Installing a shaftless home elevator usually takes one to three days on site, and an elevator that needs a shaft and a machine room can take three to four weeks, according to Fixr. Allow extra time before that for measuring, drawings, local permits and any building work.
How long does a home elevator take to install?
Fixr says shaftless models can usually be installed in one to three days, while an elevator that requires a shaft and a machine room can take three to four weeks.[1] That is time on site once the space is ready.
| Lift type | Time on site |
|---|---|
| Straight stair lift | About 4 to 5 hours |
| Shaftless through-floor lift | 1 to 3 days |
| Elevator with a shaft and machine room | 3 to 4 weeks |
What is the full timeline from first call to first ride?
- Home visit and measuring. The installer checks the stairs or the space, floor structure and power.
- Choosing the model and signing the quote.
- Drawings and local permits. Florida's elevator law does not cover lifts in private homes, but your city or county building department may still need building, electrical or mechanical permits.[3] Miami-Dade, for example, lists a residential elevator line at $64.38 per elevator.[4]
- Building work. Framing a shaft, cutting a floor opening or adding a circuit.
- Installation and testing, then a walk-through with the rider.
What slows an installation down?
- Permit review times at the local building department
- Structural surprises in the floor or ceiling
- Made-to-order parts, such as a custom cab or a curved stair lift rail
- Condo association approvals
What this means for you
If you need access soon, for example after a hospital stay, ask about a stair lift or a shaftless lift first. For a full elevator, get the whole timeline, including permits, in writing.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a stair lift take to install?
Fixr says a standard straight stair lift takes about four to five hours. Curved rails are made to measure first.
Can the installation be done faster in an emergency?
A stair lift or shaftless lift is the quickest route when someone is coming home from hospital. A full elevator takes weeks.
Will I need to leave the house?
Usually not, though shaft work is noisy and dusty for a few days. Ask your installer how they will protect floors and access.
Sources
- Home Elevator Cost (national cost guide, updated 31 Jan 2025), Fixr. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Stairlift Installation Cost (national cost guide, updated 31 Jan 2025), Fixr. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Florida Statutes Chapter 399, Elevator Safety, Florida Legislature. Accessed October 28, 2026.
- Mechanical permit fee schedule (Category 52, residential elevator), Miami-Dade County. Accessed October 28, 2026.
