VEHICLE LIFTS
According to a Wall Street Journal survey, only 70% of 900 homeowners felt their garages offered sufficient parking space. Garage clutter is a major reason many homeowners can't park inside, but having more vehicles than parking spots is also a common issue. This often leads to inconvenient vehicle shuffling and, at times, seasonal vehicles occupying valuable garage space for months.
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If you're looking for a more practical solution than costly remote storage or a major garage expansion, installing a car lift at home can significantly simplify your parking challenges.
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PRODUCT CATALOGS
Determining If You Need a Lift
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It seems counterintuitive that expensive vehicles, worth thousands of dollars, often sit in driveways while clutter takes up precious garage space. Why should a $100,000 Mercedes endure the risks of theft and weather exposure outside, while old bikes and discarded boxes remain safely tucked away inside?
We don’t think that’s right.
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Is a Home Garage Car Lift the Solution You Need?
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Several indicators suggest that a home garage car lift could greatly benefit you. If you frequently encounter parking issues or stress related to vehicle storage, a car lift might be the perfect fix.
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Consider these five signs that a car lift could resolve your garage challenges:
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Insufficient Parking Space The primary sign that you need a car lift is ongoing difficulty with parking. A 2017 Garage Living survey of 1,500 North Americans found that 20% struggled to park in their garage. Clutter is often a major culprit, but even an organized garage can be cramped, especially with a growing car collection or multiple drivers in the household. A car lift can double your parking capacity by allowing you to park one vehicle above another, effectively resolving space conflicts.
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Garage Expansion Isn’t Practical While expanding your garage might seem like a viable solution, it can be costly and disruptive. A major expansion involves considerable expense, mess, time without a usable garage, and the need for permits. In contrast, installing a car lift is a more affordable and less invasive option, usually completed in just half a day.
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Protecting Your Investments Keeping your valuable vehicles inside your garage rather than exposed to the elements is crucial for their longevity. A car lift provides better protection from weather and theft, safeguarding your investment and saving you from the hassle of clearing snow and ice in winter.
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Preference for DIY Vehicle Maintenance If you enjoy working on your vehicles, a car lift can make maintenance much easier. Scissor lifts, though affordable, have limited lifting heights and capacities and don't allow for parking underneath. Two-post lifts offer good access for repairs but don’t provide additional parking space. Four-post lifts, however, are versatile, allowing for both maintenance and extra vehicle storage.
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Seasonal Vehicle Storage For those with seasonal vehicles or classic cars that aren’t driven year-round, a car lift is a practical storage solution. Instead of paying for off-site storage or sacrificing garage space, a four-post lift can store these vehicles efficiently, making them easily accessible and providing added security.
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If any of these issues resonate with you, a home garage car lift could be the ideal solution to enhance your garage’s functionality and convenience.
Choosing the Right Lift for You
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When evaluating car lifts for home garages, you’ll generally find three main types: 4-post lifts, 2-post lifts, and scissor lifts. Scissor lifts are less suited for parking because you can't park underneath them and they are better for temporary maintenance rather than long-term storage.
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The decision often comes down to 4-post vs. 2-post lifts. Here are seven important factors to consider:
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Parking Space: A 4-post lift is typically better for creating additional parking space, as it allows you to park a vehicle underneath another. Conversely, 2-post lifts can make accessing vehicles underneath more challenging due to their central support posts.
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Convenience: 4-post lifts are generally easier to use because they simply require you to drive onto the platform, while 2-post lifts need precise alignment and care to avoid errors.
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Safety: 4-post lifts offer greater stability due to their design, making them a safer choice for long-term storage and heavier vehicles compared to the more precise and potentially less stable 2-post lifts.
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Garage Space: 2-post lifts take up less room, which can be beneficial in smaller garages. However, if space and budget allow, a 4-post lift can provide more versatility and ease of use.
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Installation: Installing a car lift is a complex task involving weight and electrical requirements. Professional installation is crucial, especially for ensuring that the garage floor can support the lift and that electrical systems are appropriately upgraded.
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Functionality: If you want a lift for maintenance, a 2-post lift might offer better access to the vehicle’s underside. However, 4-post lifts can accommodate various attachments for additional storage and can be moved around if needed.
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Cost: 2-post lifts are generally less expensive but may lack some features and stability of 4-post lifts. Consider your budget, including potential savings from avoiding remote storage fees or garage expansions.
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4 Post or Garage Expansion?
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It might seem obvious that a one-car garage fits one vehicle and a two-car garage fits two, but there’s a way to effectively double your parking capacity without major renovations: by installing a 4-post car lift. More homeowners are discovering the benefits of this efficient garage storage solution.
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How Does a 4-Post Car Lift Work?
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A 4-post car lift uses a hydraulic system to elevate one vehicle, making use of your garage's vertical space. This allows you to park a second vehicle underneath the lifted car. Our selection includes models that can handle vehicles weighing between 8,000 and 9,000 pounds, accommodating everything from compact sports cars to large SUVs and trucks.
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Why Choose a 4-Post Car Lift Over a Garage Expansion?
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Opting for a 4-post car lift rather than a major garage renovation offers several advantages:
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Cost-Effectiveness: Extending your garage requires significant expenses for construction, whereas a car lift is a more budget-friendly solution.
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Quick Installation: A car lift can usually be installed in about half a day, compared to the weeks of disruption and mess associated with a full garage remodel.
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Beyond these benefits, a 4-post car lift offers additional functionality:
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Versatile Storage Solutions
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A car lift isn’t just for vehicles. If your garage is cluttered with seasonal items, a 4-post lift can also store:
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Snowmobiles
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Snow blowers
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Lawn mowers
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Camping gear
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Boating equipment
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Motorcycles
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Bicycles
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Patio furniture
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Depending on the items, you might need additional attachments.
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Support for DIY Mechanics
For those who prefer hands-on vehicle maintenance, a 4-post car lift provides ample space to work comfortably, avoiding the cramped conditions of using a jack and creeper. Be cautious of cheaper, foreign-made lifts; opting for higher-quality, North American-made models with ALI certification ensures better safety and durability.
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Protect Your Investments
Parking vehicles inside your garage rather than outside helps protect them from theft, vandalism, and environmental damage like weather or bird droppings.
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Cost-Efficient Storage
The annual cost of off-site vehicle storage can add up quickly. A 4-post car lift is a more economical and convenient alternative. Over a few years, the cost of the lift will likely be less than storage fees, plus you'll have a lasting asset.
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To explore how a 4-post car lift can transform your garage, schedule a free consultation with our team.