The price of home elevators is the most important point we pay attention to when installing elevators for residential buildings. The price range of home elevators is very wide, generally between $2,600 and $65,000, and the final price is affected by various factors such as elevator brand, model, installation method, etc. Below I will explain in detail the various factors that affect the cost of home elevators and cost-saving tips.
The price of home elevators
In 2025, the price of home elevators is generally between $35,000–100,000, depending on multiple factors, such as brand, configuration, number of floors, shaft structure, etc.
- The price usually includes:
- Elevator equipment body
- Installation labor cost
- Shaft construction cost
- Transportation and miscellaneous expenses
- Basic maintenance service (some brands give 1 year for free)
A breakdown of the cost of home elevators:
| Cost Item | Estimated Price Range (CNY) |
|---|
| Elevator Equipment | Starting from ¥150,000 |
| Installation Fee | ¥15,000–¥25,000 |
| Shaft Civil Construction | ¥50,000+ |
| Electrical & Transport Fees | ¥5,000–¥20,000 |
| Annual Maintenance Cost | ¥1,000–¥4,000 |
| Electricity & Repairs | Varies by usage frequency |
According to our communication with customers and market research, the total cost of installing elevators for most homes with less than 3 floors is concentrated between $30,000 and $70,000.
Price comparison of different types of home elevators
Choosing the right type of elevator is crucial to controlling the budget. The following is a comparison of the types and prices of mainstream home elevators on the market:
| Elevator Type | Price Range (CNY) | Key Features |
|---|
| Hydraulic Elevator | ¥150,000–¥200,000 | Smooth and comfortable, requires pit and machine room |
| Machine-room-less Traction | ¥170,000–¥220,000 | Space-saving, no separate machine room, easier maintenance |
| Pneumatic Elevator | ¥200,000–¥300,000 | Modern appearance, compact, higher maintenance frequency |
| Vertical Platform Lift | ¥100,000–¥150,000 | Ideal for wheelchair users, very compact, cost-effective |
| Chain Drive Elevator | ¥130,000–¥200,000 | Durable structure, long service life, slightly noisier |
| Outdoor Elevator | ¥160,000–¥250,000 | No indoor remodeling needed, flexible installation |
Real-life case display:
The elevator in the picture is a standard car configuration, suitable for home or small commercial use, with optional automatic doors or hand-pull doors to meet the needs of different scenarios.
Core factors affecting prices
The final price of a home elevator is not entirely determined by “equipment + installation”, but will also be affected by multiple factors. The following are key factors that you must consider when making a budget:
Number of floors and lifting height
- The more floors the elevator serves, the longer the running distance, and the price naturally rises.
- In general, the cost of the elevator may increase by ¥10,000–¥20,000 for each additional floor.
- The operating height of residential home elevators is usually no more than 15 meters (about 5 floors), and a customized solution is required if it exceeds this.
ps: If it is a duplex structure or split-level apartment, confirming the possibility of hoistway opening in advance will help save civil engineering costs.
Is it an old house renovation
The renovation project may involve demolishing walls/rebuilding structures, which costs more than new construction projects.
Shaft structure and civil engineering conditions
- Reserved shaft vs. existing structure renovation: If the apartment does not originally have a reserved shaft, additional costs are required to drill holes or add steel structure shafts.
- Steel structure shafts are usually more expensive than concrete shafts (reference price starts at ¥50,000), but the installation period is short and they are more suitable for installation in old houses.
- The power supply configuration also needs to match the elevator power, and some equipment may require three-phase power.
Drive mode and technical structure
Different drive systems not only affect the operating comfort, but are also directly related to the installation method and subsequent maintenance:
| Drive Type | Features Overview | Cost Impact |
|---|
| Hydraulic Drive | Smooth and quiet, takes up more space, requires hydraulic station | Medium to High |
| Traction Drive | Uses steel ropes or belts, compact structure, energy-efficient | High |
| Chain Drive | Simple maintenance, high durability, suitable for small to medium-sized shafts | Medium |
| Pneumatic Drive | Modern appearance, suitable for villas, high maintenance requirements | Higher |
Car size and load capacity
- The standard load of home elevators is 320–450kg, and the car size ranges from 900×900mm to 1100×1400mm.
- Increasing the size and load-bearing capacity will significantly increase the price, especially when it comes to customization needs.
Door opening method
| Door Type | Features Overview | Cost Difference |
|---|
| Manual Door | Low cost, suitable for those with limited budgets | Cheaper |
| Automatic Swing Door | Easy to operate, suitable for elderly or mobility-impaired users | Medium to High |
| Automatic Center Opening Sliding Door | High-end configuration, similar to commercial elevator appearance, better safety | Highest Cost |
Interior and customization options
The selection of materials and craftsmanship for the interior of the elevator car will have a greater impact on the overall price, especially in high-end villa projects.
Common interiors include:
- Melamine panel (economical)
- Stainless steel mirror / hairline surface (mainstream configuration)
- Wood grain coating, leather surface, glass finish (high-end)
- Floor material: PVC anti-slip floor / stone / solid wood floor
ps: Prioritize easy-to-clean and anti-slip materials, taking into account durability and beauty.
Installation area
Transportation costs and construction labor costs vary significantly in different regions.
Brand, after-sales and warranty terms
- Big brand products are slightly more expensive, but the installation quality, operation stability and after-sales service are more guaranteed.
- Some brands provide lifetime maintenance options. Although the initial price is high, it is more cost-effective in the long run.
- The warranty period is generally 1-3 years, and the maintenance content includes regular inspections, electrical system maintenance, and emergency failure repairs.
Detailed explanation of home elevator installation costs
| Cost Item | Estimated Price Range (CNY) |
|---|
| Elevator Equipment | Starting from ¥150,000 |
| Installation Fee | ¥15,000–¥25,000 |
| Shaft Civil Construction | ¥50,000+ |
| Electrical & Transport Fees | ¥5,000–¥20,000 |
| Annual Maintenance Cost | ¥1,000–¥4,000 |
| Electricity & Repairs | Varies by usage frequency |
ps: If you choose a standard product and install it in a new house with a clear structure, the total cost has the opportunity to be controlled within US$30,000.
Home elevator installation process
- Initial consultation & on-site measurement: evaluate the feasibility of the space
- Design and quotation: customize the plan and issue a detailed budget
- Contract and construction preparation: synchronized planning of civil engineering and power distribution
- Shaftway construction: usually takes 7-15 days
- Equipment entry & installation: generally completed within 3-5 days
- Commissioning & acceptance delivery: ensure that all functions are normal, safe and compliant
Which families are suitable for home elevators? Compared with other solutions
Home elevator vs stair lift chair
Elevators are safer and more comfortable, and lift chairs are cheaper but have many restrictions.
Home elevator vs Dumbwaiter
Dumbwaiter only transfers objects but not people, and has low applicability.
Home elevator vs pneumatic elevator
Pneumatic is more fashionable but has frequent maintenance, suitable for owners who pursue a sense of style.
Benefits of installing a home elevator
- Increase the value of the house
- Convenient travel for the elderly/children at home
- Long-term self-occupancy, plan “barrier-free housing” in advance
- Aesthetics & space utilization optimization
Tips for saving money on home elevator installation
- Plan the shaft in advance to avoid additional renovation costs later
- Choose a mature technology/drive system that does not require high-frequency maintenance
- Rationally select floors and loads to avoid over-matching
- One-time customized interior to avoid spending more money on later installation
FAQ
Q: How long is the installation cycle?
A: Generally 2-4 weeks, including shaft construction + equipment installation.
Q: Can it be installed in an old house?
A: Yes, but the feasibility of load-bearing and space renovation needs to be evaluated.
Q: Can it be installed in a stairwell?
A: Partially feasible, the space size needs to be measured.
Q: Maintenance frequency?
A: Regular maintenance is recommended every six months to one year.
Although the initial investment in a home elevator is not small, the convenience of life, house value-added, and safety improvement it brings have huge potential value. In addition to the price of home elevators, we also pay attention to service quality, safety performance, and after-sales guarantee. If you need a detailed and practical home elevator solution, please contact us to get a free solution and customized quotation.
