How to Install a Basement Car Lift DIY Tips and Tricks

News 12/08/2024

Alright, let’s talk about them basement car lifts, you know, the things that take your car up and down like magic. I ain’t no fancy engineer, but I’ve seen a thing or two, and I can tell ya what’s what.

What in the world is a basement car lift anyway?

Well, it’s like a big ol’ elevator for your car, but ‘stead of going up high in a building, it goes down into your basement. Handy if you ain’t got much space outside, or if you wanna keep your precious car safe and sound, away from the weather and them nosy neighbors. Some folks call ’em parking lifts or vehicle elevators, but it’s all the same thing to me – a contraption to move your car up and down.

Why would ya want one of them things?

  • Saves space: If you’re like me and your yard’s smaller than a postage stamp, a car lift is a godsend. Keeps the car outta the way and gives you more room to, I dunno, plant some tomatoes or somethin’.
  • Keeps your car safe: Out of sight, out of mind, I always say. A basement car lift keeps your car hidden from thieves and protected from hail the size of golf balls. Plus, it stays nice and clean down there, away from all the dirt and bird poop.
  • Makes life easier: No more shovelin’ snow off the driveway in the dead of winter! Just hop in your car, press a button, and up you go. Easy peasy.

Now, how do you get one of these car lifts installed?

First off, you gotta make sure your basement floor is strong enough. You can’t just plop one of these things on any ol’ floor. It needs to be thick concrete, like, real thick. I heard somewhere it needs to be at least four inches, but six or even twelve is better. Don’t skimp on this, or your car might end up in a heap in the basement. And that would be a pickle!

Then, you need the right tools. You know, wrenches, sockets, a good jack, some jack stands… The kind of stuff you find in any fella’s garage. And maybe a friend to help, ’cause these things are heavy! It ain’t a one-person job, that’s for sure. You’ll be huffin’ and puffin’ getting this thing in.

Is it hard to put in?

Well, it ain’t like makin’ a sandwich, I’ll tell ya that. It takes time and patience. You gotta read the instructions real careful, even if they’re written in that fancy engineer talk. And if you ain’t handy with tools, well, maybe you should hire someone to do it for ya. Better safe than sorry, I always say. Don’t want to mess around with something this big and heavy.

So, what kind of car lifts are there?

Well, there’s all sorts. Some are simple, some are fancy. Some are hydraulic, some are electric. It all depends on how much money you wanna spend and what kind of car you got. If you got a big ol’ truck, you’re gonna need a bigger lift than if you got a little putt-putt car. It’s just common sense, you know? But whatever kind you get, make sure it’s safe. Safety first, I always say.

Now, before you go runnin’ off to buy a car lift, there’s a few more things to think about.

You gotta make sure your basement is tall enough. Can’t have your car smackin’ its head on the ceiling, now can ya? And you gotta make sure you got enough electricity to power the thing. And you gotta make sure you got enough room to move around down there. It ain’t no fun tryin’ to squeeze past your car in a cramped basement.

In conclusion…

A basement car lift ain’t for everyone. But if you got the space, the money, and the need, it can be a real lifesaver, no pun intended. Just do your homework, make sure you got everything you need, and don’t cut corners. And remember, safety first! Nobody wants a car crashing through the basement ceiling, right?

Tags: [Car Lift, Basement, Garage, Parking, Vehicle Elevator, DIY, Installation, Safety, Space Saving, Home Improvement]