The houses that give Portland’s east side its character were built between 1900 and 1930. Bungalows, foursquares and the occasional Victorian, all with a wide front porch, a basement and a staircase that goes up steeply from the entry hall. They were built to last, and their owners tend to want to stay.
The staircase
In a foursquare the stair usually climbs in two short runs with a landing and a turn. In a bungalow it is often a single narrow flight, sometimes boxed in between walls.
- A straight flight takes a standard stair lift, fitted in hours
- A stair with a landing takes a rail made to follow the turn, or two straight lifts
- Compact models leave room on a narrow stair for others to pass
Protecting what makes the house special
The rail attaches to the stair treads. Fir newel posts, box-beam trim and lath-and-plaster walls are not touched. If the lift comes out one day, the stairs can be refinished and no one will know it was there.
Headroom
Upper floors in bungalows have sloped ceilings. We check that there is clearance for a seated rider along the full run.
The basement
Portland basements hold the laundry, the furnace and plenty of storage. Their stairs are steep and often poorly lit. A second lift, and better lighting, keeps them usable.
The front steps
Most of these homes sit several feet above the sidewalk. In the wet months, mossy concrete steps are treacherous. An outdoor stair lift or a platform lift covers that stretch.
If a wheelchair is involved
A stair lift is not suitable. A platform lift at the entry and a compact elevator inside are the alternatives.
Local help
Nationwide Lifts of Oregon is based in Oregon City and works throughout the metro area. Call (503) 545-6586 for a free quote.