Any time you improve your home, it’s important to assess the benefits of that renovation against the cost of doing it. This is true of everything from upgrading your kitchen to landscaping your yard—and it’s also true of accessibility improvements. However, accessibility improvements are unique in that their need could outweigh other factors involved in their installation. Keep reading to learn more about determining if ceiling lifts for the disabled, and other such accessibility improvements, are worth the investment.
Many home improvements are based on want: a desire for a new look, wanting more space to entertain, or a desire to add new functionality to your homes, such as a swimming pool or home theater. However, accessibility improvements are less about wants and more about absolute necessities. Those with reduced mobility need access to all areas of their homes, regardless of what floor that area might be on. They also need to be able to safely get in and out of their beds, bathtubs, and other parts of their homes. So, these improvements are not luxuries or something done on a whim; they’re intended to give users full access to their homes and improve their overall quality of life.
Because these are often essential to the person installing these features and making these improvements, other pros and cons might have little impact on the end decision. Ultimately, this access is essential, so accessibility improvements are a necessity.
With most home renovations, you would likely assess how much the renovation would add to the home’s value. This can help give you the peace of mind that you’ll at least get a partial return on your investment. Unfortunately, many accessibility improvements can actually detract from your home’s value because they narrow the appeal of your property. For example, a stairlift might deter some buyers because it’s not a visually appealing feature to have installed in a home and doesn’t have much use for an able-bodied individual.
An elevator can be a unique feature that appeals to a wider range of buyers, as it offers convenience to everyone, regardless of their physical capabilities. If you’re concerned about this, you should look into solutions with a broader appeal or more temporary solutions that wouldn’t permanently alter the home. For example, in lieu of a stairlift, you could install a residential elevator. Or, instead of installing a permanent ceiling lift, you can use a stand ceiling lift with its own support frame rather than a track mounted to your ceiling.
While your or your loved one’s quality of life takes precedence over your home’s value, if this is something you’re concerned about, we can help you find alternative solutions that won’t negatively impact your home’s resale value.
Budget is always a factor with home improvements. Even if you’re looking into an improvement that’s an absolute necessity, like most accessibility improvements, you’re still going to want to find something that fits within your budget. For example, there are several types of residential elevators and various solutions for stairlifts, wheelchair ramps, and lifts. You will have to compare the different types and models, their features, and their costs to determine which is the best option for you based on your needs and your budget.
For accessibility improvements, you may be able to have the cost partially covered by medical insurance or even VA grants. So long as the improvement is medically necessary, finding financial aid or insurance coverage generally isn’t difficult. We can help advise you on this matter if needed.
Finally, it’s important to assess how the installation of these improvements will impact your home. Can your staircase even support a stairlift? Where would you find space for a residential elevator? Is your ceiling able to support the weight of a ceiling lift? It’s a good idea to have your chosen contractor come out and assess your property to determine what improvements are possible. We can help you to gain a better understanding of what the best options are for your home and whether or not certain improvements are a good idea based on your home’s structure.
If you’re looking for ceiling lifts near me, contact Southern Mobility Solutions today to schedule an appointment with one of our accessibility contractors. We’ll help guide you through the process of weighing the pros and cons of this home upgrade and choosing the right option for your space. For example, we might recommend a portable ceiling lift for an older home rather than a permanent one if we’re uncertain about the strength of the ceiling. Call now to schedule your consultation or to learn more about our services.
