A great many homes in Hawaii stand on posts and piers. Raising the house keeps it cool and dry, and it has been the way to build here for generations. It also puts the floor three, four or five feet above the ground, with steps at the front and back. For a family member in a wheelchair, those steps are the first barrier.
Ramp or lift
A ramp at a safe slope needs about a foot of length for every inch of height. A floor four feet up means close to fifty feet of ramp, with landings. On a typical lot there is rarely room.
A vertical platform lift goes straight up. It takes up only a few square feet of ground.
How it works
The user rolls onto the platform at ground level and holds a control. The platform rises to the level of the porch or lanai, and a gate opens.
Where to put it
- Beside the front steps
- At the carport, rising to a side door
- At the back lanai
The best spot is usually the one closest to where the car is parked, with a firm path between.
What is needed
- A level concrete pad
- A sound landing at the top. Older lanai framing should be checked.
- A gate at the upper level
- Power
Built for the climate
Outdoor lifts are made to cope with rain and sun. In Hawaii, corrosion resistance matters most. Rinse the lift with fresh water from time to time and have it serviced regularly.
Inside the house
Single-wall homes often have narrow doorways and a step down to the bathroom. Look at the whole route.
Two-story homes
If the house has an upper floor, a home elevator or a stair lift covers the stairs inside.
For family caregivers
A lift ends the need to carry or bump a wheelchair up steps, which protects both the rider and the helper.
Have your home assessed
Nationwide Lifts of Hawaii installs Apex platform lifts. Call (888) 323-8755 for a free in-home consultation.