The product isn't expensive. It's the installation. How handy are you? Do you have a buddy who can help?

Residential Dumbwaiters | dumbwaiters

Q - Who installs the dumbwaiter?

A - The contractor you hire to build the shaft can easily install the dumbwaiter. Our dumbwaiters are designed to make installation relatively easy using basic hand tools. Some counties require a licensed elevator technician to do the installation. You need to check with your local code enforcement office or inspector to determine whether a special license is required in your area.

Q - Is the installation difficult?

A - Our dumbwaiters are designed to make installation relatively easy using basic hand tools.

Q - What is the average install time?

A - The rough installation should take 2 – 4 hours. The finish installation time will vary based on accessories and the number of stops. Finish installation should not take more than 1 hour per stop.

Q - Is there any wiring required?

A - Our dumbwaiters are pre-wired, however, there will be a few plug-in connectors and some wire nuts that will need to be connected by the installer. Your electrician will need to run power to the dumbwaiter from your power source.

Q - Where is the motor located?

A - The motor can be located at the top or bottom of the dumbwaiter. You will need to specify the location of the motor when you place your order.

Q - Does the dumbwaiter meet my local codes?

A - Our standard dumbwaiters include most code required safeties; however, codes vary from country, state, and county so it will be necessary for you or your contractor to contact your local code enforcement office to find out what they require. When ordering your dumbwaiter let us know what your local code enforcement office requires so any necessary accessories can be added at an additional cost.

Q - Is a permit required?

A - Codes vary by country, state, and county so it will be necessary for you or your contractor to contact your local code enforcement office to find out if a permit is required.

@Louise Smith I'm quite handy. Maybe that's the way to go. Thanks!

@One Devoted Dame We are doing industrial sort of style.. That pulley look would go perfectly. I don't think I'd want to pull kegs up with that... But, that gave me a great idea for something else. Thanks so much, I love it!

Dude. Two things.

(1) What fantastic idea do you have now???

(2) You gotta update this thread whenever you build the thing! I *almost* want to build a 2-story house, just so I can have a dumbwaiter, lol.

:-)

So we have a room we call the “view room.”

it is 2 and a had stories up. Windows north, south, and west. It happens to be above the 1st floor bar. And I was thinking about a way to bring drinks up easily. Something small and simple. That would work perfectly!

heres a panorama I shot of that room in framing. Left side is south. Right side is north

Ooooh dang that's pretty. <3

It seems to me that an elevator would get you more bang for your buck, but it may be too late for that. The houses that I have designed dumbwaiters in have had the dumbwaiter nixed once the owner was quoted the price. The houses that I have designed elevators in have elevators.

I would guess it would be more of a thrill for grandkids to ride in a dumbwaiter than an elevator.

The houses that I have designed dumbwaiters in have had the dumbwaiter nixed once the owner was quoted the price.

This is very sad. :-/ Is it the entire thing, that's more expensive? Parts *and* labor? Because it's a specialty item that most folks either don't want or don't think to use (anymore)?

Most cases it was the whole package was more than what they wanted to spend. I remember one client responding, "We'll just use the stairwell." I think one client realized their kids are short and will be able to fit in the dumbwaiter into adulthood.

Our house has a dumbwaiter - it's 3 stories but 5 levels, kitchen at the top. We've only tried to use it once -- the day we moved in and locked ourselves in the garage. We tried to use it to get ME up to the kitchen. That didn't go well. As long as we're able, we're using it for extra storage/pantry space up in the kitchen, and the base of it as a closet in the garage. Next house is getting an elevator.