There are basically three key areas when it comes to VersaLift products: how they work, the costs (Installation costs too), and how to select which VersaLift product to purchase, as well as the proper installer for your garage and attic.
VersaLift is a motorized attic storage lift system that turns an inaccessible attic area into a safe and easily accessible storage space by eliminating the use of ladders when moving boxes up.
In this post, we'll show you everything you need to know about VersaLift products and you'll learn how the can effortlessly fit your home.
What Does a VersaLift Motorized Lift Do?
A VersaLift is an electrically operated, motorized, overhead storage lift that enables easy transfer of large objects (boxes, totes, etc.) from your garage to attic through a ceiling opening.
As opposed to using an extremely steep, narrow, and potentially hazardous ladder to get up to your attic, you simply place all your storage containers and/or objects at garage floor level, push a button and the VersaLift will transport all the storage to the attic for you.
Why Use A VersaLift For Your Garage To Attic Storage Needs?
The VersaLift was specifically engineered to be used as a garage-to-attic storage lift system to help homeowners make use of their previously wasted overhead space without having to add an additional storage building or pay for off-site storage.
Homeowners find such systems to be most useful when there is very little floor space available in their garage, but there is a lot of overhead storage space available in the attic that they have not been able to utilize due to lack of accessibility.
How Does VersaLift Work?
The VersaLift is a cable driven platform which utilizes an electric gear motor located in the attic directly above the opening to power the movement of the platform vertically through the framed opening in the garage ceiling.
The system has a built-in safety feature that automatically stops the platform at either the full-up or full-down position. If you ask us, they're one of the best on the market when it comes down to garage storage lift systems. Here are a few reasons why we feel this way:
Loading at Floor Level: You can load all types of boxes, totes, tools and seasonal items onto the VersaLift's platform at garage floor level. Then, simply push the button and all your items will be raised to your attic storage area.
Automatic Closing Ceiling Panel: When the VersaLift goes up, the hinged ceiling panel seals the opening from the garage to the attic thereby providing added protection from moisture and dust while maintaining a clean appearance.
Control Options: The VersaLift comes with corded hand held remote controls with a lock-out feature; wall mountable switches and optional wireless radio remotes.
The VersaLift is perfect for homeowners that want to have fast and safe access to their attic storage without the burden of lifting heavy or cumbersome objects.
VersaLift Residential Models: Specifications & Features
The residential product line includes at least two main residential models; commonly known as Model 24 and Model 32, both of which can be used for a variety of applications including covering ceiling heights and meeting storage requirements.
Specifications Core
The VersaLift Model 24 (the common garage/attic) has a capacity of approximately 15.3 cu. ft. and a weight capacity of about 200 lbs. each load.
It also includes an approximate 20.75 inches wide x 44 inches long interior platform.
However, keep in mind that a framed opening of about 22.5 inches x 46.5 inches is required for installation of the VersaLift Model 24.
The Model 24 is engineered to operate within a maximum vertical distance of approximately 20 feet. It will operate in the following ranges; 8–11 ft., 11–14 ft., 14–17 ft., and 17–20 ft.
On the other hand, the VersaLift Model 32 has a capacity of approximately 35 cu. ft. and a weight capacity of about 250 lbs. each load. However, it also requires a framed opening of approximately 30.5 inches x 58.5 inches with additional attic head room.
Based on the above specifications the VersaLift is suitable for the majority of standard homes and two car garages with average ceiling heights and typical attic framing.
Features of Safety and Convenience
The VersaLift also offers many unique features that distinguish it from a standard hoist or winch system.
Auto Stop: Stops the lifting platform at the fully up and fully down position preventing accidental travel beyond the desired position making it easier to use.
Auto Close ceiling door: Once the lift reaches the upper limit the steel ceiling panel will close the opening to help separate the garage from the attic.
Level Up function: Designed to stop on top of the attic floor regardless of the joist spacing allowing easy access to the attic area when loading/unloading items.
High Quality Build: A powder coated steel frame and zinc plated cable along with a gear motor having a built in auto-brake provides controlled movement of the VersaLift.
All of these features provide for the “set-and-forget” use of, and improve the safety of the VersaLift products versus using an improvised attic hoist. These are the reasons why VersaLift is also one of the safest manufacturers of garage storatge systems out there.
What to Expect When Installing a Versa Lift
When referring to the installation of a Versa Lift, this typically includes cutting and framing the hole for the lift and then attaching the lift components to the attic structure and completing electrical hookups and finishes.
Steps to Install a Versa Lift
Framing the Hole for the Lift: Similar to framing in a ladder to access an attic space, a rectangle is created and framed around the area where the hole will be cut through to the garage ceiling joists.
Mounting the Lift: The power head and the frame of the lift are secured to the deck of the attic and the joists above the opening according to the manufacturers' rough-in instructions.
Wiring the Unit: The unit is wired to 115V household power and attached to a specific control (remote cord, wall switch, or wireless).
Finishing and Adjustments: Once the lift has been mounted and wired, the ceiling panel is adjusted so that it closes flush against the ceiling, and any finishing (trim, painting, etc.) is completed.
As the manufacturer states, both a DIY homeowner and/or a professional contractor may perform a VersaLift installation and the manufacturer also provides installation manuals, rough-in guides, and specification sheets for either option.
Installing a Versa Lift: DIY vs. Professional Installer
A large majority of homeowners who have some experience with carpentry and electrical installations prefer to install their own lifts utilizing the manufacturer's provided instructions.
However, due to the nature of the work (cutting a hole in a ceiling, creating safe electrical connections, and performing finishing), a larger percentage of homeowners opt to hire a local installer or general contractor to complete the installation.
We have partnered up with Assembly Help to ensure you can get any Versa Lift product purchased in our store, easily installed in your home with professional help.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Versa Lift Installer
The installer will ensure that the hole is framed correctly so that the joist/truss system remains undamaged. He will also comply with all applicable building codes and electrical requirements for the area and obtain any necessary permits.
Depending on the professional installer of your choice, he might also assist in completing any additional work required for the installation such as installing an attic ladder, replacing existing floor decking, or improving attic insulation.
Cost Of A Versa Lift To Install: What You May Expect To Pay
There have been several recent attic lift cost guides published that provide estimates for attic lift equipment (such as VersaLift and other similar products).
These estimates generally range from approximately $1,900 to over $4,000+ for attic lift equipment, including brand, model and configuration.
VersaLift-specific comparisons suggest that VersaLift tends to fall within the mid-to upper range of this estimated cost, and with many configurations falling into the lower to mid thousands for the lift equipment alone.
Factors That Affect VersaLift Equipment Cost
Capacity: Larger platforms with a capacity of 250 pounds (Model 32) tend to be more expensive than smaller platforms with a capacity of 200 pounds (Model 24).
Height Range: Equipment designed for longer floor-to-floor distances may also be more expensive due to added materials and engineering.
Control Options: The addition of remote controls or multiple wall switches will increase the cost of the base product.
Versa Lift Installation Labor Cost
Estimates for the average cost of professional installation of an attic lift system indicate that labor costs can range from $500 to $1500+, dependent upon the level of complexity, location and labor rates of contractors.
Simple installations in a standard framed ceiling with direct access to electrical connections can cost less than those with more complex trusses, structural changes or finish work.
A few companies that specialize in garage and attic storage offer turnkey attic lift packages. We have to note again that we have partnered up with Aseembly Help to ensure that any of the Versa Lift products you buy through our store gets installed in your home as easily as possible at a small additional fee.
Average Total Versa Lift Installation Cost Range
Combining the cost of the Versa Lift with the installation labor, homeowners can generally expect:
VersaLift Equipment: Approximately $1900- $4000+ depending on the model and configuration.
Installation Labor: Approximately $500 - $1500+ based on the level of complexity and local labor rates.
This indicates that the cost of a Versa Lift system installed by a professional, in the majority of cases, is likely to be in the approximate range of $3000 - $5000+ for the entire system.
If you're skilled enough and love doing some DIY, you can save significantly on the overall cost of the project. However, you should consider the time, tools and skill level required for the installation as well as any possible safety and code issues.
As always, it is best for homeowners to obtain a written quote for the current cost of a VersaLift or through a local dealer/installer, since costs can vary based on geographic location, local dealers and time.
Why Two Versa Lift Installations May Have Vastly Different Price Tags
There are many practical reasons that result in the wide variations of the Versa Lift installation costs.
Ceiling Height and Structure: For Versa Lift models designed for ceilings up to approximately 20 feet, as the distance between floors increases, so does the potential for higher-priced model-specific units, along with longer and potentially riskier installation times.
Framing Type in Attics: Framers typically prefer conventional attic joist types as opposed to more complicated truss designs; this often means additional framing and/or engineering would be necessary when working with trusses.
Access to Electrical: Additional cost associated with installing a new electrical circuit, junction box, and/or wiring, including long runs, results in increased electrical cost.
Finish and Trim Work: The drywall repair, paint, and finish carpenter work around the opening itself adds to both the time and cost of the installation.
Regional Labor Costs: Rates for professional installers and licensed electricians vary by region and metropolitan area.
Will a Versa Lift Attic Storage System be Worthwhile for You?
A VersaLift attic storage system will likely be a wise long term investment for householders who are required to climb ladders on a regular basis to transport their seasonal decoration, totes, tools and other large items into their attics.
If you have to worry about falling from ladders and straining themselves while climbing the ladders; however, with a Versa Lift Attic Storage System you may safely and conveniently load the items at ground level onto a lift and then let the Versa Lift carry the weight to the attic.
Here are some of the benefits VersaLift systems can bring to you and your home:
Safety: The risk of injury (falling) and discomfort from straining when moving heavy objects up ladders and/or steep stairways is reduced by using a VersaLift attic storage system.
Optimization of Space: By utilizing an attic storage lift, you will be able to utilize unused attic space to declutter their garages, thereby reducing their expenses associated with renting storage units off-site and the time and effort associated with buying and installing additional outdoor storage sheds.
Long-Term Value and Convenience: The VersaLift attic storage system was designed for years of repeated use due to its high quality materials and automatic functions.
As a result of this, the one-time cost of purchasing and installing the VersaLift attic storage system will be spread out over the course of a number of years, resulting in a much lower annual cost.
Did you ever see a VersaLift in action? What do you like the most about such motorized storage systems?
We'd love to hear from you so feel free to leave a comment down below!
