A practical guide for homeowners and property managers who want safer access—without guesswork
Custom lifts aren’t just “nice-to-have” upgrades. In the Treasure Valley, they’re often the difference between staying comfortably in a home, keeping a business welcoming to every visitor, or moving materials efficiently without risking injuries. The best results come from matching the right lift type to your building, your users, and your long-term maintenance plan—not just picking what looks good on a brochure.
This guide breaks down the most common custom lift options in Nampa and nearby areas, what each is best for, and how to plan for safety, inspections, and reliability with fewer surprises.
What “custom lifts” can mean (and why the definition matters)
“Custom lifts” is a broad term. In practice, it usually includes one (or a combination) of these systems:
Residential elevators for multi-level homes and aging-in-place upgrades.
Stair lifts (stair chairs) for seated travel along a staircase.
Wheelchair platform lifts (vertical or inclined) for short rises, porch entries, or interior level changes.
LULA elevators (Limited Use/Limited Application) for certain low-rise commercial accessibility needs.
Dumbwaiters for moving items (groceries, laundry, restaurant supplies) between floors.
Freight/material lifts for heavier commercial loads and back-of-house workflows.
Each category tends to follow different safety standards and code expectations. For example, platform lifts and stairway chairlifts are covered under the ASME A18.1 safety standard. (asme.org) Elevators (including many residential and commercial types) are commonly tied to the ASME A17.1 safety code. (asme.org)
Choosing the right lift: start with the use-case, not the machine
A reliable recommendation should begin with a few practical questions:
Who is the primary user? Walking assistance, wheelchair, caregiver support, or mixed use?
How far is the travel? A few steps/porch rise, one floor, or multiple floors?
What’s the goal? Accessibility compliance, aging in place, comfort/luxury, or material handling.
What space do you have? Stair width, landing clearances, shaft/hoistway feasibility, power availability.
What is the maintenance tolerance? Do you want the simplest system possible, or is advanced control/monitoring a priority?
Matching the lift to these answers prevents the two most common regrets: installing something that’s awkward to use day-to-day, or installing something that becomes expensive because it wasn’t designed for the building’s real constraints.
Quick “Did you know?” facts (that affect safety and compliance)
Did you know? ADA guidance references that platform lifts used in accessible routes must comply with ASME A18.1, and accessible features must be maintained in working order. (access-board.gov)
Did you know? The Idaho Elevator Program publishes adopted codes and program updates (including a noted update effective July 1, 2025). This matters because “what’s required” can change with adoption cycles. (dopl.idaho.gov)
Did you know? ASME A18.1 is written specifically around platform lifts and stairway chairlifts—different equipment, different expectations than a full passenger elevator. (asme.org)
A step-by-step way to plan a custom lift project (home or commercial)
1) Define the “non-negotiables”
Examples: wheelchair-compatible access, quiet operation, minimal footprint, weather exposure at an exterior entry, or the ability to move heavy goods safely. Write these down before looking at model options.
2) Confirm the travel height and landings
One-floor changes can often be solved with a platform lift or LULA (depending on the building type). Multi-level homes typically point toward a residential elevator. Material movement between kitchen floors might be best served by a dumbwaiter rather than a people-lift.
3) Evaluate structure + electrical realities early
A project can look simple until you account for framing, clearances, slab conditions, and routing power. Early evaluation keeps the solution “custom” in the right way—built around your building rather than forcing your building to fit a poor match.
4) Plan for inspection, testing, and ongoing maintenance
Comparison table: which custom lift fits which scenario?
| Lift Type | Best For | Common Locations | Notes to Ask About |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Elevator | Aging in place, multi-level access, long-term home value | Homes with 2+ levels | Controls, ride quality, space/hoistway plan, service access |
| Stair Lift | Seated travel when stairs are the barrier | Straight or curved staircases | Rail path, landing clearance, battery backup |
| Wheelchair Platform Lift | Wheelchair access for short rises or single floor change | Porches, entries, stages, split-level interiors | Weather exposure, gates/doors, code/clearances (ASME A18.1 context) |
| LULA Elevator | Low-rise commercial accessibility needs | Churches, lodges, small facilities | Traffic patterns, inspections, service plan, ADA coordination |
| Dumbwaiter | Moving items safely (not people) | Homes, restaurants, offices | Load rating, door interlocks, workflow design |
| Freight / Material Lift | Heavy loads, safer handling, operational efficiency | Warehouses, back-of-house, industrial spaces | Capacity, guarding, controls, maintenance scheduling |
Tip: If your building needs an accessible route solution, confirm early where lifts are permitted and how they must be maintained. ADA guidance specifically addresses platform lifts and ties them to ASME A18.1. (access-board.gov)
Local angle: what Nampa & Treasure Valley property owners should keep in mind
In Nampa, many homes and small commercial spaces weren’t originally designed around modern accessibility expectations—especially when it comes to landings, stair geometry, and clear floor space at entries. That’s why “custom” matters here: the best lift plan typically includes an on-site evaluation that considers real-life use (mobility devices, caregivers, deliveries, seasonal footwear, and entrance weather exposure).
It’s also important to align your plan with Idaho’s regulatory environment. Idaho’s Elevator Program publishes adopted codes and program information, and it has documented code adoption updates (including an update effective July 1, 2025). (dopl.idaho.gov) If you manage a commercial property, coordinating lift selection, installation, and ongoing inspections early helps avoid schedule delays later.
Talk with a local lift expert about your building and your goals
Idaho Custom Lifts & Elevators helps Nampa-area homeowners and property managers plan, install, and maintain custom accessibility solutions—from residential elevators and stair lifts to wheelchair platform lifts, LULA elevators, dumbwaiters, and freight lifts.
FAQ: Custom lifts, elevators, and accessibility equipment in Nampa
What’s the difference between a wheelchair platform lift and a residential elevator?
A platform lift is often used for shorter travel and specific accessibility situations (like an entry rise or a small level change). Residential elevators are designed for regular, multi-level passenger travel and can be a better fit for daily use across multiple floors.
Do platform lifts and stair lifts have safety standards?
Yes. The ASME A18.1 standard covers the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of platform lifts and stairway chairlifts. (asme.org)
Can a platform lift be used as part of an accessible route in a commercial building?
In certain situations, yes—but the ADA Standards include rules about where platform lifts are permitted and require they comply with ASME A18.1. (access-board.gov) This is a planning step to confirm early with your accessibility and permitting team.
How do I reduce downtime on a lift system?
Choose equipment that fits the building and usage, then commit to routine maintenance with documented service intervals. If your property relies on the lift for daily access, proactive maintenance is typically less disruptive (and less costly) than emergency repairs.
Where can I learn what codes apply in Idaho?
Idaho’s Elevator Program provides statutes, rules, and adopted code information, including program updates. (dopl.idaho.gov) A local elevator contractor can also help interpret how the requirements apply to your specific site.
Glossary (plain-English definitions)
ASME A17.1
A widely used safety code for elevators and escalators. Current listings include a 2025 edition. (asme.org)
ASME A18.1
A safety standard for platform lifts and stairway chairlifts, covering installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair. (asme.org)
LULA (Limited Use/Limited Application) elevator
A low-rise elevator type often used to meet accessibility needs in certain smaller commercial settings where a full passenger elevator may not be the preferred fit.
Accessible route (ADA context)
A continuous, unobstructed path connecting accessible elements in a facility. ADA standards include specific rules on when platform lifts may be used as part of that route. (ada.gov)
Related services: Residential elevators, stair lifts, wheelchair lifts, LULA elevators, freight/material lifts, commercial dumbwaiters, maintenance.