一般的，在家中安裝電梯是奢侈的行為，對(duì)于輪椅人群除外。現(xiàn)在，人們意識(shí)到住宅電梯有很大幫助，對(duì)于長(zhǎng)時(shí)間在家里的老人來(lái)說(shuō)更是如此。
住宅電梯為兩層及以上住宅而設(shè)，并且一般都用升降電梯。電梯可以幫助人們從車庫(kù)里進(jìn)入家中。

電梯對(duì)比升降機(jī)
“住宅電梯”是升降機(jī)的普遍叫法，可以在垂直距離15米范圍內(nèi)活動(dòng)，通常比升降機(jī)貴，能配備各種型號(hào)的平臺(tái)，起始價(jià)大約在20000美元左右。
升降機(jī)是可以在垂直距離2.45米范圍內(nèi)活動(dòng)的裝置，價(jià)格較便宜，從15000美元到30000美元不等，或者根據(jù)型號(hào)定價(jià)。

升降機(jī)類型
升降機(jī)有三種類型：垂直型，傾斜型和升降椅。垂直升降機(jī)能配備各種的平臺(tái)，且需裝在固定牢靠的基礎(chǔ)上（比如澆筑混凝土板），能防雨雪。
傾斜型升降機(jī)是在樓梯間運(yùn)行的裝備，輪椅人群使用最多，升降機(jī)也會(huì)設(shè)置座椅供行動(dòng)不便人群使用，其平臺(tái)在導(dǎo)軌上移動(dòng)，導(dǎo)軌被固定在樓梯一側(cè)的墻上。
升降椅設(shè)有可移動(dòng)座位，座位由固定在樓梯一側(cè)墻上的導(dǎo)軌控制移動(dòng)，升降椅會(huì)占用樓梯空間，所以不適合在狹窄樓梯上使用。

設(shè)計(jì)和安裝
住宅電梯和升降機(jī)的安裝復(fù)雜，涉及建筑、結(jié)構(gòu)和電力方面的問(wèn)題，不是一般裝修工可以完成的事情。安裝人員，特別是安裝過(guò)程中需要更改房屋結(jié)構(gòu)或樓梯、火墻的人員要有建筑執(zhí)照。
在安裝之前，電梯商和當(dāng)?shù)蒯t(yī)療裝備供應(yīng)商會(huì)來(lái)考察需要安裝的房屋決定安裝電梯或升降機(jī)的型號(hào)。用戶最好請(qǐng)一位保健專業(yè)人員，譬如專業(yè)醫(yī)師來(lái)幫助確認(rèn)設(shè)備是否會(huì)滿足用戶現(xiàn)在未來(lái)的需求。
請(qǐng)記住住宅電梯和升降機(jī)的安裝維修需要專業(yè)人員，最好購(gòu)買聲譽(yù)好的商家的產(chǎn)品，并簽訂維修協(xié)議。

Give your home a lift with a residential elevator

Traditionally, an elevator or lift in a private residence has been viewed as an expensive luxury, exclusively for wheelchair users. Now, people recognize that residential lifts and elevators can benefit many people — particularly seniors who want to remain in their homes despite loss of mobility, strength and agility.
Lifts and residential elevators are typically used when the vertical gap between two or more floor levels is significant and there is not enough space to construct a ramp. Lifts are also frequently used outside residences and in garages for access from the exterior ground level into the house if there is not enough space for a ramp or if a resident or caregiver cannot negotiate a ramp.

Lifts vs. elevators
"Residential elevator" is the commonly used term for a lift that is enclosed in a shaft and can travel vertically as much as 15 m (49 ft.). They can be equipped with platforms of various sizes. Usually more expensive than a lift, the cost of a residential elevator starts at around $20,000.
A lift is an elevating device that can travel up and down as much as 2.45 m (8 ft.). Lifts are generally a less expensive option, ranging in price between around $3,000 and $15,000 or more depending on the type of lift installed.

Types of lifts
There are three main types of lifts: vertical platform, inclined platform and stair-chair lift. A vertical platform lift can be equipped with platforms of various sizes and must be securely mounted on a solid and stable base (typically a poured-concrete slab), sheltered to protect users from rain and away from areas where drifting snow can accumulate.
Inclined platform lifts have a platform that moves up and down over an existing stairway. They are used mostly by people who use wheelchairs, but some models come with a fold-down seat for people who have difficulty using stairs. The platform is typically supported by rails that are mounted to a wall on one side of the staircase.
Stair-chair lifts consist of a seat that travels up and down a stairway. The seat runs on a track or rails mounted either on the surface of the stairs or on an adjacent wall. If a stair-mounted track is used, it reduces the usable width of the stairs so it may not be suitable on narrow staircases.

Design and installation
The design of a lift or residential elevator installation is complex, involving architectural, structural and electrical elements. It is not a project to be tackled by a handyman. You will also likely need a building permit, especially if the installation requires structural changes to the house or affects safety systems such as stairs or fire separations.
Before choosing a lift or residential elevator, the manufacturer or a local medical equipment supplier will visit your home and make recommendations about the feasibility of different types of equipment. It's always a good idea to have a health professional, such as an occupational therapist, present for the site visit to ensure that the type of device being recommended will meet your current and future needs.
Keep in mind that lifts and residential elevators need regular servicing and maintenance, which should be done by an expert. It's probably worthwhile to purchase a maintenance contract from a reputable supplier.