Installing a car lift inside a home – How much money Bauhaus saved the client

In Dubai, where luxury living and supercars go hand-in-hand, having a private car lift in your villa isn’t just a showpiece – it’s a functional upgrade that adds both prestige and value. But like any high-spec renovation, execution is everything. From structural risks to inflated contractor quotes, here’s how Bauhaus delivered a flawless car lift installation – and saved the client over AED 400,000 in the process.

1. Why install a car lift in a private villa?

Car lifts are no longer just for commercial garages or underground car parks. In high-end Dubai communities like Emirates Hills, Al Barari, La Mer, Dubai Hills, and Jumeirah Bay, they’re being integrated into:

• Basement-to-ground parking access
• Double-level show garages for supercars
• Space-saving solutions in narrow plots
• Private car galleries with climate control

Beyond the ‘wow’ factor, a car lift offers space efficiency, enhanced security, and increased resale value – especially for automotive collectors and luxury property investors.

2. The hidden costs of car lift installations

Most clients underestimate how complex a home-based car lift installation can be. Common pitfalls include:

• Structural reinforcement: Without accurate load calculations and civil approvals, lifts can destabilise foundations.
• MEP rework: Lifts often interfere with plumbing or electrical layouts, leading to costly redesigns. Coordination between the Architect, MEP, Structural, and AOR consultants is essential.
• Overpriced equipment: Many installers offer outdated or overpriced lift systems with no warranty or servicing.
• Unlicensed installers: Cutting corners with freelance labour risks DDA/Trakhees non-compliance and serious safety violations.
• Missed approvals: Failing to secure community and municipality approvals can halt work or require expensive rework.

3. The Bauhaus approach: Engineering meets project management

When a La Mer client approached Bauhaus to integrate a car lift into their villa build, we began with a feasibility and cost analysis before initiating the design phase.

Our scope included:

• Full architectural, structural, and MEP coordination to ensure correct pit depth and service alignment
• Supplier benchmarking across five global brands
• Complete DDA submission and community NOC coordination
• On-site project management and lift commissioning

We ensured the lift aligned with villa aesthetics, safety codes, and long-term maintenance requirements.

4. How we saved the client AED 400,000

Originally quoted AED 820,000 by a lift supplier, the client assumed this was standard. Our Bauhaus team:

• Negotiated and secured a premium hydraulic lift system for AED 400,000 less, completing due diligence to align with the architectural design and the client’s budget.
• Identified design inefficiencies in the pit depth, reducing excavation and eliminating the need for additional dewatering.
• Integrated the lift installation into the overall build sequence to avoid costly abortive works.

Total savings: Over AED 400,000 – with higher quality assurance and a smoother approval process.

5. Why car lift projects demand a project manager

Installing a car lift is an engineering-led project, not just a design feature. With a Bauhaus project manager involved:

• All specifications are aligned with civil code
• No delays due to missing permits
• Only top-tier suppliers engaged
• Contractors are held accountable for every bolt
• Clients receive real-time progress photos, cost trackers, and QA sign-offs

Final thoughts: Luxury with logic

In a market like Dubai, where luxury finishes often precede practical planning, it’s easy to be swayed by glossy proposals. But even ultra-high-end features like car lifts must be backed by technical precision and tight cost control.

At Bauhaus, we deliver prestige upgrades with structure and strategy – ensuring every dirham is well spent and every detail engineered for excellence.

Considering a car lift?

Book a consultation with the Bauhaus team. Whether you’re integrating one into a new build or upgrading an existing garage, we’ll help you plan it smart – and execute it flawlessly.