Frequently Asked Questions

McKinley Elevator / Equipment has been serving California for 60 years. We have offices and service technicians scattered all over the state. McKinley has a showroom at the corporate office in Irvine and in the Hayward office, where you can ride on multiple home elevators from different manufacturers, in the combined showrooms. McKinley makes it easy for the buyer / designer to choose the home 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 home elevator that fits all.

Prices vary greatly depending on length of run and turns in the pathway. Pricing can start in the $14,000 range and go up from there.

It is not legal for a commercial lift to be installed in California or Nevada without a license. The installer is required to hold a state contractor’s license (C11 in California) license. Nevada also requires a license.

Yes, they are legal but will not satisfy any building department requirement for permanent handicapped access.

McKinley has been serving California for over 60 years. We have offices and service technicians scattered all over the state. McKinley has a showroom at the corporate office in Irvine and in the Hayward office, where you can ride on multiple home elevators from different manufacturers, in the combined showrooms. McKinley makes it easy for the buyer / designer to choose the home 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 home elevator that fits all.

The home 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 permanent power is available.

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 are the finish requirements of the home elevator cab?

Most elevators require 4-8 weeks to manufacture. This time starts from the framing stage of the job.

For an 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.

Pneumatic elevator is a see-through, vacuum-operated lift. Since pneumatic elevators don’t require cables, pulleys, a pit, or an engine room, they can require less energy and space compared to traditional home elevators. This makes them a perfect choice for houses, apartments, offices, and even boats!

A pneumatic elevator is a great choice for many reasons. The custom-made systems are manufactured to the height of your home, allowing you to travel up to 50 total feet. The elegant glass exterior and unique, circular design give any home a modern, luxurious look while providing additional accessibility. Since pneumatic elevators are self-supported, you won’t need to install any ramps, pulleys, cables, posts, or rail systems – it simply rests on the existing ground floor. Plus, pneumatic elevators are eco-friendly and don’t require any harmful oils, gases, or lubricants.

Pneumatic elevators use vacuum technology to power the platform between floors. Turbines at the top of the elevator shaft suck air out of the tube, which pulls the cab upward. When the cab reaches the desired level, the brakes secure it at the proper height.

Pneumatic elevators are certified to meet ASME elevator standards by Liftinstituut. In the event of a power failure while the elevator is in use, gravity is used to slowly descent to the ground floor, and back-up mechanical brakes and locks will still be operational.

Passed in 1990, the ADA (Americans with Disability Act) was created to help disabled Americans gain easier access to multi-level commercial buildings. Specific to residential elevators, McKinley Elevator provides you with the understanding to help navigate the ADA codes and regulations related to making homes accessible and safe for those who are disabled.

It depends on the vendor. For example, the Savaria Vuelift glass elevators are made from crystal clear low-iron silica glass while the Elvoron Home Elevator by Garavanta offers several options for glass finishes. We invite you to give us a call to schedule an appointment at one of our California showrooms, where you can compare each option in person.

The weight limits for residential glass elevators range starting at 840 lbs up to 950 lbs.

Yes. Custom size and design options for our glass elevators are available. Because each home is designed differently, there is no “one size fits all” solution. With showrooms located in Irvine, California and in the San Francisco Bay Area, we encourage you to make an appointment to come and see which custom sizes are available.

The two options are vertical and incline lifts. Your site location will determine what type of lift is best for you. We will help make that determination with you.

No, the code is specific that the lifts are designed for people only. The usage as a freight lift will lead to damage very quickly.

Inclined wheelchair lifts are supported by the wall or embedded stanchions. These support the lift which cantilevers out from these mounting structures.

No. Portable evacuation carriers do not require a permit.

No, there are no codes to apply to them.

No, these are independent carriers and require no installation.