I have an opportunity for an office space near my home, unfortunately, it’s second floor and no elevator. Owner is currently setting up for renovations to put this office co-op setup together, but is hesitant to add mobility feature (ie an elevator to second floor) due to cost and concern for payback.
Any advice/recommendations on product or to convenience him to add this feature?
I live and work in San Francisco, California. You would have great difficulty getting permits and approvals together for non-accessible B occupancy space, particularly if you are converting from another occupancy type.
Depending on the amount of the renovations, accessibility may be required by code, ADAAG, or law. Check with the local building authorities.
Affordable and safe retro-fit lifts would be a godsend for many, including business and residential building owners. Imagine people being able to stay in their homes for ten to fifteen years longer with an affordable lift system built-in.
Is a LU/LA a possibility for that type of use group?
George, I was thinking the same. Less cost for the lift unit and for the hoistway, structure, and long-term maintenance. If the Owner is creating a co-op, some form of ADA access will probably become necessary in the future anyway. Cheaper to do it now than trying to shoehorn a unit in later.
For those not familiar - https://lula-elevators.com/i-how-is-a-lula-elevator-different-from-a-traditional-elevator.php
Thank you so much for this information ya’ll.
I do believe I can get some sense in my friend who is putting this together. Hopefully I’ll be able to tell you a new address in August when we meet for SCIP.