Residential Dumbwaiters

Climbing up the stairs is something that is difficult for many people and falls are very common among those over sixty. While climbing the stairs can be difficult by itself, having to lug fifty pounds of groceries up the stairs can be hard even for those who are not mobility challenged. This is why a lot of people choose to install a dumbwaiter.

For homes, a dumbwaiter is like a very small elevator. They are not designed to carry people or animals, but instead are used to carry items between floors. They can be used for things like carrying firewood, groceries, or meals. Whatever needs to be moved, it is usually a whole lot easier if you can let the dumbwaiter do the work.

Today, most people use electric dumbwaiters in their homes, which are able to support around a hundred pounds. However, manual dumbwaiters, which have been used for thousands of years, are still used sometimes. A manual dumbwaiter can be as simple as a pulley and a small wooden platform, but there are also some kits available that build in other features that allow it to work in a more efficient manner.

Despite some opting for a manual lift, the electric lift is much easier to use and can support more weight. Several kits are available that can be installed easily, in only a few hours. To make the installation simpler, the drive system and car will often come pre-assembled. This reduces how long it takes to install the lift, because the drive system and car, can be installed all at once. These lifts also usually have snap together wiring, which also reduces installation time, but also makes troubleshooting easier.

Electric lifts generally move along a track that is installed inside the shaft, which helps keep the car stable. The shaft, which must be completely vertical, must usually be at least two feet wide and two feet deep. However, this varies by model and depends on the size of the car.

Often, the dumbwaiter can be configured to open on different sides, which helps make finding a space for the shaft easier. If necessary, usually a closet can be converted to provide the space necessary for the shaft.

It is easier to install the lift as the home is being constructed, but it is also possible to install them into an existing home. There is seldom a problem in either case.