As many developers build high-rise buildings, many people are rethinking how to be mobile in their personal living area.
With new construction options all around Malaysia, multi-level living has become the norm. Here are some examples: modern terrace homes in Selangor, semi-detached homes in Johor, and spacious bungalows in Penang. Stairs may still be the most common way of getting around a home, but they are not always practical for everyone, especially in the case of families with long-term needs for comfort at home, elderly parents who may need assistance getting up and down their own stairs, or even families who want to have more convenience when it comes to getting up and down their own homes.
So, if you are looking to purchase a home lift, this guide will provide you with information about home lift models available in Malaysia, home lift price ranges and necessary considerations prior to making your purchase.
Table of Contents
Why Home Lifts Are Gaining Momentum
Home lifts are gaining momentum with the following reasons homeowners are thinking about installing a lift in their homes:
- Homeowners are considering home lifts as long-term, mobility-related solutions, supporting their aging in place.
- Homeowners can consider home lifts as an option to enhance their home’s value and to provide convenience for their multi-generational households.
- As more and more homeowners construct homes with the intention of living in those homes for decades, they are now planning ahead of time to prevent costly and extensive structural changes required to accommodate elevators.
Vacuum Home Lift Technology
The Nibav Group, based in Malaysia, is a manufacturer of air-operated, vacuum-operated home lifts (Home lifts that use vacuum pressure), which operate on air, opposite the way typical hydraulic lifts operate, using a hydraulic fluid.
The primary differences between vacuum lifts and traditional hydraulic systems are:
- Vacuum lifts do not require a lift pit or a shaft for holding the lift in position.
- Because the lift uses air pressure to operate, there is no need for a separate machine room.
- Vacuum lifts can be made self-supporting.
These two primary differences, especially when installing in an existing terrace or semi-detached home, provide for cleaner, less disruptive installations.
Finally, one of the most important features of vacuum home lifting systems is the safety of their operation during power outage conditions. Vacuum lifts automatically descend under controlled air pressure to their lowest position in the event of a power failure, which provides some comfort for families with Children & Seniors.
Prices and Specifications of Nibav Home Lifts
Nibav provides 3 main residential series (Standard and Max), below is a summary of current pricing in Malaysia:
Compact and Practical Series III
Nibav Series III
(Price range MYR 69,900 – MYR 99,900)
The most compact (smallest diameter) model in the Nibav residential series is ideal for homes with limited space for lift installation, but still need vertical transportation. The Series III home lift is often selected for:
- Compact homes
- Renovation/upgrade projects
- Elderly persons
More Space Inside Series III Max
Nibav Series III Max
(Price range MYR 99,900 – MYR 1,29,900)
The Series III Max home lift model offers larger cabin diameter & increased carrying capacity; families needing more interior area or needing to accommodate their accessibility requirements typically choose this model.
Daily Use Balanced Comfort Series IV
Nibav Series IV
(Price range MYR 1,09,900 – MYR 1,36,900)
The Nibav Series IV offers the consumer improved comfort (more interior space) than Series III. The Series IV lift is well suited for homes that require frequent daily use of the lift.
The Nibav lift’s Series IV home lift offers an even compromise in the area of footprint vs Usability and is particularly popular among growing families with children.
Nibav Series IV Max
(Price range MYR 1,36,900 – MYR 1,67,900)
The Series IV Max features an extended cabin area. This version of the Series IV has a larger load capacity than previous models. However, this model is especially suited for individuals who need additional assistance when using a lift, such as wheelchair users and people with disabilities.
Premium Comfort Series V
Series V is designed with homeowners who want to have added space and feel of luxury. Series V home lift is commonly chosen by those who own luxury terrace homes or larger semi-detached homes.
Nibav Series V
(Price range MYR 1,19,900 – MYR 1,49,900)
Maximum Space Series V Max
The Series V Max home lift is the biggest and most spacious lift available in the Nibav range. It provides the most significant amount of space in the cabin and is designed specifically for the needs of:
- Wheelchair users
- Households with multiple generations
- Individuals who are planning for mobility for the coming years
- Luxury bungalows
Nibav Series V Max
(Price range MYR 1,49,900 – MYR 1,79,900)
Price Differences
The starting price and the top price of any Series IV lift are typically based on three primary conditions:
- The size of the cabin (standard versus Max)
- The number of floors that the lift stops at
- The available customization options, finish options, and added options
In general, the standard lifts in the Series IV are smaller and more affordable than the Max lifts. However, the Max models will provide a larger cabin, allowing for more comfort and convenience for the user.
Choosing the Right Lift
There are several factors to consider when deciding which lift is appropriate for you:
Available Space
If you own a smaller home, Series III would be the most suitable option. For larger layouts, Series IV or V would fit nicely into the home.
Frequency of Use
If multiple people in your family will be using the lift every day, the larger sized cabins may be ideal.
Accessibility Needs
If you are elderly and need assistance using a lift for extended periods of time, then Max models are recommended.
Anticipating the Future
If you are constructing your “forever home,” building a cabin larger than you currently need could provide flexibility later on.
Enhancing Comfort Through Thoughtful Selections
Installing a home lift is not limited to moving from one floor of your home to another. The benefits of installing a lift include:
- Supporting the assurance of independence;
- Supporting family members;
- Supporting daily life with added comfort;
- Enhancing overall property value; and
- Creating an environment future-ready for all family members.
Vacuum home lifts are quickly becoming affordable for most homeowners in Malaysia with entry-level pricing starting around MYR 69,900.
By doing your research now, you will have the knowledge necessary to make an informed, confident decision to help support your family for many years ahead of this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a home lift cost in Malaysia?
The cost of home lifts varies from brand to brand, model to model. The price of a home lift in Malaysia will depend on the model itself, the cabin size, how many floors or levels it services, as well as the range of options for customisation. For example, at Nibav Malaysia, home lifts start from MYR 69,900 for their lowest priced models, and go up to approximately MYR 1,79,900 for larger premium Max models. The total amount you will spend on a home lift will be determined by the size of your home and the specifications that best suit your needs.
- What is the difference between the Standard Version and the Max Version of the Nibav Lift?
The key difference between the Standard and Max versions of the Nibav Lift is the cabin size and the load capacity. The Max model cabin has a larger internal diameter and a higher weight limit than the Standard model. Therefore, Max models are typically more suitable for families who will use the lift on a regular basis, and people using wheelchairs. Standard versions are designed for smaller homes where space is limited, but vertical mobility remains a necessity.
- Do Nibav home lifts require a pit, shaft, or machine room?
No, Nibav vacuum home lifts do not require a pit, shaft, or dedicated machine room. The fluid of these lifts operates based on air-driven technology in self-supporting structures. Therefore, there are minimal changes to the structural configuration and ease of installation. This makes installing lifts easier, particularly in existing terrace, semi-detached and bungalow homes across Malaysia.
- Has a vacuum lift been tested to prove safety in case of a power failure?
Yes, safety in a power outage is an added benefit of vacuum technology. Nibav lifts can safely descend to their lowest point in a power outage using a controlled return of air pressure; this gives families with elderly and/or young children peace of mind.
- Which Nibav model is the best option for smaller homes?
For homes with limited installation space, the Series III model is often the most appropriate choice because it offers a compact design without requiring significant alterations to the building structure. For homes in dire need of more interior space, the Series III Max model may also be considered as an alternative.
- Which Nibav model have the best recommendation for wheelchair users?
Max versions, especially on the Series IV Max and Series V Max models, are generally considered to be the best options for wheelchair users. The larger cabins and higher capacities allow more comfortable maneuvering around the cabin and allow for continued use for individuals using wheelchairs in terms of long-term access.
- Are vacuum lifts energy-efficient for prolonged usage?
Yes, vacuum home lifts are designed to be environmentally friendly. Due to the fact that their power source is an electric motor and that the distance to step down is controlled through the air, vacuum lifts require less overall use of energy over time when compared to certain traditional lift systems.
- Will my property be worth more with a home lift?
Typically, homes with home lifts will increase their overall value and attractiveness over time. Homes with vertical mobility options are often an attractive selling point for multi-generational families or for buyers who want to make an investment in their homes’ future accessibility.
- How do I find the right lift to fit my home?
Finding the right lift for your house depends on many factors, including available area, how often the lift will be used each day, what the accessibility of the house will be, and your future plans for living in your house. Contacting Nibav, Malaysia to discuss your home and to identify the best model based upon your needs will help you with your decision-making process.