Small Elevators for Homes | Residential Elevators & Home Lifts (USA & Canada)

Start Here: Small Elevators for Homes & Residential Elevators

Installing a small elevator for your home is now realistic for many households in the United States and Canada. Modern home elevators and residential elevators are compact, efficient, and designed to fit typical single-family homes – not just large mansions.

This site explains the main types of elevators for homes, how much home elevators usually cost in North America, and what to consider when comparing residential elevator companies. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision before you speak with any salespeople.

Get Ready to Request Quotes from Home Elevator Companies

Once you are familiar with the basic options and price ranges, the next step is to request personalized quotes from local installers in the USA or Canada. We recommend comparing at least two offers for your residential elevator project.

What Is a Home Elevator or Residential Elevator?

A home elevator, sometimes called a residential elevator or home lift, is a compact elevator designed specifically for private houses. Most small elevators for homes carry one or two people at a time and serve two or three floors.

Homeowners in the USA and Canada choose residential elevators for many reasons:

To make it easier to stay in a multi-story home while aging in place.
To improve accessibility after an accident, surgery, or mobility change.
To move groceries, laundry, and luggage between floors without using the stairs.
To add a practical luxury feature that can appeal to future buyers.

Types of Small Elevators for Homes

1. Traditional Residential Elevators

Traditional residential elevators look like a small version of the elevator you see in apartment or condo buildings. They usually require a shaft and some structural work, but they offer a smooth ride, higher weight capacity, and a familiar experience.

Best for multi-story homes with two or more floors.
Often planned during a major remodel or new build.
High-end feel and strong resale appeal.

2. Shaftless / Through-Floor Home Lifts

Shaftless home lifts are popular small elevators for homes when space is limited. The elevator moves through a framed opening between floors instead of a full shaft. When the lift is parked on one level, the opening on the other level can often be covered or left open with a barrier.

Compact footprint that fits many existing homes.
Less construction than a full shaft elevator.
A good option for retrofitting accessibility into older houses.

3. Stair Lifts

A stair lift is not an elevator, but it solves the same problem: safely moving between floors. A stair lift is a motorized chair that travels along a rail mounted to your staircase.

Usually the most affordable indoor solution.
Works on straight or curved staircases.
Fast installation, often in just a few hours.

4. Platform & Wheelchair Lifts

Platform lifts are designed for wheelchair users or people who need a walker or mobility device. They can be installed indoors or outdoors to handle short vertical distances, such as porch steps or split-level entries.

Open platform instead of a closed cabin.
Ideal for wheelchair access between small height differences.
Frequently used at garage entries, decks, and front doors.

How Much Do Home Elevators Cost in the USA & Canada?

The cost of home elevators and residential elevators in North America depends on the model, travel height, building work, and local labor rates. These typical ranges (in US dollars) can help you budget a small elevator for your home:

Stair lifts: around $2,500–$8,000 installed, depending on whether your stairs are straight or curved and which options you select.
Shaftless home lifts: commonly $15,000–$30,000, including installation and basic construction.
Traditional residential elevators: often start around $25,000 and can go much higher for multiple floors, custom doors, or luxury finishes.
Platform & wheelchair lifts: typically from $8,000–$15,000, depending on travel height and configuration.

Prices in Canada are often similar once currency and local building codes are considered. The best way to know your actual cost is to get a detailed quote from a local residential elevator company.

Home Elevator & Stair Lift Companies (USA & Canada)

The companies below are examples of brands that offer small elevators for homes, home elevators, residential elevators, and stair lifts in North America. When you are ready, you can contact one or more of them or similar local providers for quotes.

Company	What They Offer	Region	Website
Nationwide Lifts	Home elevators, shaftless lifts, wheelchair lifts	USA & Canada	Visit Nationwide Lifts »
Acorn Stairlifts	Stair lifts for straight & curved stairs	USA & Canada	Visit Acorn Stairlifts »
AmeriGlide	Stair lifts, platform lifts, small residential elevators	USA & Canada (via dealers)	Visit AmeriGlide »
Savaria	Home elevators, stair lifts, wheelchair lifts	USA & Canada	Visit Savaria »
Stannah Stairlifts USA	Stair lifts for all types of stairs	USA & Canada	Visit Stannah Stairlifts »
Bruno	Stair lifts and vertical platform lifts	USA & Canada (dealer network)	Visit Bruno »
Garaventa Lift	Home elevators and platform lifts	USA, Canada & worldwide	Visit Garaventa Lift »
Cambridge Elevating	Custom residential elevators	Canada & USA	Visit Cambridge Elevating »

When comparing suppliers, look at:

Warranty length and what is actually covered.
Availability of 24/7 service and emergency call-outs.
Experience with your specific type of house and staircase.
Online reviews and ratings from customers in your area.

FAQ: Small Elevators for Homes & Residential Elevators

Do home elevators increase the value of a house?

In many markets in the USA and Canada, a well-installed residential elevator or high-quality stair lift is seen as a valuable accessibility upgrade. While it may not return 100% of its cost in resale value, it can make your home more attractive to older buyers, people with mobility needs, and multi-generational families.

How much space do small home elevators need?

Shaftless home lifts are designed to be compact and may fit in a space similar to a large closet. Traditional home elevators with a shaft need more room and structural changes. A residential elevator specialist can review your floor plan and suggest the most efficient layout.

Is a stair lift cheaper than a small home elevator?

Yes, in most situations a stair lift is significantly cheaper than a full home elevator. However, stair lifts are not ideal if you must transport a wheelchair, heavy objects, or multiple people at once. A small residential elevator or platform lift might be a better long-term solution in those cases.

How long does it take to install a home elevator?

A straightforward stair lift can often be installed in a day. Shaftless home lifts and small residential elevators may take several days to a few weeks, especially when additional construction and electrical work are required.

Can I finance a small home elevator or stair lift?

Many companies that sell small elevators for homes and stair lifts in the USA and Canada offer financing, sometimes through third-party finance partners. There may also be grants, tax credits, or home modification programs for people with disabilities or medical needs, depending on your state or province.