How Much Space Do You Need for a Home Elevator?

Have you thought about putting a home elevator in your house, but thought, “I don’t have room for that”? You aren’t alone. Most homeowners in Canada think you need to be the owner of a mansion with a sprawling layout to install elevators in your house. Well, here’s the good news: due to clever innovations in design and engineering, that’s not the case anymore.

Today companies like Nibav Canada are pioneering vertical mobility with compact, contemporary, and space-saving home elevators that will fit into the floor plan of modest homes. Whether you are upgrading for convenience, accessibility, or aesthetics, space is no longer a limiting factor.

In this blog, we will outline how much space you need for a home elevator, how Nibav stacks up against traditional models, and how you can plan your installation process with peace of mind.

Section 1: The Big Misconception About Home Elevators

Do You Need a Mansion to Install an Elevator? 

For years, elevators were considered luxury additions reserved for the wealthy or necessary features for commercial buildings. In Canadian homes, the idea of installing an elevator used to feel like a complex and costly undertaking, mostly due to outdated perceptions of space requirements.

Many homeowners still believe they need to sacrifice an entire room, dig a deep pit, or completely restructure their home just to install an elevator. That might have been true with traditional systems, but it couldn’t be further from the reality today.

Modern engineering has made home elevators more compact, efficient, and design-friendly than ever before. And while big-box elevators still exist, a growing segment of homeowners is looking for low-footprint, high-style solutions—especially in multi-level townhomes, duplexes, and urban properties where space is at a premium.

And this is where glass elevators like those from Nibav Canada can help! Their design-first philosophy is changing the perspective of what an elevator can be. They embody glass aesthetic and serious space efficiency, with no pits or machine rooms to take space and very little civil work involved, Nibav’s elevators can go right into unexpected spaces – corners, stairwells, or against walls – without dominating your floor plan.

The shift in perspective is not simply an aesthetic one; the reality is that Canada has an aging population, and the need for accessible in-home mobility is growing rapidly (and many people don’t want to feel like they live on an external stair lift!). Unlike stair lifts or bulky external systems, compact home elevators deliver a seamless, stylish, and future-ready solution.

Bottom line: You don’t need a mansion to take advantage of the features of an elevator. All you need is better design and a good partner.

Section 2: Nibav’s Compact Design: Just 1000mm Clear Space Needed

Meet the Most Space-Friendly Elevator on the Market

Here’s the surprising truth: Nibav’s compact home elevator model requires just 1000mm of clear space—that’s about the width of a standard refrigerator.

This compact footprint is a game-changer. It means that almost any multi-level Canadian home—whether it’s a downtown townhouse or a suburban semi—can accommodate a Nibav elevator with ease.

Let’s break it down:

• Clear space needed: 1000mm (width)

• No pit required: Unlike hydraulic elevators that require a sunken area below the shaft, Nibav uses pneumatic vacuum technology that sits directly on your existing floor.

• No machine room needed: The motor is built into the system itself, so there’s no need to allocate space elsewhere in the home.

• Lightweight construction: The structure is self-supporting and doesn’t require major reinforcements.
  

This compact design gives homeowners the freedom to install elevators in unconventional locations—like next to stairwells, in corners of living rooms, or even beside balconies. And because the unit is cylindrical and panoramic, it doesn’t visually overwhelm the space. Instead, it adds a modern, glass-sculpture-like aesthetic.

For homeowners renovating, this means minimal disruption. For those building new, it means smarter floor planning and more usable square footage.

With a Nibav elevator, space is no longer a limitation—it’s an opportunity to reimagine how your home flows.

Section 3: Wheelchair-Friendly Model? Still just 1430mm

Accessibility Doesn’t Have to Mean Oversized

Accessibility is often viewed as bulky and utilitarian, but Nibav proves it can also be elegant and efficient.

For homeowners seeking wheelchair accessibility, Nibav offers a larger elevator model that still only requires 1430mm of clear space. To put that in perspective, many traditional wheelchair-accessible elevators require double that space due to large cabin sizes and mechanical infrastructure.

Here’s what sets the Nibav wheelchair-friendly model apart:

• Clear space required: 1430mm

• Self-supporting design with full cabin access for a standard wheelchair

• Wide door entry and spacious cabin layout

• Glass cabin that allows visibility and reduces claustrophobia

• Smooth, silent travel that’s ideal for seniors or individuals with mobility challenges
  

And because Nibav elevators use air pressure technology, they offer a gentle start and stop—a huge plus for elderly users or those with health conditions.

This model is perfect for:

• Aging in place without sacrificing floor space

• Multigenerational households

• Families planning long-term accessibility as their needs evolve
  

What’s remarkable is that even with this larger model, installation remains pitless, shaftless, and stress-free. It offers the same flexibility and ease as the compact version, just with roomier dimensions.

In short, if you’re planning for accessibility but don’t want to turn your home into a hospital wing, Nibav’s larger elevator model delivers exactly what you need.

Section 4: Glass Elevators That Save Space and Add Style

Small Footprint. Big Design Impact.

Elevators used to be purely functional—now, they’re a focal point.

Glass elevators are becoming a hot trend in Canadian homes, and Nibav leads the way with designs that combine utility with modern minimalism.

Why glass? Here are a few standout reasons:

• Visually expands space: Transparent panels create an open feel and eliminate visual barriers.

• Natural light flow: No more blocking windows or creating dark corners.

• Design flexibility: Whether your home is contemporary or classic, glass blends in beautifully.

• Conversation starter: Let’s face it—having a glass elevator in your home is a serious style flex.

With cylindrical designs and customizable finishes, Nibav elevators look more like a luxury installation than a utility upgrade. They can be placed in living rooms, foyers, or stairwells—turning functional space into a visual feature.

And because these elevators are compact, they won’t dominate the layout. Instead, they complement it, much like an art installation with a purpose.

Elevators aren’t just for going up and down anymore. With Nibav, they’re a statement of design-forward living.

Section 5: Real Canadian Homes, Real Installations

How Nibav Fits Into Homes Just Like Yours

You might be thinking: “Okay, but can this work in my home?”

The answer is yes, and we’ve seen it across Canada.

Toronto Townhome

A young family with two children and aging parents installed a Nibav compact model in their three-story Toronto townhome. The elevator was placed beside the stairwell, taking up less than 1m² and installed in just under 3 days. No structural changes. No headaches.

Calgary Custom Build

A couple building their retirement dream home chose a wheelchair-accessible Nibav elevator. The builder appreciated the ease of installation—no pit or machine room—while the homeowners loved how the glass design kept their open-plan layout bright and modern.

Montreal Renovation

An older couple renovating their historic duplex in Montreal were looking for future mobility solutions. The Nibav team installed a glass elevator that complemented their exposed brick and hardwood interiors perfectly—proof that even older homes can benefit from new tech.

These stories aren’t outliers—they’re becoming the norm. As Canadians look for smarter, more flexible home upgrades, Nibav continues to deliver.

Section 6: Traditional Elevators vs. Nibav: A Space Comparison

Why Smaller Is Smarter

Let’s break down how traditional elevators stack up against Nibav in terms of space.

As you can see, traditional elevators require major architectural changes, which means higher costs, longer timelines, and more complexity. They’re also harder to retrofit into existing homes.

Nibav, on the other hand, is designed with the modern homeowner in mind—minimal space, minimal disruption, and maximum visual appeal.

Why compromise your layout (or your peace of mind) when you don’t have to?

Section 7: What to Consider Before Planning Your Elevator

Key Planning Metrics You’ll Need 

Before installation, a few things to keep in mind:

Measure Clear Floor Space

• Compact model: Needs 1000mm

• Wheelchair model: Needs 1430mm

Choose a space that doesn’t interrupt high-traffic areas but still offers access to all floors.

Floor-to-Floor Height

Know the vertical distance between the floors to determine how many stops the elevator will need.

Power Source

Nibav elevators operate on single-phase power, the same as your home’s major appliances.

Structural Load

Because Nibav lifts are self-supporting and lightweight, they don’t need beams or reinforcements. But a quick load assessment is recommended.

Permits

Depending on your province (e.g., Ontario, Alberta, Quebec), a basic permit or inspection may be required. Nibav Canada handles this as part of their service.

Long-Term Needs

Consider who will use the elevator: children, seniors, or guests? Planning for the future ensures better ROI.

Conclusion 

So, how much space do you need for a home elevator?

With Nibav, not much at all.

Whether you’re building new, renovating, or just planning, Nibav Canada’s home elevators deliver compact comfort, sleek design, and effortless installation. From cozy townhomes to modern condos, we’re helping Canadians move smarter—one floor at a time.

Don’t wait for the future—install it today.
Book your complimentary consultation with Nibav Canada and discover which model best suits your home.

Get in touch with our home elevator experts now and experience your home with a whole new level of luxury and comfort.

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