A home that only needs travel between two floors can still benefit from an elevator. The cost of an elevator travelling one storey depends on the equipment, floor plan and installation scope. In addition to the elevator price, homeowners need to budget for construction and finishing. In this article, Viet Chao explains each cost before you choose an option.

What does an elevator travelling one storey mean?

“An elevator for one storey” is a common way of describing travel from one floor to the next. If passengers board on the ground floor and leave on the first floor, the system has two stops. When requesting a quotation, provide the building height as well as the number of floors. This information determines the travel distance, number of landing door assemblies and suitable equipment configuration.

How much does a two-stop elevator cost?

There is no single price for every two-stop elevator. Even with a short travel distance, prices vary with the model, rated load, car dimensions, door style and interior. For an initial budget, refer to the following Shanghai Mitsubishi prices by rated-load group.

Note: These are indicative product-group prices, not quotations specifically for two-stop elevators. Available rated loads and actual prices must be confirmed for the model, building conditions and contractual scope.

Do not treat the lowest price in the table as the total finished-project budget. A quotation should clarify whether equipment, transport, installation, tax and construction work are included.

Related reading: imported elevator prices — review product groups and the factors affecting prices.

Read more: Elevator consulting and design | Plan equipment selection and investment for the actual building.

What does the total installation cost include?

The installation budget should separate equipment costs from construction and finishing. In a new building, these items can be coordinated at the drawing stage. In an existing home, creating space for the elevator, addressing structural work and connecting circulation routes can significantly change the total cost. The table below helps you check a quotation before signing a contract.

For Shanghai Mitsubishi elevators, Viet Chao offers a warranty of up to 10 years, providing additional peace of mind for long-term investment and use. The period, applicable conditions and coverage must be confirmed in the contract.

Ask each party to state its responsibilities clearly. A lower equipment quotation does not necessarily mean a lower total budget if many items must be contracted separately.

Read more: Home elevator installation cost | Break down the budget and limit unexpected expenses.

Why does the price not fall in proportion to the number of floors?

Even with only two stops, an elevator is a complete equipment system that needs all the components required for operation and safety. The car, traction machine, controller and safety equipment must still be provided according to the design. Within the same product range and basic configuration, the items that mainly change with travel distance are the number of landing door assemblies, guide rail length, cables and related materials. Halving the number of stops therefore does not mean halving the price.

To establish the actual difference, ask for comparisons using the same model, rated load, interior and construction scope. This identifies the savings from fewer stops rather than comparing quotations that differ in both equipment and work included.

When should a home install an elevator for travel between two floors?

The decision should start with usage needs, not just the height of the house. Even between two floors, an elevator can be valuable when family members find stairs difficult or regularly carry items. Homeowners can consider it in the following situations:

• Older people or people with limited mobility: Reduce repeated stair use during the day and make upper-floor rooms easier to reach.
• Living spaces split between two floors: Bedrooms, living rooms or shared spaces are at different levels.
• Frequent movement of items between floors: Choose a rated load, car and entrance suitable for passengers and the items transported.
• Preparing for long-term needs: Consider possible changes in health, passenger numbers and future room arrangements.
• A home combined with business premises: Assess circulation, usage frequency and users before choosing equipment.

If the purpose is only to lift goods, the equipment option needs a separate assessment. Do not carry people in a lift designed only for goods.

Read more: Elevators for older people | Choose an option suited to long-term usage needs.

How should you choose the rated load and installation location?

Rated load should be selected together with car dimensions, clear door opening and access. A car that accommodates the expected passenger count may not suit a wheelchair or frequently transported items. The location must also connect both floors conveniently and meet structural and equipment requirements. Check the following together before finalizing a layout.

For renovation projects, do not independently cut floors or beams or alter stairs to make space. The designer and equipment supplier should carry out a coordinated survey before deciding on construction work.

What information is needed for a realistic quotation?

Complete input information helps the supplier choose an option close to your needs and limits repeated revisions. If drawings are unavailable, start with site photos, preliminary dimensions and a description of use. Send the following with a quotation request:

• Building address and whether it is a new-build or renovation project.
• Floors to be served, number of stops and floor-to-floor heights.
• Floor plan or photos of the proposed elevator location.
• Dimensions of the existing space and conditions above and below it.
• Number of users and any wheelchair or goods-moving requirements.
• Preferences for car and door materials and shaft enclosure appearance.
• Expected construction and handover dates.
• The scope you want the elevator supplier to handle.

When reviewing a proposal, compare the drawings with the quotation and work schedule. Dimensions found online offer only an initial guide; they do not replace confirmed drawings for the building.

Frequently asked questions

Can an elevator be installed in a home with only a ground floor and one upper floor?

It can be considered if the equipment and building conditions are suitable. The supplier must check the floor plan, travel distance, pit, OH, structure and power supply before confirming an option.

Does a two-stop elevator cost half as much as a four-stop elevator?

The price cannot be calculated in that proportion. Many core components are still required in full; the difference must be established within the same equipment range and supply scope.

What must be checked before installing an elevator in an existing home?

Check the shaft position, structure, pit feasibility, overhead height, access and electrical supply. A survey should take place before altering existing floors, beams or stairs.

Does the elevator quotation include the shaft and power supply?

Do not assume they are included. Read the work schedule, exclusions and responsibilities of each party in the quotation and contract.

Viet Chao advises on elevators for low-rise homes

For a low-rise home, the right option should meet mobility needs and site conditions within the planned budget. Compare the total finished-project cost rather than choosing solely by equipment price. Establishing the number of stops, dimensions and construction scope at the outset helps limit unexpected expenses.

With 22 years of experience in the elevator industry, Viet Chao provides consulting, supply, installation and maintenance solutions nationwide. Experience implementing Shanghai Mitsubishi elevators in homes and many other building types helps the team coordinate equipment selection with actual construction conditions. Send site photos, floor plans and the floors to be served via hotline 0898 55 28 88 for advice on a suitable solution and budget.