Elevators in Townhomes? (Alexandria, Fairfax: condos, modular home, neighborhood)

[labratinaz]

As I look at the homes around the NOVA area, I see I need to make a major decision. Vertical living = townhome or Horizontal living = SFH

So, ya'll who live in Townhomes, has anyone put in an elevator? Some of the THs in Fairfax area even sport a roof top terrace. Nice, but difficult to walk up 4 flights of stairs just for a view.

Ya'll with SFHs, has anyone put in an elevator for your elderly parents?

We think, in the long run, one of my parents may end up living with us. I am trying to reduce the number of stairs that they would have to climb.

Oh, by the way, a condo is NOT for us. We don't think we could downsize enough to afford the condos in this area.

Is there a builder that offers elevators as options? I thought I saw one months ago, but I didn't save their website. Of course, now I can't find reference to them.

Thanks!!

[EuroExpat]

A lot (most newer ones at least?) SFH's have the same three stories as townhouses.

[Yankeesfan]

There is a townhouse neighborhood in Alexandria City that has elevators. Something Mews -- anyone know the one I am talking about? You can see the neighborhood from 395.

[Yankeesfan]

I found it: Landmark Mews. The article talks about the elevators at the end. I thought it was all of them but it's only some:

The Concept Is British, and the Accent Is Friendly - washingtonpost.com

[tamitrail]

Why not look for a SFH that is all one level or that has a first floor bedroom with an attached bath?

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by labratinaz

Ya'll with SFHs, has anyone put in an elevator for your elderly parents?

We think, in the long run, one of my parents may end up living with us. I am trying to reduce the number of stairs that they would have to climb.

Thanks!!

Just wanted to say something which you are free to ignore. I am a man with disabilities. The elevator sounds nice, but what do you do if there is a fire, or the power goes out, or some other emergency. Keep that in mind. That's all.

[kevinm]

There are some townhomes in Landsdowne that have elevators.

[labratinaz]

Thanks for your help.

Ranch / Rambler would work best. Husband prefers NEW to OLD. There are very very few NEW ranches within our price range, location, etc. Multi-level homes are easier to find in this area. Just asking if people actually add elevators to accommodate their relatives.

We are still looking and asking questions being relatively new to NOVA. Lots to learn.

[vanyali]

You could buy a renovated ranch house. Just because a house is "old" doesn't mean it's a dump.

[labratinaz]

I guess I watch too much "Holmes on Homes" to see how some folks have not done a very good job renovating. And then there are those Flip it home shows where folks have bought a ranch and ended up taking everything down to the studs. I have talked to a couple of people out here and they say most of the ranches/ramblers are trashed and they opted for land and modular home out of town.