What’s the Price of an Outdoor Incline Elevator?
If you’ve ever considered installing a Hillside Lift, also known as an outdoor incline elevator, you might be wondering about the cost… However, the truth is that pricing for these lifts isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. Because each lift is custom-designed to fit the unique characteristics of the property and the specific needs of the customer, the cost can vary significantly. In this post, we’ll explain why it’s impossible to provide an exact price without first assessing your hill and discussing your requirements, and we’ll also explore the factors that influence the overall cost of a hillside lift. We do provide free estimates once we have analyzed the site, so give us a call or email and we can ballpark you as soon as possible!
Why Each Hillside Lift is Unique
Unlike many other products where you can simply look up a price tag, hillside lifts are solutions tailored to your property’s specific terrain and your personal preferences. Here’s why:
- Custom Design for Your Property:
- Every property is different, and so is every hillside. The incline, length, and terrain of your hill play a crucial role in the design of your lift. A steep, rocky slope will require a different approach compared to a gentle, grassy incline. Because of these variations, the lift needs to be custom-engineered to ensure it operates safely and effectively on your specific hillside.
- Personalized Features and Options:
- Beyond the basic functionality, there are numerous options available that can further customize your lift. For example, you might choose to have the rails powder-coated in a custom color that complements your landscape or home. Additionally, the landings at the top and bottom of the lift can be constructed from different materials, such as aluminum or wood, depending on your aesthetic preferences and durability requirements. These choices will also influence the final price.
- Consideration of the Terrain:
- The ground type on your property is a major factor in determining the cost of installation. Different terrains require different foundations and construction methods. For instance, a hill made of solid rock might necessitate more intensive labor and specialized equipment to secure the lift, whereas a sandy or gravelly hill might require additional stabilization measures. The length of the hill is another critical factor; longer lifts naturally require more materials and labor, contributing to a higher cost.
Why An Onsite Evaluation Is Crucial
Given the variables involved—terrain type, hill length, custom options, and more—it’s not possible to provide an accurate price without first seeing the site and understanding your specific needs. Here’s how we determine the price:
- Site Assessment:
- The first step is to conduct a thorough assessment of your property. This involves evaluating the hill’s incline, measuring its length, and examining the ground conditions. This onsite evaluation helps us understand what will be required to install the lift safely and efficiently.
- Customer Consultation:
- Next, we discuss your preferences and requirements. Do you want a particular color for the rails? Are you interested in aluminum or wooden landings? Would you like additional features such as safety metal perforation on the landing? These decisions are essential in tailoring the lift to your needs and will influence the final cost.
- Custom Quote:
- Once we have all the necessary information, we can provide a custom quote that reflects the specific design and installation requirements of your hillside lift. This quote will account for the materials, labor, and any additional features you’ve selected.
Factors That Influence the Cost
To summarize, it’s impossible to give a one-size-fits-all price, here are some of the key factors that will affect the overall cost of your hillside lift:
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- Length of the Hill: Longer hills require more materials and labor, resulting in a higher cost.
- Terrain Type: Rocky, sandy, or gravelly terrains may require specialized installation techniques, influencing the price.
- Custom Features: Options like custom powder coating, choice of landing materials, and additional features can add to the overall cost.
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- Location & Permitting: The location of your property and the required permits can also affect the price. We install hillside lifts across many states in the USA and handle all necessary permitting for each state and county. The process of traveling for installation and securing the required permits can slightly influence the overall cost.
Conclusion
The price of a hillside lift or outdoor incline elevator is as unique as the property it’s installed on. Because each lift is custom-designed to meet the specific needs of the customer and the unique characteristics of their hill, we can’t provide an exact price without first conducting a thorough assessment. However, by understanding the factors that influence the cost—such as the length of the hill, the type of terrain, and your custom preferences—you can get a better sense of what to expect. If you’re considering a hillside lift, the best way to get started is to contact us for a personalized consultation and site assessment, so we can design a solution that perfectly suits your property and your needs.