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  • 1.  Elevators, Residential- Looking for recomendations from experience

    Posted 01-08-2026 07:06 PM

    I am a one person firm and haven't had the occassion previously to specify a residential elevator.  I would welcome some general thoughts on Hydraulic vs. Cable Drum systems and which have been the most successful from your client's point of view.  Speed, noise, reliabity may be considerations.

    Also, I would like to see if designers have had success with the Inclinator Company or with Fox Valley Elevators.

    thanks in advance for your thoughts.

    Brad Mellor



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    Robert Mellor AIA Member Emeritus
    R. Bradley Mellor AIA, LLC
    Vienna VA
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  • 2.  RE: Elevators, Residential- Looking for recomendations from experience

    Posted 01-12-2026 06:21 AM

    Hi Robert,

    I recently attended a virtual seminar on ATS Seminar entitled: Guide to home elevators. It touched briefly on most types of residential elevators.

    There is no better option, only the one that suits your project best. Also, I have found scarce availability of local contractors for this type of product, so I would probably try to rely on the GC and the elevator sub to guide the specification.

    I hope this helps. 



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    Ivan Contreras, LEED AP, AIA
    Contreras Munoz Architecture, LLC
    Miami FL
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Elevators, Residential- Looking for recomendations from experience

    Posted 01-12-2026 08:39 AM

    Robert -

    We have been specifying Savaria elevators for our single-family residential work lately.

    Savaria | Elevators | Stair Lifts | Wheelchair Lifts

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    Savaria | Elevators | Stair Lifts | Wheelchair Lifts
    Enjoy better mobility for life. Savaria is a global leader in accessibility and mobility: home elevator, stair lift, wheelchair lift, LU/LA elevator.
    View this on Savaria >

    I hope this is helpful.



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    Rick Nelson Assoc. AIA
    R.S. Granoff Architects, P.C.
    Greenwich CT
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Elevators, Residential- Looking for recomendations from experience

    Posted 01-12-2026 10:07 AM

    I would recommend Garaventa Lift 

    Grubinder Chahal

    gurbinder.chahal@garaventalift.com

    604-690-5855

    They have a full line of residential elevators that can be installed inside or outside.  



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    Susan Frear
    AIA Pennsylvania
    New Cumberland PA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Elevators, Residential- Looking for recomendations from experience

    Posted 01-13-2026 09:01 AM
    I would add that the single most important determinant for us is serviceability.   Work with a vendor and a brand with local service options.   No one wants to wait a week for an out of town team to service their elevator.   
    Taylor Davis


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    Taylor Davis AIA
    Taylor Plosser Davis, AIA
    Birmingham AL
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Elevators, Residential- Looking for recomendations from experience

    Posted 01-13-2026 05:35 PM
    I agree with Taylor Davis 100%. I’m a retired architect and former AIA member and as someone who was trapped in an elevator for a short time during a punch list visit no less, service is the key.

    Paul Boggs

    Sent from my iPhone


    Original Message


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