From the Outer Banks to Brunswick County, beach houses stand on pilings. The ground level is parking and storage. The first living floor is a story up, and many homes have two more above that, with the kitchen and great room on top to catch the view. It is a lot of stairs for a place meant for relaxing.
Why elevators are so common here
- Unloading a week’s luggage and groceries by stair is exhausting
- Owners want grandparents to be able to visit
- Many plan to retire to the house
- Rental guests look for it
The usual layout
The elevator starts at ground level beneath the house and stops at each floor above. It is normally placed near the entry stair so that everything brought from the car goes straight in.
Building in a flood zone
Homes in coastal flood zones are subject to rules about what may be installed below the flood elevation and how. Elevators for these homes are specified with that in mind. Your builder and local officials can tell you what applies to your lot, and we work with them on the details.
Salt, sand and humidity
- Choose corrosion-resistant finishes
- Keep to a regular maintenance schedule
- Rinse and wipe down exposed surfaces
- Keep sand out of door tracks
Storms
Ask your installer what to do with the elevator before a hurricane or tropical storm, and write the steps down. Have it inspected before use if water has reached the ground level.
Elevator types
A traditional elevator gives the largest cab for carrying loads. A pneumatic elevator needs no pit. We explain which suits your house.
Useful additions
- A dumbwaiter for groceries
- An outdoor stair lift on the entry stairs
New build or existing house
Both are possible. Planning it into a new home costs least.
Talk to us
See our home elevators. Nationwide Lifts of North Carolina serves the coast from Wilmington. Call (910) 377-7643 or request a free home visit.