs there, from size to style and everything in between.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re starting to plan a home elevator and want to understand what’s possible for your space, we’re here to help.
Fox Valley Elevator has been helping homeowners design custom residential elevators for decades, and we’d love to walk you through your options.
Find an Authorized Dealer, and let’s start designing your perfect fit.
