A smarter way to plan vertical access—without guessing on safety, code, or long-term service
If you’re searching for custom lifts in Boise, you’re probably balancing a few priorities at once: safe everyday use, clean design, code requirements, and a plan for service that won’t become a headache later. The right lift solution can make a home easier to live in for decades—or help a commercial space meet accessibility expectations while protecting tenants, visitors, and operations.
Below is a practical guide to choosing between common lift types (residential elevators, LULA elevators, platform lifts, stair lifts, dumbwaiters, and freight lifts), what compliance can involve in Idaho, and what to ask before you commit.
What “custom lifts” means (and why it matters in Boise homes and buildings)
“Custom” doesn’t just mean a nicer cab finish or a hidden door. In the elevators and accessibility world, customization often includes:
In Boise and the Treasure Valley, custom planning is especially useful when you’re upgrading for aging in place, adapting a split-level layout, adding access to a daylight basement, or improving public access in a low-rise commercial building.
Quick breakdown: which lift is right for which job?
The “best” choice depends on vertical travel, user needs, how the space is used, and whether the installation is residential-only or open to the public.
| Lift type | Best for | Why people choose it | Common watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential elevator | Multi-level homes, aging in place, long-term accessibility | Most natural “everyday” vertical access; supports mobility devices depending on configuration | Needs proper space planning (hoistway/landing/door swing), safety features, and service plan aligned to code requirements (asme.org) |
| LULA elevator (commercial) | Low-rise buildings needing accessibility | Fits many small commercial footprints while addressing accessibility goals | Must match ADA and ASME elevator requirements for the use case (ada.gov) |
| Vertical platform lift (VPL) | Shorter rise accessibility (often a few feet to one level) | Direct wheelchair access without a full elevator build | Different safety standard than elevators; maintenance expectations still matter (asme.org) |
| Stair lift | Stairs where a wheelchair user isn’t the primary need | Fast install, minimal remodeling, great for day-to-day mobility | Requires safe transfers at top/bottom landings and routine checks (asme.org) |
| Dumbwaiter | Moving groceries, laundry, files, supplies | Convenience + fewer trips on stairs (reduces fall risk) | Not for passengers; needs safe loading areas and compliant install (asme.org) |
| Freight / material lift | Warehouses, back-of-house operations, equipment moves | Built for heavy loads and durable usage cycles | Traffic flow, gate/door safety, and operational training are key for long-term reliability |
Tip: If you’re torn between a platform lift and an elevator for a commercial space, start with how the building is used (public access, occupant load, future tenants), then confirm which category best satisfies accessibility and inspection requirements for that jurisdiction.
Compliance and inspections in Idaho: what property owners should know
In Idaho, elevators and many conveyances fall under the Idaho Elevator Program through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). The program outlines certification/operating fees and notes that existing conveyances include periodic inspection on a five-year cycle as part of the annual “Certificate to Operate” process. (dopl.idaho.gov)
Separately, the ADA Standards (for applicable public accommodations and government facilities) include technical requirements for items like call buttons, hall signals, and reach ranges. ADA guidance also emphasizes that accessible features must be maintained in working order. (ada.gov)
On the safety-code side, the elevator industry commonly references the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (and related standards), which addresses design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair. Platform lifts and stairway chairlifts are commonly addressed under ASME A18.1. (asme.org)
Step-by-step: how to choose a custom lift that you’ll still like five years from now
1) Start with the user and the “hard days”
Don’t plan around your best day. Plan around a sprained ankle, a walker, a delivery, a heavy laundry basket, or a family member who needs assisted transfers. This clarifies whether you need seated access (stair lift), wheelchair access (platform lift), or full cab access (elevator).
2) Match the lift category to the building type
Residential systems and commercial/public-facing systems are not interchangeable. For example, ADA requirements for elevator call controls and signals apply in many public settings, and LULA elevators have their own role in low-rise accessibility planning. (ada.gov)
3) Confirm space realities early (before finishes)
Good lift projects feel “easy” at the end because the hard work happened early: hoistway/shaft planning, landing clearances, door swings, headroom, pit (if required), and power considerations. In remodels, this step can also determine whether a compact elevator is realistic—or if a platform lift/stair lift is the smarter path.
4) Ask how service works after install (not just “warranty”)
A lift is a mechanical system you rely on. Before installing, ask who will service it, what preventive maintenance looks like, and how parts are sourced. For many property owners, long-term reliability is less about the initial install and more about consistent maintenance and prompt repairs—especially when a device is part of an accessible route that must be kept usable. (ada.gov)
5) Plan for inspections and documentation (commercial and many conveyances)
For commercial property managers, documentation matters: operating certificates, periodic inspections, and service logs. Idaho’s Elevator Program includes periodic inspection (noted as every five years) within the state’s operating certificate framework for existing conveyances. (dopl.idaho.gov)
Boise & Treasure Valley angle: climate, remodeling trends, and practical layout considerations
Boise-area projects often fall into two buckets: new builds that can plan a lift from day one, and remodels where the lift must “thread the needle” through existing structure. For remodels in particular, it’s common to see lift planning focused around:
These layouts can add repeated stair use to everyday routines—exactly where a lift can reduce fall risk and fatigue.
If groceries, mobility devices, or deliveries are a pain point, this route is worth evaluating early.
If you manage a property, scheduling inspections and installation milestones early can reduce surprises as opening dates approach.
Local permitting and inspection coordination can also affect project timing, so it’s smart to talk through scheduling expectations as part of your initial estimate—not after equipment is ordered.
Talk with a Boise lift expert about the right solution for your space
FAQ: Custom lifts, elevators, and accessibility equipment in Boise
Do I need an elevator or will a platform lift work?
If the vertical travel is short and the primary need is wheelchair access between two nearby levels, a platform lift can be a great fit. If you need multi-floor access, more frequent usage, or a “whole-home” solution for aging in place, a residential elevator is often the better long-term choice. Platform lifts and stair lifts fall under a different safety standard than elevators (ASME A18.1 vs. ASME A17.1). (asme.org)
How often are elevators inspected in Idaho?
Idaho’s Elevator Program indicates that for existing conveyances, the annual “Certificate to Operate” fee includes a periodic inspection noted as occurring every five years. Your specific equipment type and use can affect what’s required, so confirm details for your site during planning. (dopl.idaho.gov)
What does “ADA compliant” mean for elevators?
ADA compliance often involves technical details like call button size, mounting height/reach ranges, clear floor space at controls, and audible/visible hall signals. If your building is open to the public (or otherwise covered), these details should be confirmed during design—not after installation. (ada.gov)
Do dumbwaiters require maintenance even though they don’t carry people?
Yes. Dumbwaiters and material lifts are still mechanical conveyances with doors, interlocks, travel limits, and controllers that must operate safely and reliably. Preventive maintenance helps avoid downtime and keeps loading areas safer for staff and homeowners. (asme.org)
What should I ask before choosing a lift installer in Boise?
Ask how the lift will be categorized (elevator vs. platform lift vs. stair lift), what codes/standards apply, what the service plan looks like after install, and how inspections and documentation will be handled (especially for commercial properties). Also ask what the lead time and construction coordination looks like for your specific layout.
Glossary: common lift and elevator terms (plain-English)
U.S. civil rights law with design standards that can apply to public accommodations and many commercial spaces, including technical requirements for elevator controls and signals. (ada.gov)
A widely used safety code covering elevators (and related conveyances) addressing design through maintenance, testing, and inspection practices. (asme.org)
A safety standard focused on platform lifts and stairway chairlifts, including installation, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance considerations. (asme.org)
A type of low-rise elevator commonly used to support accessibility in certain building types when properly designed and applied.
A state operating certificate associated with regulated conveyances. Idaho’s Elevator Program describes annual certificate fees and includes periodic inspection information for existing conveyances. (dopl.idaho.gov)