[Andras]

Mark,

As an architect, the only way that I have ever been able to compare two things is to do a cost analysis. What makes you think that a pit is cheaper than a lift?

Have you considered the cost of the excavation, the cost of the extra concrete, the cost of the waterproofing, the stairs/steps, etc.

Please read all former threads (do a Search), and you will see all the downsides of a pit, and the upsides of a lift. Pits were the pits, even in the 30's and 40's.

My humble opinion..............Andras