When an Elevator Cannot Be Installed in a Residential Community
An elevator cannot be installed in a community when the building does not meet the necessary technical or structural requirements, urban planning regulations prevent it, or the legal agreement required by the Horizontal Property Law is not reached. In these cases, there are alternative solutions that allow improving accessibility without the need for a traditional elevator.
Main Reasons Why an Elevator Cannot Be Installed
Sometimes, communities of neighbors encounter limitations that make the installation of a conventional elevator unfeasible. These can be technical, legal, economic, or structural, and each case requires an individual analysis. At Elevadores Vilber, we study the technical and regulatory feasibility of each building, offering adapted solutions so that accessibility is possible even when it seems complicated.
1. Lack of Physical Space or Pit
One of the most common reasons why an elevator cannot be installed is the absence of sufficient space in the stairwell or entrance hall. The technical regulations, based on the Technical Building Code (CTE), require minimum dimensions of the shaft and the pit to guarantee the safety and correct operation of the equipment. In older buildings, stairs are usually narrow and do not have enough free space for the passage of the elevator, nor do they have a pit or adequate cabin height. When this occurs, not all is lost. At Vilber, we carry out feasibility studies to install exterior elevators, short-range lifts, or pitless vertical platforms—options that comply with regulations and improve accessibility without major works.
2. Structural Limitations of the Building
Some buildings have old or weak structures, which prevents supporting the weight or vibrations of a conventional elevator. Weakened slabs, insufficient foundations, or load-bearing walls that do not allow drilling are frequent technical obstacles. In these cases, installation would require a comprehensive structural reinforcement, which increases costs or even makes it unfeasible. In these situations, the technical office of Elevadores Vilber evaluates the building’s structure together with qualified technicians to determine what type of lift can be installed without compromising safety. When an elevator is not viable, a stairlift or vertical lift can be the perfect alternative.
3. Legal or Heritage Restrictions
Sometimes, the impediment is not technical, but legal or urban. Buildings classified as historical heritage or located in old town centers must preserve their original aesthetics and structure, so visible modifications, such as installing an exterior elevator, may be restricted or prohibited by the City Council. Additionally, each municipality has specific urban planning rules regarding the occupation of public space, facades, or stairwell openings. In these cases, at Vilber we assist the community in managing municipal permits and licenses, always seeking the most discreet and respectful solution for the environment, without giving up safety or accessibility.
4. Lack of Agreement Among Owners
The Horizontal Property Law (LPH) regulates the agreements necessary to install an elevator in a community. According to articles 10 and 17, an elevator is mandatory when requested by a person with a disability or over 70 years old, or when public subsidies cover at least 75% of the cost. In other cases, a simple majority is required: more than 50% of the participation quotas in favor. When that consensus is not reached, the installation cannot be legally carried out. At Elevadores Vilber, we recommend informing neighbors about the advantages, available subsidies, and the added value an elevator or accessibility platform provides, helping to unlock the decision with clear technical and economic data.
5. Economic Feasibility
The cost of an elevator varies depending on the travel distance, type of machine, civil works, and finishes. In small buildings or with limited budgets, the installation may be economically unfeasible if the expense exceeds the community’s capacity or the legal contribution limit for each owner. However, there are more affordable alternatives without major works, such as stairlifts or platform lifts, which allow compliance with accessibility regulations and improve residents’ quality of life.
Elevadores Vilber offers flexible financing and quotes within 24 hours, so that each community can study in detail the most profitable and adapted option for their situation.
6. Additional Technical Problems
Sometimes, infeasibility comes from internal installations in the building that prevent the work: ventilation ducts, pipes, electrical wiring, or general downspouts occupying the necessary space. Lack of adequate electrical supply or the need for an additional control panel. In these cases, our installation and maintenance technicians, together with the SAT and 24/365 after-sales department, analyze the building and propose personalized technical solutions, such as machine-room-less elevators, low-consumption hydraulic equipment, or platforms with single-phase power, minimizing work and costs.
At Elevadores Vilber, each project begins with a detailed technical study, reviewing the structure, regulations, and real mobility needs of the community. When installing an elevator is not possible, we offer safe, certified, and adapted solutions that allow people to overcome architectural barriers without major renovations. Fast, safe, and tailored. That is our way of raising your quality of life.
What the Horizontal Property Law Says About Installing an Elevator
The Horizontal Property Law (LPH) establishes the rules that communities of owners must follow to carry out works on common elements, such as installing an elevator. Articles 10 and 17 regulate this type of action and define when it is mandatory to install an elevator and what majority is needed to approve it.
In plain language: Article 10.1.b) indicates that installation is mandatory when requested by a person with a disability or an owner over 70 years old, or when public subsidies cover 75% or more of the total cost of the work. In these cases, no vote is required; the community is legally obliged to carry out the installation. Article 17.2 explains that if none of the above conditions are met, the installation may be approved with a simple majority, i.e., more than 50% of the participation quotas. If that majority is not reached and there is no legal obligation, the installation cannot be carried out, although the proposal can always be reconsidered in future meetings.
Summary Table of the Horizontal Property Law
| Situation | Is it mandatory? | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Person with disability or >70 years | Yes | All owners (limit = 12 months of ordinary expenses) |
| Simple majority approved | Yes | All |
| No majority nor legal obligation | No | Not installed |
At Elevadores Vilber, we guide communities on the applicable regulations and legal requirements, helping them make informed decisions. Additionally, our technical team can conduct a feasibility study to assess whether the building meets the necessary conditions and what alternatives exist if a conventional elevator cannot be installed.
Alternatives When a Traditional Elevator Cannot Be Installed
Not being able to install an elevator does not mean giving up accessibility. There are safe, certified, and adapted solutions for different types of buildings that remove architectural barriers without major works. At Elevadores Vilber, we install vertical lift systems that improve mobility in communities, homes, and businesses.
Platform Lifts
Platform lifts are devices designed to transport people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility between different levels. They move along a guide installed on the staircase, without the need for a pit or enclosed structure. They are safe, quiet, and compact, adaptable to straight or curved stairs. Installation is quick and requires minimal work. In small communities or buildings without space for an elevator, this option ensures accessibility and compliance with current regulations. At Vilber, we offer foldable platforms that occupy little space and facilitate daily use without affecting stair traffic.
Stairlifts
Stairlifts are the most practical solution when only one or two people need help going up and down stairs. They are installed directly on the handrail or wall, without altering the building’s structure. They operate with rechargeable batteries, are safe, comfortable, and can be adapted to straight or curved sections. Installation takes just a few hours and does not require complex permits. They are an economical and quick alternative to elevators, especially in older buildings where space or investment is limited. At Elevadores Vilber, we have models for both interior and exterior use, with foldable seats and ergonomic controls for easy daily use.
Short-Travel Elevators
When the height difference between floors is small, short-travel vertical elevators are an excellent option. They can cover heights of up to approximately 3 meters. They do not require a pit or machine room and can be installed indoors or outdoors. They comply with accessibility regulations and are designed for use by elderly people or those with reduced mobility. At Vilber, we install elevators and lifts that are compact and quiet, perfectly integrating into entrances, patios, or communal areas, improving quality of life without modifying the building’s structure.
Outdoor Installations
When interior space does not allow, an exterior installation can be considered. These are metal or glass towers housing the elevator or lift, placed in light wells or next to the façade. They are safe, weather-resistant solutions that can be customized in design and finish. In many cases, they maintain accessibility without affecting the building’s internal structure. The Elevadores Vilber technical office manages the project and necessary permits with the City Council, ensuring the installation complies with safety regulations and urban aesthetics.
At Elevadores Vilber, we believe accessibility is not a luxury but a right. Therefore, if your building cannot install a conventional elevator, we help you find the best alternative: fast, safe, and adapted to your space. Our commitment is to remove architectural barriers and restore independence and comfort to every person.
How to Know If Your Building Can Install an Elevator
Before starting the project, it is important to check if the building meets the minimum technical conditions for installation. At Elevadores Vilber, we conduct free feasibility studies to help communities make safe and regulation-compliant decisions.
Aspects to Evaluate:
- Available space: We analyze whether there is enough room in the staircase, courtyard, or façade to accommodate the elevator or an alternative.
- Building structure: We assess whether walls, floors, and foundations can support the installation without compromising safety.
- Access and level differences: We check whether modifications to the entrance or steps are necessary to comply with accessibility regulations.
- Budget and subsidies: We study the available grants and calculate the real cost for each owner.
If installation is technically unfeasible, we offer alternative solutions that guarantee accessibility and legal compliance, without major works or administrative complications.
Installing an elevator in a community improves the quality of life for all owners, but it is not always possible. Structural, economic, or legal limitations may prevent it, although nowadays there are multiple alternatives to ensure accessibility and comfort in any building.
At Elevadores Vilber, we study each case personally and offer solutions adapted to the building and residents’ needs. From platforms and stairlifts to short-travel elevators or exterior towers, all our options meet the highest safety and comfort standards.
If you want to know if your building can install an elevator or what alternatives are available, contact us and request a free study. Our technical team will guide you through every step to make accessibility a reality in your community.
