Yes, You Absolutely Can — And Here's Why More Homeowners Are Doing It

Let's address the elephant in the room right away: yes, you can put an elevator in an existing home. You don't need to be building from scratch. You don't need a mansion. And you definitely don't need a Hollywood budget. Thousands of Canadian homeowners have done exactly this — retrofitting a personal elevator into a house that was never designed with one in mind.

Think of it like adding a sunroom or renovating a kitchen. It requires planning, the right contractor, and a quality product. But the result? A home that's safer, more accessible, and honestly, more impressive. Whether you're aging in place, supporting a family member with mobility challenges, or simply want the convenience of an in-home lift — this guide is your starting point.

Cambridge Elevating's dedicated resource on adding elevators to existing homes confirms that with modern shaftless and compact designs, retrofitting has never been more achievable.

Types of Home Elevators: Which One Fits Your House?

Not all residential elevators are created equal, and that's actually a good thing. The variety means there's almost certainly a type that fits your home's existing structure without requiring you to tear down walls or excavate a pit. Here's a quick rundown:

Shaftless Homelifts — The Retrofit Champion

If you're adding an elevator to an existing home, shaftless homelifts are often the #1 recommendation. Why? Because they don't require a traditional shaft or machine room. They're self-contained units that fit between floors through a standard-sized opening. Cambridge Elevating's Homelifts are a perfect example — compact, stylish, and quick to install.

Hydraulic Elevators — Power and Reliability

Hydraulic systems use fluid pressure to move the cab smoothly between floors. They're known for their quiet ride and reliability. Cambridge Elevating's machine room-less hydraulic elevators are engineered for homes where space is precious but performance cannot be compromised.

Glass Cab Elevators — Style Meets Function

Want to make a statement? Glass cab elevators combine architectural beauty with practical mobility. They become a visual centerpiece of your home — not something you hide in a corner.

What the Home Elevator Installation Process Looks Like

Worried the process will turn your home into a construction zone for months? Relax. Modern residential elevator installation is far less invasive than most homeowners expect. Here's what the typical journey looks like from start to finish:

Cambridge Elevating's professional installation services cover all of Ontario and extend across North America through their dealer network. Ontario homeowners benefit from the company's deep experience navigating local building codes and permit requirements.

Home Elevator Cost in Canada: What You Should Budget

Let's be real — cost is probably the first question on your mind. Home elevator cost in Canada varies based on elevator type, number of floors, customization level, and your location. Here's a general range to help you plan:

These figures are estimates. Your actual residential elevator cost will depend on your specific project. Cambridge Elevating offers transparent quotes — no surprises. Homeowners in Ontario can also explore government grants and funding programs that may offset costs for accessibility modifications.

Does a Home Elevator Add Resale Value?

Absolutely — especially as Canada's population ages. Many buyers specifically look for accessible homes. Cambridge Elevating's research on home modifications and resale value offers detailed insight into this question. Short answer: a well-installed, quality elevator adds both function and market appeal.

Cambridge Elevating Model Lineup: Find Your Perfect Elevator

One of the things that sets Cambridge Elevating apart is their range of purpose-built models for every home and budget. Here's a look at their core lineup:

Want to see them in action? Model videos and detailed features & finishes are available on the Cambridge Elevating website to help you visualize exactly what you'd be installing in your home.

Home Elevators for Seniors & the Elderly: Aging in Place, Gracefully

Here's a stat worth pausing on: roughly 90% of seniors say they want to remain in their own homes as they age. That's not just a preference — it's a deeply held desire to maintain independence and dignity. A home lift for elderly residents doesn't just solve a mobility problem; it changes lives.

Stairs become the enemy as we age — or when a family member has a mobility challenge. A residential elevator for seniors eliminates that barrier entirely. No more avoiding upper floors. No more risky trips on slippery steps. Just smooth, safe, dignified movement through your own home.

Stair Lifts vs. Home Lifts: What's the Difference?

Many families start by considering a stair lift, but they have real limitations — they require you to transfer in and out, they don't work well with wheelchairs, and they can feel clinical. Cambridge Elevating's comparison of stair lifts vs. shaftless homelifts breaks down exactly why a residential elevator is often the superior long-term choice.

Key benefits of a home elevator for elderly family members:

Wheelchair accessibility, the ability to carry groceries or laundry between floors, zero transfer risk, a much more dignified experience, and integration with home automation systems for smart home compatibility.

How to Childproof a Home Elevator: Keeping Little Ones Safe

If you have young children or grandchildren in your home, safety is naturally top of mind. The good news: modern residential elevators are engineered with multiple safety layers. But there are also steps you can take as a homeowner to add extra peace of mind.

Built-in safety features to look for:

Door interlocks that prevent operation if doors aren't fully closed, emergency stop buttons inside the cab, phone or intercom systems for communication, weight limit sensors, and slow-close door mechanisms that won't trap small fingers.

Additional childproofing steps:

Install a key-operated call switch so children can't operate the elevator unsupervised. Keep the elevator door closed when not in use. Consider adding a gate at floor-level openings. Educate children early about elevator safety rules — treat it like teaching them about the stove.

Why Choose Cambridge Elevating? Canada's Most Trusted Home Elevator Company

There's no shortage of elevator companies out there — but Cambridge Elevating has earned a reputation that speaks for itself. They're not just selling a product; they're offering a relationship built on craftsmanship, service, and genuine care for the homeowners they work with.

What makes Cambridge Elevating stand out:

They manufacture their own elevators in Canada, meaning quality control is built in from day one. Their dealer network spans all of Canada and extends into the United States, so local service is never far away. They offer a comprehensive warranty and transparent pricing. And their team genuinely cares — from the first call to decades of post-installation support.

Serving Toronto, Elmira, Cambridge & All of Ontario

Looking for residential elevators in Toronto or an elevator contractor near you in Ontario? Cambridge Elevating's Ontario service area covers the entire province. Whether you're in the heart of Toronto or in a smaller community, expert help is available.

Builder & architect resources

Planning a new development? Cambridge Elevating works closely with home builders and developers across Canada, offering technical resources and partnership programs to integrate elevators into new construction seamlessly.

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions