Are you considering installing a dumbwaiter in your home or a commercial building? When it comes to transporting goods between floors, dumbwaiters drastically improve the ease of movement. Furthermore, dumbwaiters carry heavy loads for you, reducing the likelihood of physical strain or bodily injury.
The benefits are clear. But what about the cost of installing a dumbwaiter? As you can imagine, residential dumbwaiter costs differ from commercial dumbwaiter costs. We’ll break down both and discuss variables that can affect them.
Read on for a look into dumbwaiter costs in different settings.
Residential Dumbwaiter Costs
In recent years, the number of dumbwaiters installed in homes has risen. One reason for the spike is that dumbwaiters mitigate problems associated with multi-level living.
Residential dumbwaiters can range from $13,000 – $20,000. Both the cost of the dumbwaiter and the cost of installation contribute to this price range. In order to ensure safety and reliability, it is crucial to have a professional install the dumbwaiter. Self-installation opens your home up to risk as dumbwaiters can be dangerous if not properly installed. However, experienced dumbwaiter installation companies keep you safe by installing reliable dumbwaiters that meet dumbwaiter safety codes and have all of the latest safety features.
Construction costs also contribute to the overall dumbwaiter price. Because a dumbwaiter is like a small elevator, a shaft must be constructed in a home for the dumbwaiter to travel inside. During shaft construction, a professional electrician will need to provide the proper electrical power to the dumbwaiter machine space. The builder may also have to reroute plumbing pipes in the area. The construction price varies based on things like location and the complexity of the job.
Last but not least is the installation of the dumbwaiter equipment. Like a home elevator, you will need to decide on the equipment options up front, so that the shaft and openings are built the right size, have the proper structural supports, and so forth. The equipment options have many variables, including the style and finish of the dumbwaiter. Additionally, the interior finish and the size of the dumbwaiter may affect the overall cost. A basic dumbwaiter features two stops and a weight capacity between 100-200 pounds. A standard-sized car measures 20”w x 20”d x 30”h. However, you can customize the dumbwaiter to fit your needs. For example, you can add more stops or request a dumbwaiter with a higher weight capacity. Custom-sized dumbwaiters are also available but may increase the price as well.
Commercial Dumbwaiter Costs
From the healthcare industry to the hospitality industry, dumbwaiters increase efficiency in a wide range of fields. Commercial dumbwaiters are typically more heavy-duty than those in residential spaces. They can also be customized to meet specific industry requirements, such as food safety requirements or particular healthcare needs.
The cost of a commercial dumbwaiter varies, but it ranges from $20,000- $50,000. This wide range has to do with the variables, including size, configuration, and material. For instance, if the dumbwaiter will be used to transport food, it must be made out of stainless steel, which will contribute to an increase in cost.
The number of stops also plays a role in overall cost. If a commercial dumbwaiter will travel through multiple floors with stops at many points, it requires coordination and labor to ensure it will perform at each stopping point. The more intricate the dumbwaiter, the higher the cost will be.
Larger capacity models tend to be on the higher side of the price spectrum. A 500-pound dumbwaiter will likely fall between $40,000- $50,000. These dumbwaiters transport heavy loads and require inspections to ensure safety and efficiency.
While the purchase of a dumbwaiter involves an upfront cost, these machines are durable and provide cost-saving benefits over the years. Employees save time and energy as they do not have to transport things manually from floor to floor. Additionally, workplace injuries related to heavy lifting are reduced.
Where to Shop for a High-Quality Dumbwaiter
For a high-quality dumbwaiter and knowledgeable professionals to install it, you need a company committed to excellence. At Arrow Lift, we have over three decades of experience in the home and specialty elevator industry. Whether you require a residential or commercial dumbwaiter, we are here to help you achieve your desired outcome.
Our trained technicians know the ins and outs of dumbwaiter installation and maintenance. Contact us to schedule a home consultation today.