Home renovations should ideally accommodate the family’s changing needs over a period of time. Any part of the home should be accessible to all family members 10 years, 20 years or even 30 years down the road.
People generally renovate their home to accommodate their family’s changing needs, or to add value to their home. However, savvy homeowners also seek to future proof their homes.
Future proofing is an important factor regardless of whether one is improving, building or investing in a property. It’s about looking ahead and making changes that will keep the home’s design and facilities relevant for decades. Installing a home elevator is one of the key ways to future proof one’s home.
Why people are future proofing their homes
Accessibility is an important factor, especially when people aim to live and grow old in the same home. This can present a huge challenge, especially in a multi-storey home when physical ability is impaired suddenly or reduced over a period of time. A home elevator helps prepare the home space for the residents for the long term.
Installing a home elevator is a large investment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Beyond the monetary costs, a home elevator allows people to remain in their homes in a familiar neighbourhood with family and friends at close range, without having to deal with the emotional cost of relocating.
Why a home elevator is a smart solution
There are a number of solutions to improve the accessibility of a home. While stair lifts are a viable solution for decreased mobility, a home elevator gives one the ability to access multiple levels with the ease of walking through a doorway and pushing a button. Elevators can be aesthetically subtle, designed to suit the existing home decor and also give the flexibility of securely transporting shopping, washing or other items easily.
Preparing for the future and enjoying the present
A home elevator installed today can still be useful even if one doesn’t have mobility problems. Carrying a heavy load upstairs, dealing with minor injuries, and having elderly guests or small children in prams can be simplified with home lifts. The energy efficiency of KONE home elevators also eliminates any worries about unnecessary energy consumption.
While homeowners consider future proofing their homes, KONE Elevators is focused on future proofing its elevators with lift designs having evolved to using 70 per cent less energy over the past 10 years.
Key considerations when planning to future proof the home with an elevator:
1. Weigh up the elevator cost with the costs of moving.
2. Compare a home elevator with other products.
3. Consider the market value a home elevator can add to your residence.
4. Look for a company that offers personalised support during installation and ongoing maintenance throughout the life of your elevator.
5. Take into account the longevity of the lift’s design; ensure you are investing in a product that will stand the test of time in aesthetics and technology.
