Residential Dumbwaiter Installations on the Rise

The news is true.  Dumbwaiters have successfully invaded countless homes and residences.  If you think dumbwaiters are only for commercial uses such as hospitals, restaurants, lodging establishments, libraries, etc. then think again.  It has already made its way into millions of homes all over the world.  And why not, it is very functional, multipurpose, uncomplicated to operate and customizable. Its success may be attributed to the fact that it is very straightforward and yet offers numerous applications.  Below are detailed explanation and scenarios of its usefulness and how it becomes so close to the hearts of every member of the family:

Dependability
The main benefit of residential dumbwaiters is the ease and convenience it provides in transporting goods.  Items are moved from one location to another faster and safer.  It significantly reduces the task load of a person who is collecting the stuffs to be transported.  For some instances, it totally eliminates the need for a person/s to make the movement.  It is so reliable that you may not have to get a house helper, maid or any other extra hand to finish chores.  That is an absolute saving!

Versatility
Its functionality may be simple and basic yet can be used in countless applications.  For heavy and fragile equipment, dumbwaiters can move it without difficulty.  When it is laundry day, every family member can simply toss their washables and mom will be happier than ever before.  For dad who keeps his home office at the top floor, transporting equipment, supplies, books and other materials will never be back breaking again.  Other remarkable uses of dumbwaiters in transferring items includes: groceries and packages, household supplies, trash and garbage, firewood, food and beverages, portable equipment and so much more.

Simple to operate and maintain
Whether it is a manual or electronic type; dumbwaiter can be operated by almost any member of the family.  It does not require much time and effort to learn how to use it.  Operating it does not entail technical expertise and complexities. Simply, put the item on the dumbwaiter, pull the rope or push the button and that is all you need.  A dumbwaiter usually does not need several scheduled maintenance under normal residential operating situations.  Even for heavy residential use – over 20 trips a day, frequency of inspection may be done less often like every quarter. 

Various models to choose from
You can customize your dumbwaiter according to your preferences.  Lifting capacity varies depending on your requirements. You can choose from manual or electronic model type.  Also, some models have built-in doors.  Generally, manual dumbwaiters are cheaper and operate with a pulley system.  But if you can spend some cash then why not opt for the electronic model especially if a push of a button appeals to you more. You can also match its colors, designs and materials with the elegance and style of your home interior.

Home Dumbwaiters

Dumbwaiters have, in the past, been considered a product that only luxury homes are found with, however, the installation of dumbwaiters have been significantly beneficial to a wide variety of homes, luxury or not. A dumbwaiter is a small elevator that is installed in the home to make it easier to transport materials from one floor to another. Things such as groceries, firewood, laundry, and many other items can be moved from the ground floor to a second story, and back again with ease. This makes it much simpler for those with handicaps to go about their normal daily lives, without the help of others.

Dumbwaiters for the home are very beneficial in helping to move firewood from the basement to the living room, food from the kitchen to rooms on upper stories, which comes in very handy if there is someone who is ill or bedridden, as food and dishes can be transported to and from the kitchen, without the caretaker worrying about carrying items up and down the stairs. Dumbwaiters are also an excellent device for moving laundry from upper levels in the home to the laundry room or garage, which may be located on a lower level. Many use dumbwaiters in split-level homes to transport their groceries from the driveway to the kitchen, which may be located at the top of the stairs.

When choosing to have a dumbwaiter installed, things you should consider are price and functionality. You should determine how much weight you will need the dumbwaiter to support. Most can support up to 500 pounds or more with each lift load. Many people have sought to install dumbwaiter elevators for transporting wheelchair bound family members to upper stories, as well as those with arthritis, or other ailments that make mobility and the travel up and down stairs difficult or impossible. You also need to determine where to have your dumbwaiter installed to give you the optimal benefit. For instance, if you are planning to use it for laundry transportation, then it would make more sense to have it end in your laundry room, or if you plan to carry food on it, then having it come out in the kitchen would be your best option.

Wherever you have it installed, a dumbwaiter in your home can help to alleviate a lot of leg work that may be involved in carrying items up and down stairs to help those who cannot help themselves. Or, if you need a dumbwaiter for yourself, then you can do the things around your home that you would normally need outside help to do, such as transporting laundry and carrying dishes. Dumbwaiters for homes have taken a lot of stress off those who are caring for disabled family members, as well as those who are disabled themselves. By having a dumbwaiter installed, people with limited mobility or disabilities can begin to gain back some of their independence by not needing to rely on outside help or other family members to aid them with their day to day living needs.

Dumbwaiters in the Making

Different types of lifts are available to aid physically handicapped individuals in transferring from one floor to another, the dumbwaiters are also excellent contraptions for such people, especially for those who have limited mobility due to decreased strength (in the elderly), arthritis, disabilities, and other medical ailments. Dumbwaiters are actually small elevators, which travel across different floor levels of a structure in a downward or upward course from the starting point or base. These units allow certain individuals to move laundry or grocery items, and the likes, without having to carry such items and climbing up and down the staircases. Doing the latter can further put the weak individual at risk for falls and other related injuries. Dumbwaiter elevators are widely used in schools, nursing homes, hospitals and residential homes today. Most people consider the existence of dumbwaiters in the homes as an expensive luxury and extravagance. However, there is an increasing value for devices and equipment such as these since it can greatly aid the elderly or disabled consumers. To cater to such needs, the mobility aid industry has created the dumbwaiter elevators that can be used by both special and normal individuals. With this, the dumbwaiter is now seen not solely as a lavish appliance but also as an aid for those people who need such equipment the most. Dumbwaiters may be installed in a particular room, like a bedroom or kitchen, depending on the needs and preferences of the user or homeowner. And did you know that you can build a dumbwaiter elevator in an already existing wall in your own home without any professional help? Yes, you can. But doing so takes some right planning and skill. Here’s a simple set up. How to Build a Manual Residential Dumbwaiter Step One Plan the direction of your personal dumbwaiter. Measure the floor space that your dumbwaiter will consume. Choose a spot that has no hindrances. For safety purposes, check for pipes and wires before starting. Plumbing that are accidentally cut can be really messy to fix up. Also, cut wires may result to electrical shock. Step Two Build a sturdy case (shaped like a box) for the dumbwaiter. Good quality wood or pine plank box will give the case a finished look. Step Three Purchase a ready-made dumbwaiter, or simply make one from an old cupboard or shelving unit. Make sure to place a rim around the base to contain the items and avoid them from sliding off the shelf. Step Four Drill holes. Attach beige sash cord to your dumbwaiter. Wrap the cord around the pulleys that are attached to the top of the dumbwaiter’s case on two sides. Step Five Attach weights to the cord as a counterbalance to the load. You may experiment with various weights to achieve the right balance for the dumbwaiter. Step Six Lastly, have four springs mounted to the base of the case to ensure that the dumbwaiter will not be damaged if in case it falls too rapidly on the bottom floor.

Dumbwaiters for the Home

Over the past few years more and more people have discovered the wonders of a residential dumbwaiter. Dumbwaiters are similar to elevators except that they are much smaller and are made to carry materials rather than people. Dumbwaiters have been in use for many hundreds of years and have countless commercial applications. They are commonly found in hospitals, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings. Up until recently they were usually found only in larger homes because of their cost. The price has dropped dramatically, however, and many Americans have taken advantage of this price drop in order to take advantage of the many practical uses associated with dumbwaiters. Dumbwaiters have many uses, but they are most commonly used to transport groceries to the kitchen, send the dinner upstairs, and to transport laundry and bedding to and from the laundry room. Typically residential dumbwaiters can support 50 to 150 pounds, but it is better to go with a model that will carry at least 100 pounds. 50 pounds may sound like a lot, but it is not as heavy as it sounds. While it is easier to build the dumbwaiter into a house when it is being constructed, most units are made to easily be installed in existing homes. If you decide to install a dumbwaiter it is important to consider the buildings existing structure. It usually does not present a problem, but it is important to ensure that there is room for a straight shaft between floors. The motor used in most residential dumbwaiters is small enough that it is rarely necessary to cut into the attic to install the dumbwaiter. People often install the dumbwaiters in closets or at the end of a hallway because there is usually enough space for the shaft in these locations and it can be installed rather painlessly. Dumbwaiters can be configured with a variety of door arrangements, so it is possible to have the dumbwaiter open on different sides on each floor. It is possible for a competent handyman to install a dumbwaiter system, but it takes a good deal of technical know-how. Most dealers have certified installers that can quickly and inexpensively install your dumbwaiter, which for many is the best way to do it. If you do decide to install the dumbwaiter yourself, than ensure that you have completely read and understand the instructions that come with your dumbwaiter. Do not feel rushed either, because it is much better to take your time and do it right the first time. Electric dumbwaiters travel along a track which will need to be secured to the studs and must not be secured to only drywall. A good set of tools will be needed that includes a power drill, circular saw, drywall saw, socket set, and measuring tape. Once you have installed your dumbwaiter it will provide many years of service, but ensure that you follow all manufacturers' service and maintenance recommendations. Dumbwaiters provide a very valuable service in millions of homes across the United States. They are responsible for reducing the workload and strain that can come from lugging clothes, food, and household materials between floors and are responsible for adding resell value to your home.