Residential Elevators

A residential elevator is a small elevator intended for use in a single family dwelling to transport the occupants from one floor to another. Residential elevators are limited by the National Elevator Safety Code (ANSI A17.1) to a maximum platform area of 15 sq/ft. It is possible to exceed this limitation using a variation but a legitimate demonstrable need must exist.

We install residential elevators manufactured by Inclinator and other manufacturers. While there are more popular sizes, each car is constructed individually. Design happens in one of 2 ways. First, in a "build-to-suit" application, the desired car size is determined in advance and you or your contractor constructs a hoistway to our specified size. The second option is much more common in existing homes. With this option, Bob Shipley will meet you at your site and together you will make a decision about the viability and placement of a residential elevator. After the placement is decided upon, measurements will be taken and within a short time (typically 1 day) we will notify you of the elevator car size that fits into the space.

The construction process allows us to match new elevators to existing conditions, making retrofitting a new elevator to an existing home as easy as any construction project can be.

Most residential elevators installed by RMR are winding drum elevators (See diagram) In the past, hydraulic elevators had the advantage of a battery lowering feature. This allowed them to lower their occupants to the safety of the next lower landing in the event of a power outage. Today, ALL of our residential elevators have the battery lowering feature. This makes the possibility of a hydraulic oil leak an unnecessary risk.