Latest home lifts have brilliant safety features

A HOME lift is now a real option, as new, self-supporting designs eliminate the need for major structural work. Stylish and elegant, the latest are big enough to carry two people, but small enough to fit in almost anywhere. Whether it’s taking you smoothly up to bed at night or helping you to run the vacuum around upstairs, a home lift soon becomes an indispensable part of your home. The lift could take you from the living room to the landing or from the kitchen to the bedroom. It can be installed without further cladding, leaving a feeling of space when sent up or down. Plus, there is 30-minute fire delay between floors, with smoke detectors included. What’s more, a lift is very quiet when in motion, so it will glide into the room without disturbance. And pressure-sensitive safety surfaces stop the lift if obstructed from above or below. For added security, the lift cannot travel unless the door is closed, and the door will not open while the lift is moving. But battery back-up allows the lift to return to the ground floor in safety in the event of a power failure. Stainless-steel fittings finish off the sleek look, and many aspects can be customised. Domestic lifts cost a fraction of standard elevators, making for great value. And with installation taking just three days, the process is straightforward, without the need for planning permission.