Skip to content 
When planning a major home renovation, homeowners often focus on updating kitchens, and bathrooms, or expanding living spaces.
But beyond the aesthetics and added square footage, renovations offer a unique opportunity to think about how your home can evolve with your needs—both now and in the future.
One smart, forward-thinking upgrade? Adding a pneumatic vacuum elevator (PVE).
Whether you’re future-proofing your home, preparing for aging in place, or just looking to add a touch of luxury and convenience, incorporating a PVE during a remodel is not only practical—it’s surprisingly simple.
Why Renovations Are a Smart Time to Add an Elevator
Your Home’s Structure Is Already Being Modified
During renovations, walls may be opened, floors may be adjusted, and structural changes are already in motion. Integrating a vacuum elevator at this stage makes installation smoother since the necessary work can be folded into your renovation plan instead of requiring a separate construction project later.
Financial Efficiency of Bundling Projects
Bundling your elevator installation with other renovation tasks can result in significant cost savings. Contractors already onsite can handle everything from electrical setup to finishing, minimizing duplicate labor costs and reducing the need for separate permits or inspections.
Streamlined Permitting and Contractor Coordination
Planning multiple upgrades under one renovation permit speeds up the process and avoids extra paperwork. Plus, with your renovation team already on board, coordinating timelines becomes easier—your contractor can ensure the elevator installation fits seamlessly into the project schedule.
4 Models To Choose From
Are you looking for an in-home elevator? Simply pick your favorite below to learn more.
PVE30 - Home Elevator
Single Passenger Residential Elevator
Space-Saving Solution
Exterior Diameter
30 Inches
(750 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
350 Pounds
Rated: 1 Person
Per Use
PVE37 - Home Elevator
Two Passenger Residential Elevator
Flexible & Dynamic Lift
Exterior Diameter
37 Inches
(933 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
450 Pounds
Rated: 2 People
Per Use
PVE52 - Home Elevator
Three Passenger Residential Elevator
Wheelchair Accessible Lift
Exterior Diameter
52 - 11/16 Inches
(1,316 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
525 Pounds
Rated: 3 People
Per Use
The Cube - Home Lift
Two Passenger Residential Elevator
Affordable Alternative To Stairs
Exterior Diameter
52 - 11/16 Inches
(1,316 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
450 Pounds
Rated: 2 People
Per Use
Why Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators Are Ideal for Remodels
Self-Supporting Structure Simplifies Installation
Differing from traditional elevators, PVEs do not require major structural reinforcements. They are fully self-supporting, meaning they can be installed nearly anywhere in your home with minimal disruption—perfect for retrofits or additions.
No Pit, Machine Room, or Hoistway Required
PVEs eliminate the most invasive parts of traditional elevator construction. There’s no need to excavate a pit, build a machine room, or construct a hoistway. This not only preserves your home’s layout but also cuts down on build time and complexity.
Quick Installation Process
While your renovation may span weeks or months, PVE installation typically takes just one to three days. That means you get the benefits of a home elevator without extending your remodel timeline or causing additional delays.
Aesthetic Appeal and Design Flexibility
Featuring a sleek, cylindrical, and transparent design, PVEs don’t just blend into your renovated home—they elevate its style. Their minimal footprint and elegant appearance make them an architectural feature rather than an eyesore.
Common Renovation Scenarios for Elevator Installations
Aging-in-Place Remodels
If your renovation focuses on creating a forever home, adding a PVE eliminates the challenge of stairs and ensures easy movement between floors for years to come.
Adding Second Stories
When building upward, it’s smart to plan for vertical access from the start. A vacuum elevator gives you seamless access to new floors without the bulk and complexity of traditional options.
Basement Conversions
Finishing a basement? A PVE allows you to safely access this new space, whether it becomes a guest suite, gym, or family room—making every level of your home usable and accessible.
Creating In-Law Suites
Designing a multi-generational home or adding space for aging parents? A residential elevator supports independent living while enhancing dignity and convenience for all.
What to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start?
Timing of Elevator Installation
Discuss the ideal timing to install the elevator—usually after structural framing but before drywall and finishing. Your contractor can help build this into the schedule to avoid backtracking.
Structural Clearance Needed
Make sure your renovation plan allows for the elevator footprint (typically 30–37 inches in diameter) and the necessary vertical clearance between floors.
Electrical Requirements
Ensure your contractor includes dedicated electrical circuits for the elevator, which can be coordinated with other electrical upgrades in your home.
Planning Your Renovation with a PVE Elevator
Adding a pneumatic vacuum elevator during your renovation is one of the smartest ways to enhance your home’s long-term livability.
It’s a functional, beautiful, and surprisingly easy upgrade that fits naturally into many remodeling projects—offering accessibility, convenience, and a modern design edge.
Planning a remodel?
Talk to our team about making your home easier to navigate with a PVE elevator.
Our experts can work directly with your contractor to coordinate every detail—so you get seamless installation without compromising your vision.
View our elevator models or contact us to discuss your home renovation elevator project.
