Drive through any Denver suburb built between 1955 and 1985 and you will see them everywhere: the bi-level, with its split entry, and the tri-level, with living room, bedrooms and family room each on a different plane. They are efficient, affordable houses. They are also all stairs.
The good news
Every flight in these homes is short and straight, usually six to eight steps. That is the easiest kind of staircase for a stair lift. The planning question is which flights to equip.
Bi-level homes
You enter on a landing halfway between two floors.
- A lift on the upper flight reaches the kitchen, living room and bedrooms
- A lift on the lower flight reaches the family room, laundry and garage
- Many households start with the upper flight and add the lower one if needed
Tri-level homes
The entry is on the main level, with a half flight up to the bedrooms and a half flight down to the lower level.
- The flight to the bedrooms is normally the priority
- The lower flight matters if the laundry or a bathroom is down there
Fitting a lift on a short flight
- Space at the top and bottom is tight, so the parking position is planned carefully
- A folding rail keeps the entry landing clear
- The seat swivels at the top for a safe exit
If walking between lifts is difficult
Two lifts mean two transfers. If that is too much, consider reorganizing the home so that daily life happens on two levels, or look at a compact home elevator positioned where the levels meet.
For wheelchair users
A stair lift is not suitable. A short-rise or inclined platform lift can carry a wheelchair between levels, and the garage is often the best entry point.
Have your home assessed
See our stair lifts. Nationwide Lifts of Colorado will walk through your home and recommend a plan. Call (303) 942-0810 or request a free in-home assessment.