By Ademm on October 17, 2025 
“If you are building a new house in Mexico—or anywhere, for that matter—you should check out this article on the best time to install a home elevator before construction. Together, we will look at some elevator placement tips, home elevator planning, and how planning ahead of time can save you money and time while ensuring future flexibility in your home.”
As the housing market in Mexico continues to expand—from Mexico City to Guadalajara to Cancún—many homeowners are beginning to realize that a home elevator is not only a luxury but also a good long-term investment. The best time to install a home elevator when building a new home is during the design and structural stages—not as an afterthought.
By doing so, not only is there less potential for rework in the future during finishing stages, but it also allows the elevator to be integrated from the beginning. In this article, we will discuss elevator installation during construction, share best practices for elevator placement, and introduce you to planning your home in a way that promotes safety, accessibility, and elegant living.
Table of Contents
Why Timing Is Important
Avoid Costly Retrofits
If walls, flooring, and finishes are completed before you add an elevator, it will likely require cutting into slabs, rerouting mechanical systems such as plumbing, and potentially affecting the structural elements of the house—issues that could have been avoided with earlier planning. Early planning ensures these challenges are prevented.
Coordinate Structure and Systems
During framing, plumbing, and the electrical rough-in stage, it is much easier to bring power to the elevator, put in shafts or supports, and create clean integration with HVAC systems, lighting, and architectural elements.
Achieve More Design Flexibility
When elevator plans are included during the design phase, the architect can allocate better spaces, coordinate headroom clearances, plan door pathways, and balance function with design.
Ideal Phases for Elevator Planning and Installation
Below is a typical sequence of the new-build timeline that displays the most ideal phases for the installation of an elevator.
Phase 1: Concept / Architectural Design
This is when the floor plans and layouts are finalized and is the best time to plan the location of the elevator, vertical alignment, clearances, and load paths.
Phase 2: Structural / Framing Stage
This is the phase when foundations, slabs, and load-bearing walls are built. The elevator hoistway (if required), elevator pits (if required), and supports needed can also be installed at this stage.
Phase 3: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Rough-In
This is the stage when conduits, wiring, HVAC ducts, and plumbing lines are installed. The elevator’s power feed and control wiring can be coordinated with other mechanical systems during this time with limited disruption.
Phase 4: Elevator Delivery and Installation
This occurs once the hoistway is framed and rough-in systems are ready for installation—ideally before general finishing work begins.
Phase 5: Finishing / Commissioning
Cabin finishes, door trims, testing, and certification are completed in this phase to ensure the elevator is ready for the final building inspection by public safety officials.
Based on established elevator installation practices, the mechanical installation itself typically takes one to three days, followed by another one to two days for finishing work. This may vary depending on the elevator system type and site conditions.
Optimal Times to Install a Home Elevator in Mexico
For Nibav’s air-driven elevators and for homeowners in Mexico, these are the best time frames:
- During the structural framing stage, before insulation, drywall, or finish surfaces are added.
- After electrical and mechanical rough-ins, ensuring proper power connections and clearance.
- Before final finishing and painting, to avoid damage to completed surfaces.
There are major advantages with Nibav’s air-driven lifts because they require minimal civil work. This gives homeowners in Mexico greater flexibility in scheduling their elevator installation.
In most cases, installation takes just four to five working days. The process requires very limited site modification and allows your home’s construction to continue smoothly with minimal disruption.
Elevator Placement Tips and Planning Considerations
Choose a Central Location
Try to locate the elevator close to the stairs or in a central area of your design to ensure better circulation and efficiency.
Make Sure You Have Clearance
Headroom, pit depth, and landing clearances should meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Nibav’s designs do not require deep pits or machine rooms, simplifying the planning process.
Be Aware of Mechanical Systems
Check where plumbing lines, ducts, and structural beams are positioned. Reviewing the plans or using 3D modeling can help identify potential conflicts early.
Plan for Future Accessibility
If you do not currently need a fully wheelchair-accessible cabin, consider planning the hoistway spacing, landing width, or landing doors to allow for future upgrades.
Ensure Structural Support
Confirm that the floor, slab, and foundation can bear the weight and dynamic loads of the elevator.
Provide Clearance for Servicing
Ensure there is space for control panels, emergency lowering systems, and regular safety checks.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Deciding late to include an elevator in the building plans, which often results in costly modifications.
- Failing to coordinate with rough-ins, causing electrical wiring or plumbing to interfere with the elevator’s path.
- Ignoring local building permits or codes, which can delay approval and increase costs.
- Miscalculating the elevator’s weight or the building’s structural load capacity.
- Overlooking headroom or pit space, which can restrict design flexibility.
- Forgetting to plan for future upgrades or additional stops.
Many of these oversights are avoidable with early planning and collaboration with an experienced elevator provider like Nibav Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to install a home elevator in Mexico?
The best time to install a home elevator in Mexico is during the structural and framing stages and before any finishing work is done. Including it early in the design ensures perfect integration.
Can I add the elevator after construction?
You can, but it will typically increase costs and inconvenience for the homeowner, contractor, and architect. It will also limit the options for elevator placement.
How long does installation take in Mexico?
Generally, Nibav’s air-driven lifts can be installed in four to five working days.
Does the lift need a pit or machine room?
No. Nibav lifts can be installed without pits or machine rooms, eliminating additional costs and labor associated with conventional systems.
What electrical provisions should I allow for?
You should plan for a dedicated power circuit, conduit paths for wiring, and backup power if required. Coordinate these provisions with your electrician early in the project.
Conclusion
If you are building a new home in Mexico, the best time to install a home elevator is during the design and structural stages—before the finishing work begins. Doing so will save money, improve design flow, and prevent disruption later on.
Nibav Mexico integrates elevator installation into the early planning process, ensuring seamless coordination and elegant implementation. The result is a home elevator system that enhances comfort, safety, and long-term value—perfectly tailored for modern Mexican homes.
