Home Elevator Stair Removal
Removing a staircase to install a home elevator may seem straightforward, but this decision involves several critical considerations to ensure compliance with building codes, functional design, and safety standards. Below, we’ll explore three of the most important factors to keep in mind when planning this transformative renovation.
1. Maintaining Adequate Egress: Safety Comes First
One of the most important aspects of removing a staircase is ensuring that the upper floors of your home still meet building code requirements for safe egress (i.e. fire exits). Codes mandate that every floor must have at least two viable escape routes in case of an emergency. Since stairs often serve as one of these routes, removing them means you’ll need to plan for an alternative.
If your home’s design naturally includes another egress, such as a sloping lot with ground-level access to an upper floor, you may already meet this requirement. Homes with existing exterior staircases may also comply. However, if neither of these options exists, another interior or exterior staircase will need to be incorporated into the design.
This isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s also about ensuring the safety and peace of mind of everyone in your household. At Sterling Elevators, our team collaborates with architects and contractors to ensure your home remains safe and functional while accommodating your new elevator.
2. Accommodating the Elevator Footprint: Size and Space Requirements
The footprint of a home elevator is another critical factor. Many residential staircases are 32 to 36 inches wide, which is not sufficient for the installation of a standard elevator shaft. At Sterling Elevators, the smallest shaft we can install is roughly 42” x 42” inches, but 48” x 48” inches is the smallest we recommend for comfortable entry, exit, and equipment housing.
This difference in dimensions may require repurposing adjacent spaces such as closets, hallways, or parts of a room. Modifications to ceiling or floors may also be necessary, as the elevator shaft requires an 8” inch pit below entry level and some overhead travel space.
Our experts at Sterling Elevators will assess your home and guide you through the design process to ensure the elevator integrates seamlessly into your existing space, balancing functionality and aesthetics.
3. Planning for the Machine Room
The placement of the elevator’s machine room is another important consideration. Some state building codes, including Georgia, require a dedicated machine room to house the elevator pump, control boards, and electrical service. Even if a dedicated room is not required, these components must still be installed near the elevator shaft.
This means additional space near the former staircase may need to be allocated for the machine room. Options might include repurposing a nearby closet or expanding into an unused area of the home. Our team works with you to plan the placement of these components to ensure they are accessible for maintenance while fitting seamlessly into your home’s layout.
At Sterling Elevators, we pride ourselves on delivering customized solutions that enhance your home’s accessibility and functionality. By addressing egress requirements, elevator footprint, and machine room placement, we help you navigate the complexities of removing a staircase for a home elevator installation. Contact us today to discuss how we can make your home elevator a reality.