Retro-fitting an elevator into a house that was not designed for an elevator often requires (usually expensive) structural changes and reinforcement.

It can be done, but might be very expensive.

No, you can’t. The elevator shaft is a whole structural thing. You’d have to almost tear them down.

But you can add stairlifts. Try Grace in Motion in Virginia. They’re great and can give you options and costs.

Your best option might be to add the new shaft on the outside so you won’t have to disrupt any of the existing floor framing.

Anonymous wrote:Stairway lifts might be more economical if it works for your situation.

+1

Your first problem is figuring out if you can add an elevator in at all due to structural issues. I know people who sought out full houses with only that aspect in mind and turned down 100 homes before finding one that could accommodate an elevator. You are talking about a townhome with even less footage. The second is cost. They are very expensive. Deal only with a reputable company as to both issues. You may also need HOA approval and permits

Stairway lifts might be more economical if it works for your situation.

Does anyone have any idea about adding elevators to existing homes or townhouses? I’d love to know:
- cost to go up two or three floors;
- best companies in DMV to hire;
- are there certain hard stops re existing electrical or building type?

I’m looking at older units - one group from 50s / 60s / 70s; another from 80s and 90s. Would this be at all a possibility? I welcome referrals to other resources too

Thank you!