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Home Elevators

Home Elevators

A residential elevator is the most complete accessibility solution there is — it carries you, a wheelchair, and even groceries between floors with total independence. Ocel Builders installs home elevators across Minnesota under a state Elevator License, handling design, permits, installation, and inspection start to finish.

Independence on every floor

For homeowners who want the most complete, dignified way to move between levels, nothing matches a residential elevator. You step or roll in, press a button, and arrive on the next floor — with a wheelchair, a walker, laundry, or groceries. It’s the solution that removes the barrier entirely rather than working around it.

Ocel Builders installs home elevators throughout the Twin Cities under a Minnesota Elevator License. That license matters: elevators are permitted, inspected equipment, and installing one legally and safely requires a licensed contractor. We handle the engineering, permits, construction, and inspection as one accountable team.

Types of home elevators we install

  • Residential elevators — traditional enclosed-cab elevators serving two or more floors, with a range of drive systems and cab finishes.
  • Through-the-floor elevators — a space-saving lift that passes through the ceiling/floor with no separate shaft or machine room. Ideal for retrofits.
  • Home lifts — compact, self-contained lifts that install quickly with minimal construction, often in a corner of a room.

Choosing the right elevator

The best elevator for your home depends on how many floors you’re connecting, how much construction you want, your budget, and the look you’re after. Traditional shaft elevators offer the smoothest ride and the widest cab options; through-the-floor and self-contained lifts trade some size for far simpler, less invasive installation. During your free assessment we measure the space, review drive-system and cab options, and lay out the least disruptive path to a finished, inspected elevator.

Home elevator vs. platform lift vs. stair lift

An enclosed elevator is the premium solution and typically adds resale value. A vertical platform lift is a lower-cost way to carry a wheelchair a short vertical distance, often outdoors or over a few steps. A stair lift is the most affordable option of all when the rider can transfer to a seat. We’ll walk you through the trade-offs honestly so you invest in the right solution the first time.

Licensed, permitted, inspected — done right

Because we hold both a Minnesota Elevator License and a Minnesota Builders License, Ocel Builders can do the framing, electrical coordination, elevator installation, and code inspection under one roof. As a Minnesota Medicaid provider (NPI and UMPI) and CAPS-certified aging-in-place specialist, we can also help you explore waiver funding, VA grants, and financing.

Frequently asked

Questions about home elevators

How much does a home elevator cost in Minnesota?

Most residential elevators install for roughly $30,000–$60,000 depending on the number of floors, drive system, cab finish, and how much construction the shaft requires. Through-the-floor models can be less because they need no separate hoistway. We give a firm quote after a free in-home assessment.

Do I need a permit and inspection for a home elevator in Minnesota?

Yes. Residential elevators must be permitted and inspected. Ocel Builders holds a Minnesota Elevator License, pulls the permits, and coordinates the required inspections so your installation is fully code-compliant.

How much space does a home elevator need?

Less than most people think. Compact and through-the-floor models fit into a closet-sized footprint and don't always require a separate machine room. We assess your floor plan and recommend the model that fits with the least construction.

What's the difference between a home elevator and a stair lift?

A stair lift carries a seated rider along the staircase and is far less expensive. A home elevator carries a person, wheelchair, or mobility scooter in an enclosed cab between floors — the right choice for full-time wheelchair users or anyone who wants the most seamless, home-value-adding solution.