For homeowners who have lived in the same house for 5 years, 10 years or longer, their relationship with the stairs often changes gradually. After years of going up and down dozens of times a day without a second thought, the stairs can begin to feel like an obstacle, particularly as the family includes older people or the owners themselves seek greater convenience and plan for retirement.

1. Is an Existing House Structurally Suitable for a Home Lift? (Engineering & Innovation)

In the past, installing a lift could involve extensive rebuilding because conventional elevators had demanding engineering requirements. Today, European innovations, particularly from brands such as KALEA and ANTERA, have removed most of those complications.

Challenges of Other Lift Systems in Completed or Older Homes

If you try to install the kind of lift used in a condominium or shopping centre in an existing home, three major obstacles can arise:

1. A concrete shaft is required (Concrete Shaft): Conventional lifts need a strong concrete structure to support the load and guide the lift. Homes that were not designed for one often lack the space and foundations needed to support a heavy concrete shaft.
2. A lift pit is required (Lift Pit): Most traction or hydraulic systems require excavation 50-150 cm below the floor to accommodate buffers and safety equipment, creating a risk of encountering ground beams or underground pipes.
3. A machine room is required (Machine Room): Traditional lifts need space at the top of the building for the motor and control cabinet, which may require raising the roof.

What Are the Advantages of a KALEA Lift Screw-Drive System in an Existing Home?

The key to making KALEA lifts straightforward to install in completed homes is the screw-drive system (Screw Drive), an intelligent technology from Sweden.

•     Self-Supporting Shaft: The lift comes with an integrated steel or glass shaft, so additional concrete walls are not needed. Its load is transferred directly to the floor rather than pulling on the house structure.
•     Pitless Technology: No deep excavation is required: A shallow pit of just 5-10 cm is sufficient, or a small entrance ramp can be used if you prefer not to excavate.
•     No Machine Room: The motor and drive system are housed inside the lift or shaft, saving space and removing the need for a separate machine room.

What Are the Advantages of an ANTERA Lift Screw-Drive System in an Existing Home?

While KALEA emphasises flexibility, ANTERA takes the architectural experience a step further. ANTERA lifts are designed for homes where the lift is intended to be a 'masterpiece'. For an existing house, ANTERA focuses on materials that blend with the original interior, making the lift look as though it has belonged there from day one rather than appearing as a metal box added afterwards.

2. How Much Space Does an Existing Home Need for a Lift?

'Is my home too small?' is a common concern, but in reality modern home lifts use much less space than you might imagine.

Assessing the Installation Space (Site Inspection)

A standard home lift generally requires a starting area of approximately 1 square metre (around 100x100 cm or 120x120 cm). To picture this, think of a medium-sized wardrobe or the triangular corner space beside a spiral staircase.

Factors to consider beyond width and length:

1. Headroom: The distance from the top-floor surface to the ceiling must accommodate the lift cabin. Newer lifts require just 2.3 - 2.5 metres of headroom, a height commonly available in homes.
2. Clearance (Door Swing): Lift doors may be hinged or sliding. Where the area in front of the lift is narrow, a hinged door that opens to the side may be more suitable.
3. Structural Obstacles: Check whether the proposed installation position intersects a main beam. The specialist team will always assess the structure first.

KALEA vs ANTERA: Comparing Space Requirements and Space Saving

•     KALEA: A leader in space saving, with XS models that require very little room. These suit gaps in stairwells or room corners that might otherwise seem unusable.
•     ANTERA: Focuses on grandeur and design, often requiring slightly more space for features such as 360-degree glass walls or premium cabin finishes that create a refined experience between floors.

3. Does Installing a Home Lift Require Demolition? (Home Renovation)

Fear of damage or clouds of dust makes many homeowners postpone installation. Modern home lift installation, however, is designed to minimise disruption to residents.

What Installation Actually Involves

Installing a lift in an existing home can be divided into three levels of complexity:

1. Zero Impact (No Demolition): Installation in an existing open space, such as the centre of a spiral staircase, or outdoors with only entrance openings created.
2. Minor Adjustment (Small Floor Alterations): Creating a floor opening on the second or third floor for the lift to pass through. This work takes only 1-2 days, with the area carefully screened to contain dust.
3. Tailor-made: Relocating a bathroom or storage room to create space for the lift. This takes longer but can provide the most convenient location.

Why Can KALEA and ANTERA Systems Be Installed Quickly?

Their modular design means that all components are manufactured and tested at the factory before being assembled on site, much like a jigsaw puzzle.

•     KALEA: Emphasises installation speed. Some models can be installed in only 5-7 working days.
•     ANTERA: Although its finishes involve more detail, the underlying system still avoids heavy construction work, making on-site installation much shorter than for conventional lifts.

4. How Does a Lift Change an Existing Home? (Lifestyle Transformation)

Installing a lift is about more than bringing a machine into the house: it unlocks areas of the home that may have been left unused.

Changes You Can Notice

•     Independence: For older residents, climbing upstairs can be risky. A lift allows them to join family meals downstairs or go upstairs to rest whenever they wish, without waiting for someone to help them.
•     Multi-generational Bond: When everyone can access every floor, family activities are no longer limited to the ground floor. A third-floor library or fourth-floor rooftop can become lively again.
•     Safety First: Reduces falls on the stairs, a major cause of injury among older people.

How the Two Brands Differ in Experience

•     KALEA Experience: A sense of reassurance and ease of use. Controls designed for everyone (Universal Design), quiet operation and smooth movement make the lift feel as essential as a refrigerator or air conditioner.
•     ANTERA Experience: A sense of luxury and elevated living. An ANTERA lift can give a home the atmosphere of a five-star hotel or a luxury house featured in a magazine. Each journey feels special through the materials and carefully designed lighting.

5. Which Is Right for Your Existing Home: KALEA or ANTERA?

Choosing the lift brand that is right for you depends on your priorities and the physical characteristics of the building.

Where Is the Pattaya Home Lift Showroom, and What Can You See There?

The KALEA & ANTERA showroom in Pattaya is at The Little Walk Pattaya, Building E. You can try the lifts, see material samples and bring your house plans to discuss the installation location. Experiencing a lift in person makes it easier to compare noise, smoothness of movement and material details than looking at photographs alone.

Wondering whether a screw-driven lift is right for your home? How much does a home lift cost? 

Visit our showroom to try KALEA Lift and ANTERA Lift and experience their design, materials and operation in person. Our team can advise you on models, sizes, installation space and site preparation to help you choose the best fit for your home and needs.

Ask for more information or arrange a showroom visit and lift demonstration with the KALEA Lift and ANTERA Lift team.