Through-the-Floor Elevators installed in a Minnesota home by Ocel Builders

Home Elevators

Through-the-Floor Elevators

A through-the-floor elevator travels between two levels by passing through an opening in the ceiling and floor, with no separate shaft, no machine room, and far less construction than a traditional elevator. It's the most retrofit-friendly way to add real elevator access to an existing home.

Elevator access without the construction

Adding a traditional elevator to an existing home can mean building a shaft and finding room for a machine space. A through-the-floor elevator skips all of that: the cab simply rises through a neat opening between two floors, then returns, leaving the lower level open. For many Minnesota homes, it’s the simplest way to get true elevator convenience.

Why homeowners love it

  • Retrofit-friendly: no separate shaft or machine room to build.
  • Space-saving: compact footprint that clears the lower floor when parked up top.
  • Carries a wheelchair: full standing, seated, or wheelchair use between floors.
  • Lower cost: less construction than a conventional elevator.

Is it right for your home?

Through-the-floor elevators connect two levels beautifully. If you need to serve three or more stops, a traditional home elevator may be the better fit; if you want the simplest self-contained option, look at home lifts. We’ll match the solution to your floor plan.

Licensed, permitted, inspected

Every elevator we install is permitted and inspected as a Minnesota Limited Elevator Contractor, with framing and finish handled under our Builders License, as one accountable team. Financing is available for larger projects. Request a free assessment.

Frequently asked

Questions about through-the-floor elevators

Why is a through-the-floor elevator less expensive?

Because it needs no separate hoistway or machine room, it requires far less construction than a traditional shaft elevator. That makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to add elevator access to an existing home.

How much space does it take up?

Very little. The cab occupies a compact footprint on the lower floor and lands in a matching spot upstairs. When it's on the upper level, the lower floor is clear.

Does it still need a permit and inspection?

Yes. It's still a permitted, inspected elevator. Ocel Builders is a licensed Minnesota Limited Elevator Contractor and handles permits and inspection for you.

Platinum Dealer

We install and service the Savaria line

Home elevators, through-floor lifts, stairlifts, and wheelchair lifts, installed by a Minnesota Limited Elevator Contractor and backed by our own service team. One company for the equipment, the permit, the inspection, and the call you make three years from now.