Frequently Asked Questions

In the best case scenarios, a home elevator can be installed within a week after arriving at the site; if the site is ready – e.g., the hoistway doors have been hung and permanent power is available.

There are many variables when pricing an elevator. How many floors is the elevator serving? What is the travel? Where is the jobsite located? Which system works best for the home? What are the finish requirements of the home elevator cab?

Most residential elevators require 6 to 12 weeks to manufacture, but lead times can differ depending on production line demand.

For an elevator that will accommodate a wheelchair, 3′ x 4′ car, takes about a 5′ x 5′ area and enough room for a machine room if the elevator that has been chosen requires one. Some jurisdictions require machine room, some do not.

Installing a home elevator is a complex and highly regulated process. It is not recommended for individuals to attempt to install a home elevator on their own, no matter their level of ability. Additionally, manufacturers will very likely not honor their warranty in such instances. Home elevator installation typically requires professional expertise to ensure safety and compliance with building codes. To install a home elevator, it’s best to consult with the licensed and experienced elevator installation team at McKinley. We at McKinley do not sell home elevators for a DIY installation. We only sell what we will install. We can provide guidance, assess your specific needs, and ensure a safe and compliant installation.

A residential elevator can add value to a home by improving accessibility and appeal to a wider range of buyers. The actual value added will depend on the type of elevator, how well it integrates with the home, and the overall real estate market.

Most home elevators require periodic maintenance, typically once or twice a year. Maintenance includes inspecting the cab, checking the drive system, verifying electrical connections, and confirming proper operation of all safety features.

Yes, pneumatic elevators do not require a shaft, machine room, or pit. They are self-supporting units and can be installed with minimal construction modifications.

Pneumatic elevator is a see-through, vacuum-operated lift. Since pneumatic elevators don’t require cables, pulleys, a pit, or an engine room, they can require less energy and space compared to traditional home elevators. This makes them a perfect choice for houses, apartments, offices, and even boats!

Pneumatic elevators use vacuum technology to power the platform between floors. Turbines at the top of the elevator shaft suck air out of the tube, which pulls the cab upward. When the cab reaches the desired level, the brakes secure it at the proper height.

The cost of a pneumatic elevator can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the elevator’s size, design, features, and installation requirements. To get an accurate cost for a pneumatic elevator, contact our team to discuss your specific requirements. They can provide a more detailed and customized estimate based on your situation.

Pneumatic elevators are certified to meet ASME elevator standards by Liftinstituut. In the event of a power failure while the elevator is in use, gravity is used to slowly descent to the ground floor, and back-up mechanical brakes and locks will still be operational.

Pneumatic elevators require less space and construction than traditional elevators. They use air pressure to move the cab and are ideal for retrofits, existing homes, or locations where a hoistway is difficult to build.

No, pneumatic elevators do not require a machine room. The machinery is self-contained in the elevator’s top section.

Passed in 1990, the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) was created to help disabled Americans gain easier access to multi-level commercial buildings. Specific to residential elevators, McKinley Elevator provides you with the understanding to help navigate the ADA codes and regulations related to making homes accessible and safe for those who are disabled.

It depends on the vendor. For example, the Savaria Vuelift glass elevators are made from crystal clear low-iron silica glass while the Elvoron Home Elevator by Garavanta offers several options for glass finishes. We invite you to give us a call to schedule an appointment at one of our California showrooms, where you can compare each option in person.

The weight limits for residential glass elevators range starting at 840 lbs up to 950 lbs.

Yes. Custom size and design options for our glass elevators are available. Because each home is designed differently, there is no “one size fits all” solution. With showrooms located in Irvine, California and in the San Francisco Bay Area, we encourage you to make an appointment to come and see which custom sizes are available.

The two options are vertical and incline lifts. Your site location will determine what type of lift is best for you. We will help make that determination with you.

No, the code is specific that the lifts are designed for people only. The usage as a freight lift will lead to damage very quickly.

Inclined wheelchair lifts are supported by the wall or embedded stanchions. These support the lift which cantilevers out from these mounting structures.

Prices vary greatly depending on length of run and turns in the pathway.

It is not legal for a commercial wheelchair lift to be installed in California or Nevada without a specific elevator conveyance license.

Yes, they are legal but will not satisfy any building department requirement for permanent handicapped access.

A vertical wheelchair lift moves straight up and down, similar to an elevator. An inclined wheelchair lift travels along a staircase. Selection depends on available space, configuration of the stairs, and ADA compliance requirements.

Yes, vertical and inclined wheelchair lifts can be installed outdoors. Outdoor lifts are built with weather-resistant materials to handle exposure to rain, wind, and temperature changes.

Like elevators, wheelchair lifts require regular maintenance at least once a year. Maintenance includes mechanical inspection, battery checks (for some models), and safety testing to ensure reliable operation.

A dumbwaiter is a small, automated, vertical transportation device designed to move items, such as food, dishes, or laundry between different floors of a building. It is essentially a compact, specialized elevator intended for the efficient transfer of goods rather than people.

It is not legal for just anyone to install a dumbwaiter in California or Nevada. The installer is required to hold a specific elevator conveyance license in California and Nevada.

It is used to transport goods and items (but not people) between floors. It can go between living floors, between garage and kitchen, or usages like this. It can be easily hidden into the cabinetry.

The capacity in bulk as well as weight will depend on the physical size of the dumbwaiter selected. A dumbwaiter cab is enclosed to contain the materials that will actually fit within its walls.

Dumbwaiters come in varying sizes and capacities. They start at normal cab sizes of 16″ x 16″ up to 36″ x 36″ and larger. Custom sizes for special areas are available.

Yes, a dumbwaiter can be retrofitted into an existing home. The ease of installation depends on the building layout and whether a clear shaftway or chase can be created between floors.

The cost to install a dumbwaiter depends on the number of stops, size and weight capacity of the unit, and any required construction modifications. Contact McKinley Elevator for a project-specific estimate.

McKinley Elevator has offices throughout California, including showrooms in Irvine and Hayward where you can experience a variety of home elevators firsthand.

Yes, McKinley Elevator’s showrooms feature multiple models from different manufacturers, allowing you to ride and compare elevators to find the best fit for your home.

McKinley Elevator represents multiple manufacturers to provide a wide range of options. This ensures customers can select the system that best matches their application and design needs.

Yes, McKinley Elevator offers installation, maintenance, inspection, testing, and repair services across California to keep your elevator or lift operating safely and efficiently.

McKinley Elevator / Equipment has been serving California for 60 years. We have offices and service technicians scattered all over the state. McKinley has a showroom at the corporate office in Irvine and in the Hayward office, where you can ride on multiple home elevators from different manufacturers, in the combined showrooms. McKinley makes it easy for the buyer / designer to choose the home elevator that is right for the application. That is why McKinley represents more than one manufacturer. We at McKinley feel it is important to give choices since there is not one home elevator that fits all.