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Kayla Fawe2026-03-26 10:42:152026-04-03 07:45:17Do Home Lifts Need a Shaft? Colorado Installation Guide
Do All Home Lifts Require a Shaft?
Not all home lifts require a traditional shaft (also called a hoistway).
Some residential elevators are installed inside a framed shaftway that runs between floors, while others are designed specifically for retrofit situations where construction needs to be minimized.
Choosing the right system depends on:
- Number of floors
- Available space
- Whether the home is new construction or existing
- Long-term accessibility goals
Understanding these factors helps determine whether a shaft-based or shaftless lift is the right solution.
Home Elevators That Require a Shaftway
Traditional residential elevators typically operate inside a framed shaftway structure that supports safe travel between floors.
These systems are often selected when:
- Building a new home
- Planning long-term accessibility
- Traveling between multiple floors
- Integrating a lift into the home’s architecture
Morning Star Elevator installs home elevator systems designed for smooth travel, quiet operation, and reliable long-term use in both new construction and retrofit environments across Colorado.
Shaftless Home Lift Options for Existing Homes
Many Colorado homeowners explore shaftless lift options when space is limited or when they want to avoid major remodeling.
Shaftless elevators travel through a floor opening between levels and are commonly used in:
- Two-story homes
- Mountain properties
- Retrofit projects
- Compact layouts
These solutions are often installed as small home elevators designed for existing homes, helping homeowners preserve space while improving accessibility.
Self-Supporting Home Lift Systems
Some residential lifts include their own integrated shaft structure as part of the system itself.
These lifts are often chosen for:
- Modern homes
- Open floor plans
- Homeowners interested in a visible design feature
- Projects where installation flexibility matters
Because the shaft is part of the lift system, installation can often require less framing than a traditional residential elevator.
Exterior Lift Options for Entry Access
In some homes, the most practical accessibility solution is installed outside the structure.
Exterior lift systems are commonly used to provide access between:
- Ground level and entryways
- Garages and main floors
- Decks or raised first floors
These installations are especially helpful in Colorado homes with elevation changes or split-level entry conditions.
Choosing the Right Lift Starts with the Right Plan
Whether your home requires a traditional shaftway elevator or a compact shaftless system, Morning Star Elevator can help you explore the best accessibility options for your layout.
When a Platform Lift May Be the Right Solution
Platform lifts are sometimes used in residential settings where accessibility is needed over shorter travel distances.
They are often installed for:
- Entry-level access
- Porch or garage transitions
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Situations where ramps are not practical
Morning Star Elevator installs vertical platform lifts and other accessibility equipment designed to improve mobility safely and efficiently in both homes and light commercial spaces.
Choosing the Right Lift for Your Home
The best solution depends on your home’s structure, accessibility goals, and how much construction is practical for your project.
Morning Star Elevator works with homeowners across Colorado to evaluate layout conditions, recommend the right lift solution, and coordinate installation from planning through completion.
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Kayla Fawe2026-03-26 10:42:152026-04-03 07:45:17Do Home Lifts Need a Shaft? Colorado Installation Guide