Question 1

What is the typical warranty for stair lifts, vertical platform lifts, and residential/home elevators?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturers provide a limited parts warranty on their products. Depending on the Manufacturer and the specific project, the parts warranty periods typically range from 1 to 5 years. Premier Lift Products, Inc. complements the manufacturer’s warranty by including a limited 1-year labor warranty on our installations.

Question 2

My stairway has an open railing on the side where I want the lift installed; do I need to build a wall to accommodate a stair lift?

Accepted Answer

NO, Stair lifts are typically anchored to the stair treads, not the wall. So, the wall is not needed. We can install a stair lift regardless of the wall configuration.

Question 3

How wide does a stairway need to be in order to use a stair lift?

Accepted Answer

Most stair lifts are designed to fit in a standard 36″ wide stairway. When the seat and foot rest are folded, most stair lifts typically take up only 11”-15″ of the stairway. This leaves ample room for someone to pass by the lift when not in use. Elevator code dictates there be a minimum clearance of 20”: when the unit is folded and not in use.  Therefore by using one of the narrower lifts, we can theoretically accommodate a stair as narrow as 31”.  HOWEVER, the size of the rider must also be calculated into the decision as to whether or not the lift will work.

Question 4

Can you use a stair lift on a stairway with a landing or turn?

Accepted Answer

YES, custom built stair lifts can accommodate almost any stair configuration: landings, turns, curves, spirals, multiple angles and inside or outside radius situations. Park positions can be added to move the unit completely off the stairway for easier transfers or simply to have the unit completely out of the way when not in use.

Question 5

When installing a residential/home elevator, can I remove my stairs and install the elevator in their place?

Accepted Answer

NO – Building code requires a stairway regardless of the placement of the elevator. The only possible exception to this rule is if the home has exterior egress at each level, meaning you can walk outside to grade at all levels.  However, special circumstances should be discussed with your local building official.

Question 6

Is a phone required in a residential/home elevator?

Accepted Answer

YES – In case of an emergency, a land-line phone is required. It is for your safety – No exceptions!  Cell phones are not acceptable. A phone is provided with every elevator we install; the homeowner is responsible for providing the phone service.

Question 7

How big is a residential/home elevator cab?

Accepted Answer

The standard size for most manufacturers is 3’x4′ or 12 square feet with a 750 pound capacity. The largest car allowed by Minnesota code is 15 square feet with a lifting capacity of 950 pounds.

Question 8

Can residential elevators serve more than one unit in a condo?

Accepted Answer

NO – According to MN building and elevator code, residential elevators can only serve one single family dwelling unit.

Question 9

What defines the difference between a public/commercial application and a private residence application?

Accepted Answer

Simply put, if the building is not a “single family private residence”, it is considered a public/commercial application by the elevator & building code.

Question 10

What happened to Tri State Lift? Were they affiliated with Premier Lift Products, Inc.?

Accepted Answer

No affiliation Tri-State-Lift, formerly of Owatonna, MN then more recently of Ellendale, MN went out of business in 2009. Even though the two companies had similar product lines and geographic locations, they were never affiliated. Rest assured Premier Lift Products, Inc. stands ready to serve all of your accessibility needs. We can service all of the same products as Tri-State-Lift did and more.

Frequently asked questions