Home Elevators

[Wes]

I have a client that we will start construction with in about 6 months. They have asked me about elevators and I have never built a home with an elevator. I talked to a company in OKC, OK that does our hospitals elevators and was told around $50,000 for the elevator and to figure on $3-5K per year in maintenance. My client got estimates from a couple of other companies that told him $25,000 and nearly maintenance free. What companies are out there that do home elevators? I figure what better people to ask than my fellow builders that may have input on who to use and who not to use.

The elevator will be have 30' of travel and two stops, it will open on one side and only needs to have a 4x4 carriage.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Cheers

[Allan Edwards]

Re: Home Elevators

Wes

I install elevators in most of my homes, have one in my own home. They cost about $20-22k. Most go up to 3 stories. You have to drop your slab 10", provide a phone wire, and there are some clearance issues above it. You have to install some type of flooring, we use wood, and there is some finish out for the cab.

I use a local company, here is their link.

http://lonestarelevator.com/

[Andrew R.]

Re: Home Elevators

Mine was 23,000 It is a 2 door version where doors open at 2 sides. The wall framimg includes vertical solid 2x12 headers for the rails, plaster the entire interior of the shaft and use fire rated doors. These residential elevators are slow,not like a 50,000 one like my neighbor has. the door is an accordian lattice door so you see the interior of the shaft as you ride up. BTW, I never use mine

[Wes]

Re: Home Elevators

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

[TSJHD1]

Re: Home Elevators

I just got done managing a townhouse frame that had 4 elevators total, with 4 floors of travel. The stairs wrapped around the elevator.

Don't forget to build your walls so the studs all line up from one level to the next. I see this sort of thing get overlooked a lot when walls stack. Also, be sure to look at all the info regarding the elevator, and plan accordingly when framing. For example, the doors on our elevators were not centered on the shaft. You might assume they would be, but check to make sure. Also, those track mountings Andrew mentioned had a fastening spec from the elevator company.

Tom

[Ray Dru]

Re: Home Elevators

I am doing a one story elevator and shaft right now and the elevator itself is $48,000. It is a commercial job.

[Bob Kovacs]

Re: Home Elevators

I am doing a one story elevator and shaft right now and the elevator itself is $48,000. It is a commercial job.

Why would a one'story building need an elevator? ;)

[Ray Dru]

Re: Home Elevators

Lazy roofer that doesn't want to take his extension ladder out, sorry, it's a two story.

[Unforgiven]

Re: Home Elevators

For budgeting I usually figure $15K per stop for the elevator contractor, plus the shaft. The shaft has to be fire rated (usually 2 hr.), so there are some safety concerns. There are also some additional electrical issues (shunt trips, fire alarm if required). If you've never put in an elevator before be ready for some surprises from your AHJ.