What to Expect During Your Lift Installation

TLDR: Adding a home elevator doesn’t require weeks of construction. A Stiltz Home Lift is a shaftless, self-supporting system that can typically be installed in just 1 to 2 days. Because it requires no load-bearing walls or machine rooms, the process is clean, quiet, and minimally invasive.

The idea of adding an elevator to an existing home usually conjures up images of jackhammers, month-long construction delays, and dust that travels into every room of the house. For many Utah homeowners, that perception is the biggest barrier to reclaiming their mobility.

However, the Stiltz Home Lift was engineered specifically to solve the “construction headache.” Because it is a shaftless system, the installation process is more akin to installing a high-end appliance than to a major home renovation. As a certified Stiltz installer in Utah, PLH Home Solutions has perfected a “clean-in, clean-out” process that respects your time and your property.

1. Preparing the “Path of Travel.”

The most critical part of the day begins before the lift even arrives. Our team starts by creating the aperture—the neat, rectangular opening in your ceiling and floor that allows the lift to pass through.

We utilize specialized equipment to ensure the cut is surgically precise. If your home uses standard timber joists, our technicians reinforce the surrounding structure to maintain the floor’s integrity (and often improve it) once the work is done. We prioritize dust mitigation by using protective barriers to keep your furniture and air quality undisturbed.

2. The Silent Support: Installing the Twin Rails

Traditional elevators lean on your home’s walls for support. A Stiltz lift is different. It “stands” on its own two feet—specifically, two vertical steel stilts.

• No Load-Bearing Stress: Because the rails bear the weight of the cab and its occupants, we don’t have to tear into your walls to find studs or add heavy bracing.
• Millimeter Precision: These rails are installed with absolute accuracy. This is the secret to the lift’s signature “whisper-quiet” movement; if the rails aren’t perfectly plumb, the lift won’t run. We spend the extra time here to ensure a lifetime of smooth operation.

3. Assembling the Modular Cab

One of the biggest advantages of residential lift construction with Stiltz is that the components are modular. You won’t see a crane in your driveway. Every piece of the lift—from the motor to the polycarbonate panels—is designed to fit through a standard doorway.

Our team assembles the cab on-site. During this phase, we also connect the drive system. Unlike hydraulic lifts that require a separate, noisy machine room and messy oils, the Stiltz motor is tucked away at the top of the cab itself, powered by a simple 220V dedicated outlet (or 110V with a transformer).

4. Calibrating Safety and Sensors

Once the mechanical assembly is complete, we move into the “smart” phase of the install. Every Stiltz lift is equipped with a suite of safety sensors.

• Obstruction Detection: We test the sensors on the top and bottom of the car. If a pet, a stray toy, or even a piece of furniture is in the way, the lift stops instantly.
• Emergency Descent: We walk you through the battery backup system. We’ll even cut the power to show you how the lift will safely and gently lower you to the ground floor during a power outage.

5. The “New Freedom” Orientation

We don’t consider the job finished until you feel completely confident operating the lift. We will spend time with you and your family members, demonstrating:

• How to use the wireless “Call and Send” remotes.
• How the internal “hold-to-run” controls work.
• Simple maintenance tips to keep the rails clean and the lift gliding smoothly.

Key Takeaways for Homeowners

• Speed: Most standard installations are completed in 1 to 2 days.
• No Shaft Required: Since the lift is shaftless, you save thousands on traditional construction costs.
• Power Efficient: Plugs into a standard home outlet; no heavy-duty industrial wiring needed.
• Safety First: Features battery backup for power outages and obstruction sensors to keep pets and children safe.
• Small Footprint: Occupies less than 7 square feet (for Duo models), making it ideal for tight spaces.

Are you ready to see if your home is a candidate for a 48-hour elevator upgrade? Contact PLH Home Solutions today to schedule a site survey. We’ll help you find the perfect spot for your lift and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.