Home elevators are no longer luxury add-ons reserved for sprawling estates — the global machine-room-less (MRL) elevator market is projected to reach $45 billion by 2033. For most homeowners, the cost of installing a home elevator is comparable to that of all major home appliances. They’ve become practical solutions for homeowners who value convenience, accessibility and long-term livability. 

Among the different types of elevators available today, one option stands out for its modern design and efficient use of space — the machine-room-less elevator. It adds incredible value and peace of mind to your home. 

For homeowners exploring their options, understanding how MRL home elevators work and what makes them unique can help determine if this design is the right fit. Explore this innovative approach to residential vertical transportation. 

What Is a Machine-Room-Less Home Elevator?

An MRL elevator is a traction elevator that integrates its drive system and controls within the elevator’s hoistway, or shaft, rather than requiring a separate machine room. Traditionally, elevators have needed an additional space, often the size of a large closet or small room, to house essential equipment. By eliminating this requirement, MRL elevators immediately provide a space-saving advantage that appeals to modern homeowners and architects.

The defining feature of an MRL elevator is exactly what its name suggests. It functions without a dedicated machine room. Instead, all the major components are tucked into the hoistway itself, neatly concealed yet fully accessible for service when needed. This integrated design has made the MRL elevator increasingly popular in residential applications, especially where square footage is at a premium or where a streamlined design is preferred.

Beyond space savings, this approach reflects broader trends in homebuilding and remodeling — efficiency, flexibility and adaptability. Homeowners want solutions that fit seamlessly into their existing or planned layouts and MRL elevators deliver exactly that.

How Do MRL Home Elevators Work? 

While the mechanics behind an elevator can sound complex, the function of an MRL system is surprisingly straightforward. At its core, it is a traction system using a counterweight method.

Here’s how it works — the elevator car is balanced against a counterweight. When the car moves up, the counterweight moves down and in reverse. This balance reduces the energy required for the motor to move the car, making the system efficient and reliable.

In an MRL design, the compact motor and controller are typically installed at the top of the hoistway. This placement allows the elevator to operate smoothly without consuming additional square footage elsewhere in the home. All of the essential equipment remains contained within the shaft, keeping the design both practical and discreet.

For homeowners, this means an elevator that feels integrated into the house's architecture rather than a separate, bulky addition. From the outside, what you see is a beautifully finished elevator cab and landing doors — behind the scenes, the system works quietly and efficiently to carry you between floors.

Key Benefits of Choosing an MRL Design

An MRL elevator brings a number of advantages that set it apart from other home elevator types. It's an incredible investment that takes as little as a few days to a couple of weeks for installation. 

The benefits of an MRL elevator for your home are:

Maximized Living Space

One of the most compelling benefits of an MRL system is the elimination of a separate machine room. A traditional machine room can take up the footprint of a closet or more — space that could otherwise be used for storage, living or architectural features. By consolidating everything within the shaft, homeowners and architects have far more freedom in planning the home’s design.

Energy Efficiency

Modern MRL elevators often feature gearless traction motors, which are highly energy-efficient. Compared to older hydraulic systems, they consume significantly less power while providing reliable performance. These motors also generate less heat, reducing the cooling demands of the surrounding space. This efficiency benefits the environment and reduces homeowners' long-term operating costs.

Some systems can even feed power back into the home’s electrical grid during downward travel. This regenerative capability further reduces energy consumption over time, making the technology appealing for homeowners who want efficiency built into every corner of their property. By embracing these innovations, MRL elevators set the standard for sustainable vertical mobility in residential settings.

Home Value

An elevator within the home can increase your home value, allowing you to increase the asking price for when you are ready to sell. Because it offers accessibility for buyers who may prefer to avoid homes with stairs, you will have more competition for your home, driving up the price and increasing your return on investment. 

The MRL elevator also offers value in allowing older adults to age in place longer, particularly given the rising costs of senior living facilities. Whether a homeowner can stay in their home for longer or a new buyer purchases the home for their retirement, an MRL elevator is a worthwhile investment for your home.

MRL vs. Traditional Hydraulic Home Elevators

Homeowners often compare MRL designs with traditional hydraulic elevators. Both systems are well-established, with high customizability and numerous upgrades, but they differ in ways that can be significant.

Space and Installation

An MRL elevator does not require a separate machine room, allowing greater flexibility in where the elevator can be placed while reducing construction costs. This design can be ideal for homes with limited square footage or where a streamlined layout is desired. The space required for a home elevator depends on:

• The type of elevator
• Your elevator usage requirements
• The cabin size you want

Hydraulic systems use a piston and pump setup rather than hoisting machinery and require a separate machine room, which is a factor to consider when deciding which type of elevator is best for your home. They don't require much overhead space, but additional space must be set aside during construction or renovation. Hydraulic elevators also come with front, side and rear openings — which MRL elevators come with too — which is another benefit to think about before installation. 

With all that said, both systems are easy to install.

Performance and Ride Quality

An MRL is known for smooth, quiet operation and is often capable of faster speeds, making it a popular choice for those who value performance and refinement. Hydraulic systems offer a gentle, quiet and fast ride you'd have in large business buildings. Many homeowners appreciate their reliability, especially in low-rise applications. 

Environmental and Maintenance Considerations

Since an MRL does not use hydraulic oil, there is minimal risk of fluid leaks or associated odors. This makes it a clean, environmentally friendly option with low maintenance concerns. Plus, your home elevator won't add much to your electric bill. 

Hydraulic systems use hydraulic fluid that must be monitored and contained. While this is manageable with proper upkeep, it does introduce an element of ongoing maintenance and environmental consideration.

Overall, both systems offer dependable service, but the MRL design often appeals most to homeowners seeking an exceptional experience without requiring much effort. 

What to Consider Before Installation

Before committing to a machine-room-less home elevator, it is essential to discuss several important factors with your builder or elevator provider.

Hoistway Requirements

While an MRL elevator doesn’t require a machine room, the hoistway itself must be properly designed and constructed. It needs to accommodate not only the elevator car but also the integrated machinery. This step is critical for smooth installation and long-term performance.

Local Codes

Every elevator installation must comply with local building and safety codes. These codes exist to protect homeowners and passengers, and working with an experienced professional ensures the process goes smoothly. Requirements vary by region, so it’s important to partner with a provider who understands how to navigate them.

Customization Potential

Standard MRL designs provide a strong foundation, but they can also be tailored to match your unique home and lifestyle. Options range from cab size and door configuration to finishes, lighting and control panels. The ability to customize allows the elevator to go beyond being just a functional feature by complementing the style and character of your home. But not all elevator companies allow for the same degree of customization. 

When searching for a provider, choose one that allows you to design your own interior with premium features like:

• Wood
• Ceiling lights
• Handrails
• Fixtures
• Scissor, clear or millennium gates
• Flooring

Safety Features Built Into MRL Systems

Safety is central to every elevator system, and MRL designs are built with features that prioritize peace of mind. Most systems include:

• Automatic braking mechanisms: These systems engage if the elevator car ever moves outside its expected range. 
• Emergency lighting and communication options: These options are also standard, helping passengers feel secure in any situation.
• Integrated control systems: In addition to physical safeguards, the integrated control systems in MRL elevators continuously monitor performance. By tracking movement, load levels and door operations, these systems create an added layer of reliability. 

Together, these features make MRL designs a trusted choice for homeowners looking to balance convenience with safety.

Design Flexibility for Modern Homes

One of the standout qualities of MRL elevators is their seamless integration into a home’s design. Because the system does not require a separate machine room, architects and homeowners gain freedom when planning layouts. This flexibility allows elevators to be placed in locations that complement the home’s flow, making vertical travel feel like a natural extension of daily living.

In addition, MRL technology adapts beautifully to homes of different sizes and styles. From compact spaces where every square foot matters to large residences that prioritize open layouts, the absence of a bulky equipment room keeps design options wide open. This adaptability means that an elevator can be thoughtfully placed without disrupting the home’s character or function.

Long-Term Value of an MRL Elevator

Beyond convenience, MRL elevators bring long-term value to a home. They contribute to a sense of accessibility that can serve generations, accommodating changing family needs over time. This makes them a thoughtful investment not only for immediate comfort but also for future-proofing a home.

From a financial standpoint, homes equipped with modern elevator technology often enjoy broader appeal in the real estate market. Buyers increasingly look for features that combine function, style and efficiency. MRL elevators check all three boxes. The combination of reduced energy consumption, thoughtful design and enduring reliability adds meaningful value that goes far beyond the initial installation.

The Future of Elevator Technology

The elevator industry continues to evolve, and MRL systems represent only the beginning. Exciting innovations are on the horizon that will shape how elevators function in residential spaces:

• Smart home integration: Features like smartphone controls and voice-activated commands make elevator use more seamless and connected.
• Energy recovery systems: Future designs may not only conserve energy but also feed electricity back into the home, supporting sustainable living.
• Adaptive platforms: MRL designs today provide a foundation that can easily adapt to new technologies as they become available.

By embracing MRL technology now, homeowners are positioning themselves to take advantage of future advancements while keeping their property modern and forward-thinking.

Why Choose Residential Elevators?

Choosing an elevator is about finding a solution that fits your needs. Residential Elevators is a full-service family-owned business. Our in-house team does the sales, design, manufacturing, factory direct installation and service — that provides industry-leading MRL elevators, styled to be uniquely you. 

Residential Elevators places your safety as our top priority by using only the highest-quality materials with additional safety features in all our builds, such as sturdy cab walls, heavy-duty aircraft cables and a safety phone. Every project is handled exclusively by Residential Elevators’ own employees, never subcontractors or middlemen. This direct approach enables consistent quality and accountability throughout the entire process, from design to installation.

While the industry offers standardized options, Residential Elevators specializes in creating custom traction elevator solutions that adapt seamlessly to the architecture of your home. From the Modern Farmhouse series that's warm and rustic to the Classic collection that's timeless and so many more, you'll find a style that moves you. 

Find Your Perfect Fit With Residential Elevators

By combining engineering expertise with craftsmanship and personalization, we create a feature that truly integrates into the heart of your home. Everything our talented team does is custom, and we don't cut corners — see for yourself when you take a look through our project gallery online. 

Are you ready to create a new level of accessibility and mobility for you, friends and family with the nation's leader in home elevators?  If you want to explore your home elevator options, you can contact our team or call us at 800.832.2004 today to work with a home installation expert.