Frequently Asked Questions

• Home Elevators and Residential Elevators


01. How long does it take to install one?
The elevator itself can be installed within a couple of
days after arriving at the site, if the site is ready i.e.
the hoistway doors have been hung and permeate
power is available.


02. How much does it cost?
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 is the finish
requirements of the cab?


03. How long does it take to build?
Most elevators require 4-8 weeks to manufacture. 
This time starts from the framing stage of the job.


04. How much room do I need?
For a 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.


05. How deep should my pit be?
Pits vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Some are 6", 8" or 12". If you use 12" as a standard, most
manufacturers will fit.  If you are putting a commercial size elevator into your home design, then a 4' deep
pit will be required.


06. How much overhead do I need?
The overhead requirement depends on the system.  8' 6" is a standard for most systems but there are
systems that can take up to 10'  We have one system that can accommodate 89" of overhead in special
applications.


07. How many floors can your elevators serve?
Up to 5 floors can be served.  50' of travel is the maximum for a residential elevator.


08. Can the elevator enter from any direction?
Most systems can be accessed from 3 sides of the car.


09. Will the elevator accommodate a wheelchair?
There are elevators that can and some that cannot.  Most generally you would like the inside clear
car to be 36" x 48" to accommodate a wheelchair


10. Will all the elevator equipment fit in the elevator shaft or do you need another room?
Machine rooms are required in some jurisdictions.  Check with your sales rep for the local code requirements.


11. What is the better system hydraulic, winding drum, chain drive or vacuum?
The best elevator system depends on the application and code requirements.  Every system has
its "Best" application.  Discuss your requirements with your sales rep and he will be able to point you
in the right direction.


12. Does my elevator need to be serviced, if so how often?
Elevators are like automobiles, you need to service them.  There are many different service plans.
Quarterly, semi annual, oil and grease or full maintained.  Check with the service department for
current pricing.


13. Why should I use Mckinley Elevator?
Mckinley Elevator / Equipment has been servicing California for 58 years.  We have offices and
service technicians scattered all over the state.  Mckinley has a showroom at the corporate office in
Irvine where you can ride on 6 elevators from 5 different manufacturers.  Mckinley makes it easy for
the buyer / designer to choose the 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 elevator that fits all.