My dad is in his mid-70’s and he still acts like he is in the prime of his life. He always has a bubbly optimistic outlook and is very energetic for his age. Although yesterday I think he had overdone it as he ached walking up the garden steps. It got me thinking about the future and what modifications might help him live independently at home. My dad is a grafter and incredibly determined. I think having a stair lift installed would feel like admitting defeat. They tend to be associated with old age and he refers to other people as old, never himself! A home lift on the other hand I could see him coming onboard with that idea. It does not have the same connotations with it. You get lifts in swanky hotels.

I am sure he would be even more excited about the idea when I run through a few of the benefits. My dad’s neighbour has had a lift installed in his house. They can be quite simple and stylish. I guess mobility is always the main reason for wanting one, but my dad would need more convincing than that! He never jumps into a decision without weighing up his options.

Adding Value

Apparently, a lift is a desirable feature in some houses. The cost of installment can be offset by the increased value in the property. Especially if in the first instance you buy an affordable and compact lift. It would not be hard to get back what you spent. Naturally if you decide to go for a luxury home lift it might not be as easy to reclaim what you spent. But if it’s given you many more years of independence I would say its paid for itself that way too.

Wish List

Some estate agents have had requests for home lifts, as clients are “future proofing”. When they find the home of their dreams, they do not want old age to stop them living there as long as they can.

Not Having To Move

By making adaptations to your home you do not have to face the high costs of moving because mobility became an issue. The less house moves you do the less you spend. it can cost 20k to move, between the survey, estate agent costs and stamp duty. Naturally though you will need to balance that cost against the amount you will spend installing a home lift. But if you are settled and happy in your current home it makes sense to make the changes even if it costs slightly more. Lift prices start from about £15k but you can spend £28k for a more sophisticated lift.

More Accessible

Your house becomes more accessible for everyone. The accessibility needs might not just be your own, but those of visitors to your home. By investing in a home lift, visitors can get all around your house and do not feel like they are missing out when you move to a different part of the house.