Planning a Home Elevator in New Construction: A Guide for Boise Builders and Homeowners
The cheapest time to add a home elevator is before the house is framed. Planning it into the drawings avoids cutting floors later, keeps the shaft where it works best, and lets the electrical and HVAC go around it from the start.
This guide is for homeowners building in Eagle, Star, Meridian, Kuna and across the Treasure Valley, and for the builders and architects designing those homes. To plan one, contact us or call (208) 329-5006.
When to bring in the elevator company
- During design, before plans go to permit. The elevator type decides the shaft size, pit depth, overhead clearance and where the machine or pump sits.
- Before framing, so the shaft walls, headers and floor openings are framed to the elevator’s specifications.
- Before rough electrical, so the dedicated circuit, lighting circuit and phone or communication line are in place.
- Before drywall, to confirm shaft dimensions and plumb before the walls close.
Bringing the elevator in late is the most common reason for costly changes on site.
What the plans need to include
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Shaft (hoistway) size | Set by the elevator model and cab size. A wheelchair-size cab needs a larger shaft. |
| Pit | Many elevators need a shallow pit poured with the foundation. Much easier now than later. |
| Overhead clearance | The space above the top stop. Affects roof and truss design. |
| Machine or pump location | Hydraulic models need room nearby for a pump; machine-room-less models don’t. |
| Electrical | Dedicated circuit, disconnect, lighting and an emergency phone or communication line. |
| Doors and landings | Which side each floor opens on, and clear space to enter at every level. |
| Codes and permits | Private-residence elevators are covered by ASME A17.1, Section 5.3. Your city or county sets the permit and inspection steps. |
Not ready for an elevator yet? Build “elevator-ready”
Many owners want the option without buying the elevator on day one. An elevator-ready plan usually means:
- Stacked closets on each floor, framed to future shaft dimensions
- Floor framing designed so the openings can be cut later without major structural work
- A pit or slab detail at the bottom level, if the chosen elevator type needs one
- An electrical conduit or circuit run to the future machine location
- Ducts, plumbing and wiring kept out of the future shaft
It costs little during the build and can save a lot of construction later. Many families building for retirement or for aging parents choose this route.
For builders and contractors
If you’re building custom or semi-custom homes in the Treasure Valley, involve us early in design so the elevator fits the plans, the schedule and the budget. We can talk through options with you and your client, explain what each elevator type needs from the structure, and coordinate around your schedule.
Call (208) 329-5006 or send us your project details.
More for the trade: home elevators for builders, contractors and architects.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to put an elevator in during construction?
Yes. Building the shaft, pit and electrical with the house avoids cutting finished floors and moving systems later.
What size elevator should I plan for?
If anyone might use a wheelchair, plan a cab and doors big enough now. It’s hard to enlarge a shaft later.
Do I need a machine room?
Not always. Machine-room-less traction and some other drive types don’t. Hydraulic elevators need space for a pump nearby.
How many stops can a home elevator have?
Residential elevators commonly serve two to four or more levels, including basements and garages, depending on the model.
Do you work outside Boise?
Yes. Our main service area is Boise and the Treasure Valley, plus roughly 250 miles around Boise. See areas we serve.
Plan your elevator before you frame
Whether you’re the homeowner or the builder, the earlier we see the plans, the smoother the install. Contact us or call (208) 329-5006.
Already living in your home? Read adding an elevator to an existing home or how much a home elevator costs.