The hills of Los Angeles hold some of the most desirable homes in the city and some of the most demanding to live in. A house in the Hollywood Hills, Mount Washington or Pacific Palisades may be entered at street level and descend three floors down the slope, or sit high above the road with the garage far below. Either way, daily life involves a lot of stairs.
What an elevator changes
- Every level is reachable without climbing
- Groceries, luggage and laundry travel with you
- Older relatives and guests can visit comfortably
- The house remains practical as you age
- It becomes easier to sell to a wider range of buyers
Typical hillside layouts
- Upslope. Garage at the street, living areas above. The elevator starts in or beside the garage and rises through the house.
- Downslope. Entry and garage at the top, bedrooms below. The elevator descends from the entry level.
- Detached garage. An elevator or an outdoor lift links the garage to the house.
Choosing a type
- Vacuum elevators need no pit and no machine room, which is a real advantage where excavating is difficult.
- Traditional elevators offer bigger cabs and can be hidden behind matching doors.
- Glass elevators keep the view open and suit modern architecture.
Hillside considerations
- Structural engineering is usually required, and hillside sites are closely regulated
- Access for delivering equipment on narrow canyon roads needs planning
- Permits can take time, so start early
If an elevator is not feasible
A stair lift on the main interior stairs, and an outdoor stair lift on the entry steps, can cover the most important routes for less.
Start with a site visit
Nationwide Lifts of Southern California works across Los Angeles. See our home elevators, then call (714) 228-9982 or request a quote.