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A home lift is a twenty-year decision, so start with the shaft, not the brochure.
Measure the space you actually have
Machine-room-less (MRL) lifts need far less headroom than older traction systems, which is why most villa retrofits use them. Note the pit depth, the clear shaft width and the top floor height before you shortlist anything.
Match capacity to real use
A 4-person cabin suits two floors and light daily use. Choose 6 to 8 persons if the lift also carries luggage, a wheelchair or a stretcher in an emergency.
Ask what the quote excludes
Civil work, shaft cladding, power backup wiring and the first year of maintenance are the four items most often left out. Get them in writing.