What unique or lesser-known smart home devices do you own … Share your finds

Robbie said:
@Edwin
I’d be cautious if it were in an apartment complex.

The discussion is about a home elevator, not one in an apartment building, which would have different implications.

@Edwin
Still, safety should always be a priority.

EricJoel3 said:
@Leonard
I’m curious, how do you get to modify a home elevator like that? Isn’t there a regulatory issue?

I’m in the USA, and since it’s my own house, there are no issues as long as the elevator passed initial inspections at installation. My privacy and property rights are my defense against unwarranted scrutiny.

@Leonard
I’ve always wanted a home elevator! Any tips on integrating one?

Miles said:
@Leonard
I’ve always wanted a home elevator! Any tips on integrating one?

Consider all aspects before installing one. They’re fantastic but have their ups and downs.

Floyd said:

Miles said:
@Leonard
I’ve always wanted a home elevator! Any tips on integrating one?

Consider all aspects before installing one. They’re fantastic but have their ups and downs.

I prefer pneumatic tube elevators for their simplicity and safety features, like maintaining height even during power outages.

Floyd said:

Miles said:
@Leonard
I’ve always wanted a home elevator! Any tips on integrating one?

Consider all aspects before installing one. They’re fantastic but have their ups and downs.

Definitely a reliable choice since they can’t move sideways like some movie elevators.

@SafeHouseSociety
Leave my Wonkavator out of this discussion!

Ralph said:
@SafeHouseSociety
Leave my Wonkavator out of this discussion!

But the snozzberries taste like snozzberries!

Miles said:
@Leonard
I’ve always wanted a home elevator! Any tips on integrating one?

It’s worth trying, even in a rental. I use it mainly for accessing my upstairs bathroom, though my upstairs neighbor seems confused by it.

Miles said:
@Leonard
I’ve always wanted a home elevator! Any tips on integrating one?

If you have the space, like a barn or garage attic, building your own lift could be a cost-effective alternative.

@Marcos
We used a simple hoist system for ours, much cheaper than commercial options and just as effective.

Ralph said:
@Marcos
We used a simple hoist system for ours, much cheaper than commercial options and just as effective.

That sounds great! I’m considering a similar DIY project using a basic winch. Do you have any tips or photos from your build?

@Marcos
Unfortunately, it was at my dad’s old house, and I don’t have any pictures left. But it was a fun project!

Miles said:
@Leonard
I’ve always wanted a home elevator! Any tips on integrating one?

Highly recommend it if you’re building a new house. It’s easier to install during construction and can be a great convenience.

Miles said:
@Leonard
I’ve always wanted a home elevator! Any tips on integrating one?

They installed a new one in a historic mansion they were refurbishing. It cost about $40K but was a significant upgrade.

@Ismael
We’ve seen several more affordable options online. Really wish we’d installed one earlier, especially since I’ll need it after an upcoming surgery.

Miles said:
@Ismael
We’ve seen several more affordable options online. Really wish we’d installed one earlier, especially since I’ll need it after an upcoming surgery.

Hope you recover quickly!

My home setup includes a Daikin Altherma heat pump integrated with Home Assistant. My family can just ask about the shower water temperature, and the closest speaker will respond. Also, our window sensors interact with indoor and outdoor climate sensors to advise if it’s a good time to open a window based on humidity levels.

@Santino
Can you explain how the candle detection works? It sounds like a useful safety feature.