If you want a lift that looks considered and works quietly day after day, budget the whole project, not only the unit. We handle the sequence from survey to handover, so the design holds together, and dates stay predictable. If you are planning a renovation, the cost of a home lift depends on both the unit and the works to install it well.
What’s the difference between unit price and project total for a home lift?
When people search the cost of a home lift, the number they see is often a “from” or unit price. That is the lift itself. The figure you sign off on is the project total everything that gets the lift into your home cleanly and safely.
- Unit price: the lift.
- Project total: surveys and drawings; builders’ works (aperture, trims, steels); electrics and first‑fix; delivery and access protection (and cranage if needed); installation and commissioning; making‑good and decoration; VAT; and a service plan.
- Why compare them: seeing both columns side by side prevents surprises and lets you compare quotes like‑for‑like.
What typically adds to the total (and how to control it)
Plan the builders’ works early: creating the aperture, trimming joists, adding steels where needed, and making good ceilings and walls affects both cost and timeline, so agreeing this scope prevents rework and keeps finishes consistent. Then sort electrics and first‑fix.
Most domestic systems run from a standard supply; we confirm amperage at survey and agree a tidy first‑fix with your electrician to keep installation day smooth. Protect access and logistics by covering thresholds and banisters, setting sensible access windows, and arranging cranage where required so the house stays liveable and finished surfaces stay safe.
Once first‑fix is ready, installation takes days rather than weeks; we commission, witness‑test, and walk you through the handover pack so you know how to use and look after the lift. Finally, making‑good and decoration complete the job; agree this scope up front to keep the look coherent.
Now that you know the moving parts, ask for them to appear clearly on the quote so you can compare the cost of a home lift like‑for‑like.
Do I pay VAT on a home lift and are there reliefs?
VAT usually applies to domestic projects, but relief or reduced rates can apply in specific cases. Your VAT position can meaningfully change the cost of a home lift you approve. Your eligibility depends on your circumstances. The simplest way to stay on track is to make VAT part of the conversation from day one. Ask for it to appear line by line on the quote and the invoice and share any relevant details with your supplier and your accountant before works begin. Rules change, so we confirm the project’s VAT treatment at survey and quote stage and provide documents for any relief claim where that applies.
What should be on an itemised quote?
Start with the product. The model and drive, platform or cabin size, finishes, number of stops, travel, and landing details define what you are buying.
Then check site and programme. Builders’ works and who supplies what, electrics and isolation, delivery and access protection, cranage if needed, installation days, commissioning, and making‑good and decoration show how the lift will get into the house without damage.
Finally, review the commercials. This is where you confirm the cost of a home lift end‑to‑end, not only the unit price. VAT treatment, warranty and service plan, lead times, programme milestones, and the payment schedule keep cost and dates transparent.
Tip: ask for a one‑page summary that shows unit and project totals side by side.
Watch for red flags like missing builders’ works, vague “TBC” on electrics, no line for commissioning, or VAT not shown on the face of the quote.
How much should I allow for site preparation and making‑good?
Every house is different. As a rule, aperture creation and trimming are the main drivers, followed by electrics and making‑good. Where a recess is impractical, we specify a low threshold or neat ramp and protect floor edges, so wheels roll smoothly. Agree door swing at survey; flipping one landing often clears a radiator or balustrade and prevents a daily clash. Thoughtful detailing like this keeps the interior coherent and reduces remedial work later.
What will I spend after installation (ownership costs)?
Plan for service, energy, and wear items. These shape the ongoing cost of a home lift after handover. Annual servicing suits light household use; for heavier use, twice‑yearly can make sense. After commissioning we enable energy‑saving standby and use LED lighting in cabins and on landings to keep bills modest. At service, doors, seals, and batteries are checked. Keep the plan current and ride quality stays consistent and costs stay predictable.
Set a reminder at handover to book the first service. It is the simplest way to keep the ride quiet and comfortable.
How do I keep the programme and cost predictable?
To keep the cost of a home lift predictable, follow a simple playbook.
To keep cost and dates predictable, follow a simple playbook. Start with a survey so we can mark out the aperture, confirm overrun and power, and check approach and turning. Lock the scope in an itemised programme so every trade prices the same job. Protect the route by covering thresholds and banisters before delivery and set access windows that suit the household.
Where do price bands fit in?
Price bands are useful for orientation, but the cost of a home lift is set by your survey and final specification. Use ranges to shortlist models and finishes, then use an itemised programme to set a reliable figure and timeline. If you want model‑level bands, start at our home lifts hub and we will walk you through the options.
Model snapshots: current ‘from’ prices (Morgan Ellis)
These are the latest “from” prices shown on Morgan Ellis product pages at the time of writing and provide context for the cost of a home lift. Final figures are confirmed after survey and specification.
- Stiltz Home Lifts (Duo+ / Trio+): from £14,800. Compact through‑floor lifts for one‑floor travel; Trio+ offers wheelchair‑friendly cabin width. View Stiltz.
- PVE Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators: range hub lists from £29,500; View PVE range and PVE 30 Eco.
- Aritco HomeLift Access: premium enclosed platforms; pricing depends on size and finishes; no public “from” price given. Aritco 4000 & HLA and Aritco HomeLift.
- Altura (Platinum / Diamond): starting from ~£26,500 depending on spec and travel; project‑managed with bespoke options. Altura Platinum and Altura Diamond.
- Overall “prices from” context: Morgan Ellis’ general prices page cites starting price from £14,800 for lifts across the range. See guide.
Note: “From” figures help short‑list options; your project total includes surveys, site works, electrics, access protection, installation, commissioning, VAT, and service.
Why Morgan Ellis (luxury meets function, future‑ready, specialist‑led)
You work with one specialist team from survey → specification → builders’ works coordination → commissioning → handover. We guide type selection and finishes so the lift reads as part of the house, and we keep costs transparent with itemised programmes. Visit the showroom, book a home survey, or start at our home lifts hub to compare models.