Installing a residential elevator is an investment, it adds value to your property. However it’s not common to see houses in New Zealand having home elevators installed even on properties with 2-3 storeys. Home elevators are more than choosing a lift and plugging it in. At Canny Elevators, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, architects, and developers navigate the design, consent, and installation process. It really isn’t complicated at all (especially after reading this guide!)
If you’re considering a home elevator, we will walk you through everything you need to know to get it right — the first time.
1. Is Your Home Suitable for a Lift?
Before getting into quotes or finishes, the first step is checking whether your current home — or planned build — can accommodate an elevator physically.
Thanks to modern machine-room-less (MRL) technology and compact shaft designs, most New Zealand homes — including existing ones — are suitable for a residential lift.
Site Considerations:
- Shaft space: Our smallest models require as little as 1m² of internal shaft space
- Power supply: A 230V single-phase connection is sufficient for most residential lifts
- Overhead height & pit depth: Varies by model, but generally requires only minimal headroom and a shallow pit (we’ll provide specs per model)
- Floor structure: Whether timber or concrete, your flooring must be assessed for load-bearing capacity
- Access during install: There needs to be enough room to bring the lift components into your home
If you’re retrofitting into an existing home, we offer a free site consultation to confirm feasibility and help you plan the next steps.
2. Building Consent & NZ Compliance
In New Zealand, residential lifts are regulated under the Building Act 2004 and usually require building consent. At Canny, we support you through this process from start to finish.
Key Regulatory Considerations:
- Building Consent: Required in most cases. We supply consent-ready drawings for submission and can coordinate with the right trades to assist with documentation and approvals.
- NZ Building Code (Clause D2/AS2 – Mechanical Installations for Access): Our lifts are fully compliant with this section, which governs safe access via mechanical means.
- NZS 4334:2012 – Passenger Lifts for Private Residences: This standard outlines the specific safety and performance requirements for residential lifts in New Zealand. Our systems are designed and installed in accordance with NZS 4334:2012.
- Accessibility Requirements (NZS 4121): If the elevator is being installed to support mobility or aging-in-place needs, the design must meet NZS 4121, which covers door widths, cabin dimensions, and control heights for accessible use.
- Final Inspection & Sign-Off: All installations are signed off by a qualified lift inspector or building professional to ensure compliance with local council and national safety requirements.
Our elevators are designed to meet — and often exceed — New Zealand safety standards, with features including door interlocks, motion detection, overspeed protection, and a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for emergency lowering during power cuts.
3. Types of Residential Elevators Available in NZ
Choosing a home elevator isn’t just about size or looks — the drive system, shaft requirements, and energy consumption all affect long-term use and installation feasibility. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types available in New Zealand:
1. Traction Elevators (Gearless or Geared)
- Uses a counterweight and traction motor with steel ropes
- Can be machine-room-less (MRL) or require a separate room (Canny Elevators uses MRL)
- Generally quieter, smoother, and more energy-efficient
- More suitable for multi-level homes or where future-proofing is key
- Often more complex to install but easier to maintain long-term
2. Hydraulic Elevators
- Uses a piston and fluid to push the elevator up
- Requires a machine room and often a larger footprint
- Can be noisier and less energy-efficient
- Easier to install in short-term applications or lower-rise homes
- Typically lower initial cost, but higher running costs
3. Screw Drive or Chain Drive Elevators
- Compact systems using a rotating screw or chain mechanism
- Lower cost, but often noisier and slower
- Common in smaller renovations or budget-conscious builds
- May have limited customisation options
4. Vacuum Elevators
- Uses air pressure to lift and lower the car in a tube
- No shaft or pit needed, very space-efficient
- Aesthetic and modern, but limited in capacity and travel height
- Less common and harder to service in NZ
Each system has pros and cons. If you’re unsure, it helps to talk to a specialist who can assess your home and priorities (space, design, accessibility, resale value, etc.).
4. Installation Timeframes & What to Expect
While the process may seem daunting, a typical residential elevator installation in New Zealand can be broken down into clear, manageable steps:
General Timeline (for compliant, standard installations):
| Stage | Typical Duration |
| Site inspection & quoting | 1–2 weeks |
| Design finalisation & consent drawings | 1–2 weeks |
| Council consent approval | 4–6 weeks (varies by council) |
| Manufacturing & shipping | 6–8 weeks |
| Site preparation | 1–2 weeks |
| Lift installation & commissioning | 2-3 weeks |
Total time: ~10–16 weeks depending on complexity, local council processing times, and customisations.
What affects the timeline?
- Whether you’re retrofitting vs. building new
- If structural modifications are needed
- Your local council’s speed with building consents
- Customised features (e.g., glass cabins, automated doors)
Working with experienced local contractors or vendors who understand NZ regulations can significantly reduce time and frustration. At Canny Elevators, we aim to deliver the project within 8 weeks.
5. Common Design & Structural Considerations
Elevators aren’t plug-and-play — your builder and/or architect will need to make sure your structure supports the weight and clearance the lift requires.
Key Design Factors:
- Shaft size: Minimum dimensions vary by lift type — as small as 1000 × 1000 mm for some models
- Pit depth & overhead height: You’ll typically need 150–300 mm pit depth and 2800–3200 mm of overhead space
- Wall support: Reinforced shaft walls are often required, especially for traction lifts
- Floor penetrations: Floors may need to be cut between levels — particularly in retrofits
Retrofitting Tips:
- Lifts can often be added externally to the building with glass or steel framing
- Corner installations are common in homes with open staircases or voids
- MRL (machine-room-less) systems reduce the need for extra space
6. Cost Range & Ongoing Maintenance
Residential Elevator Comparison – NZ Market Overview
| Type | Estimated Price Range | Space Required | Noise Level | Energy Efficiency | Maintenance | Summary |
| Screw or Chain Drive | $55,000 – $65,000 | Very Compact | Noisy | Low | Frequent | Budget-friendly but limited in performance and ride comfort. |
| Hydraulic System | $35,000 – $55,000 | Requires machine room | Moderate–Loud | Low | High (fluid leaks, pump servicing) | Traditional but outdated — higher long-term maintenance. |
| Traction Lift (MRL) | $48,000 – $68,000+ | Compact shaft, no machine room | Quiet | High | Low | Best overall balance of design, performance, and efficiency. |
| Vacuum Tube | $60,000 – $100,000+ | Very compact | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Stylish and space-saving but expensive and limited in capacity. |
Why MRL Traction Lifts Are Often the Smartest Long-Term Choice:
- Require no machine room, saving design and construction space
- Offer smooth, quiet rides ideal for residential settings
- Deliver better energy efficiency over time than hydraulic or screw drive options
- Require less ongoing maintenance than fluid-based or mechanical systems
- Fully compatible with NZ’s safety and building codes
Prices depend on number of stops, custom finishes, installation complexity, and labour costs.
Ongoing Maintenance
- Most lifts require annual servicing to maintain compliance and reliability
- Some systems (e.g., hydraulic) may require more frequent servicing or oil replacement
Ask your installer about local support availability, spare parts, and long-term warranty coverage
7. Final Considerations: What to Ask Before You Commit
Before signing off on a residential lift installation, ask:
- What is the total installed cost, including consent and construction?
- Is the elevator system serviced locally, and are spare parts readily available in NZ?
- Will it meet all NZ compliance and safety standards?
- What is the lead time from order to completion?
- What happens during a power outage? Is there emergency backup?
If you’ve made it this far, you’re well ahead of most people looking into home elevators. The process isn’t complicated — but it does require planning, good advice, and the right team behind you.