Mobility Stairlifts Mountain West

Mobility Stairlifts Mountain West: How Much Does a Stairlift Cost?

If you or a family member are having difficulty navigating up and down stairs due to an injury, illness, or mobility issues, a stairlift may be the solution. A stairlift is a motor-operated device that follows a track up and down the stairs to assist someone unable to navigate the stairs in their home. Now, the big question that begs on many people’s minds is, “How much does a stairlift cost?” According to HomeAdvisor, stairlift costs range between $2,000 and $15,000, with the national average at $6,000. The prices of mobility stairlifts Mountain West can vary because of the type and length of the lift; a curved or extended lift can cost between $9,000 and $15,000, but a standard straight lift shorter than 15 feet might only cost between $2,000 and $6,000. The benefits of installing a stairlift outweigh the price for many homeowners. Having a stairlift ensures independence and safety for those who need it.

When to Consider Getting a Stairlift

As we age, stairs become more challenging to navigate. If you or a family member is recovering from an injury or surgery, have mobility issues, are frightened to navigate the stairs, or don’t have the strength to go up and down the staircase anymore, consider having a stairlift in your home.

• Aging in Place – Most seniors prefer to remain in their homes rather than move into a senior living community. A stairlift provides the option to stay at home and utilize all levels of the living space instead of just one floor. A stairlift is also a more affordable option than selling a home and finding a new one-story place to live in.
• Reduced Mobility – Joint pain can make climbing the stairs difficult. Suppose you or a family member are experiencing knee or hip pain, joint stiffness, muscle weakness, reduced lung capacity, or are recovering from surgery. In that case, a stairlift can help to navigate stairs and regain independence.
• Health and Safety Concerns – A stairlift is a safe way for those with health and safety concerns to navigate a staircase. Going up and down the stairs can be dangerous and result in serious injury for those with mobility and balance issues. A stairlift is the safest option for accessing different levels of your home.

Benefits of Getting a Stairlift

Joint pain, lack of strength, stability issues, and limited mobility can accompany aging and make climbing the stairs difficult. A stairlift is a worthwhile investment and offers many benefits, including:

• Injury Prevention – A stairlift can help prevent an injury due to falling while navigating up or down the stairs. Those with balance issues may have trouble judging the distance between steps and trip and fall. A stairlift has a built-in safety belt that will keep you safe and avoid injury while transporting you to different levels of your home.
• Independence – Sometimes stairs can prevent you from using all the levels of your home, limiting you to living on one level. A stairlift can help restore a feeling of independence, as it allows you access to all stories of your home since stairs will no longer be a hindrance.
• Ease of Use and Comfort – Most users find a stairlift easy to use: sit in the seat, fasten the safety belt, and hold the switch to go up or down the stairs. To stop the lift, simply release the switch. Some mobility stairlifts Mountain West come with a remote, which is particularly helpful if more than one person uses the lift. If you are at the top of the stairs and the lift is at the bottom, the remote will power the stairlift up to you. The seat is padded and comes with adjustable padded armrests and footrests to ensure a comfortable ride.
• Relatively Affordable Aging in Place Option – A stairlift is a great solution for those who prefer to age at home instead of moving to an assisted living facility or a senior living community. While the expense of purchasing and installing a stairlift can quickly add up, it is less expensive than moving to a single-floor home.

Factors in Calculating Stairlift Cost

Several factors impact the cost of a stairlift. Prices differ from the national average due to staircase type, shape, length, installation and labor costs, lift and seat type, power source, and brand.

1. Staircase Type, Shape, and Length 

Stairs come in different shapes, and there are varying stairlift types to accommodate, including straight, curved, platform, and outdoor. Straight stairs generally cost the least to fit with a lift, and curved staircases cost the most. If the staircase has landings, the lift will require a longer track, and the overall cost will be higher.

2. Type of Stairlift and Seat

Stairlifts are available with different types of seats. The seat affects how much space the lift takes up on the stairway and how comfortable it is to ride. Here are some available seat options and the average prices.

• Swivel seat – The average cost for a stairlift with a swivel seat is $2,500 to $20,000. A swivel seat pivots at the bottom or top of the stairs to allow the user to get out of the lift without twisting. The seat locks to prevent turning while moving up and down the stairs. Some high-end models will swivel automatically, and others must be moved manually.
• Perch seat – A stairlift with a perch seat typically costs between $2,500 and $20,000. One of the newest advances in stairlift seating, a perch seat saves space by allowing the user to lean against the seat in a partially standing position while riding up and down the stairs. While these are not ideal for those with significant mobility or balance issues, this type of stairlift saves a considerable amount of space for smaller or narrow spaces where a standard lift wouldn’t fit.
• Angled seat – Stairlifts with an angled seat can range between $3,000 and $20,000. Angled seat lift chairs tilt backward slightly, so the user feels more stable while using the lift. These mobility stairlifts Mountain West are popular for those with significant mobility issues.
• Collapsible seat – Collapsible seat stairlifts cost between $2,000 and $20,000. One of the most popular styles of lift seating, the seat (and usually the footrests and armrests) fold up to save space when it’s not in use. This is an excellent option for those with a narrow staircase or who want to reduce the overall stairlift footprint.

3. Installation and Labor

Installation costs can run between $1,000 and $5,000 for many stairlift models. Prices can be higher if the stairs are steeper than average or if the lift is installed on outdoor steps made of natural materials like earth or stone.

On occasion, additional work needs to be completed to install a stairlift, which can drive up the installation price. For example, installing wiring can cost between $600 and $2,200, building a new wall can run from $1,000 to $2,700, repairing drywall is $300 to $800, and replacing or upgrading an electrical panel ranges from $600 to $1,800.

Labor costs are typically included with the installation price since stairlifts need to be installed by a professional from either the company/dealer you purchased the lift from or someone from the manufacturer. If you decide to hire a third party to install the lift, labor costs usually run between $75 to $100 per hour.

4. Brand

When deciding on a stairlift for your home, there are several options to choose from. Most manufacturers make both straight and curved lifts, but it is essential to check and ensure that the brand you choose creates a lift that will work for your needs.

5. Power Source

Stairlifts can be battery-powered or connected to an electrical outlet. Battery-operated lifts can work during a power outage, and the electric-powered ones need a battery backup if the power goes out.

Electric stairlifts will cost more up front because they require more electrical wiring work, and they also cost more money to run. Electric stairlifts don’t require as much maintenance as a battery-operated lift; however, a battery-operated lift needs regular battery health checks.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When budgeting for stairlift costs, it is helpful to know any additional price factors and considerations that can increase the total cost. These can include pricing differences with renting or buying, buying a new or pre-owned lift, customizations and add-ons, outdoor lifts, and maintenance costs.

1. Renting vs. Buying

If you or a family member need a stairlift for a short period while recovering from surgery or an injury, renting a lift is an option. The cost to rent a lift runs from $300 to $500 per month, not including installation or removal fees.

Most stairlift companies/authorized dealers require a minimum 3-month rental agreement. Keep in mind that the installation fee can run from $400 to $700, removal can cost between $300 and $600, a refundable deposit ranges from $500 to $1,000, and the 3-month rental averages between $900 and $1,500.

2. Pre-Owned vs. New

Pre-owned stairlifts are available to buy for a reduced price. These mobility stairlifts Mountain West have been previously used/rented and are in excellent condition. The lifts are subjected to rigorous inspections to ensure they are safe and in good working order.

The overall price can vary depending on the brand, model, and type, but average savings can range from $500 to $1,500 off the cost of a new lift. It may be challenging to find a pre-owned stairlift for a curved staircase, however, since the lift track needs to be custom-made.

3. Customizations and Add-Ons

Custom add-ons to a stair chair lift will increase the overall price. Some of these customizations may be necessary, such as a custom track for a curved staircase or a staircase with multiple landings.

These customizations can add between $1,000 and $10,000 to the installation price, depending on the complexity of the stairs. Some straight stairlift tracks can accommodate up to 70 feet, but anything longer can add $50 to $75 per linear foot.

Stairlifts can typically handle users up to 250 pounds, but a heavy-duty lift may be needed for those who use wheelchairs or weigh over 250 pounds. Purchasing a heavy-duty stairlift can start at $5,000 and range up to $20,000 for lifts that can support over 400 pounds.

4. Outdoor Stairlifts

Depending on the length, installing a stairlift outside can range from $2,000 to $10,000. Different materials are required for an outdoor lift to withstand extreme temperatures, rain, snow, dirt, and grime and still work correctly.

5. Maintenance

It is recommended that a stairlift be professionally inspected once a year to ensure it is in safe working order. Stairlift companies usually offer yearly maintenance inspections for between $100 and $200, and some dealers provide 24-hour emergency service. Be sure to ask the installer about the services they offer.

Stairlift Cost Types

There are various types of mobility stairlifts Mountain West, and they vary by the kind of stairs they are designed for and how they are powered.

1. Battery-Operated vs. Electric Stairlifts

The cost of a battery-powered lift ranges between $3,000 and $5,000. The price reflects the ease of installation because the lift does not need additional wiring. A battery-operated lift will charge when it is not in use at the charging station at the bottom of the stairs.

While a battery-operated lift will save more money in electricity costs, in the long run, this type of lift requires regular battery checks and maintenance.

Electric stairlifts can average between $4,000 and $7,000. An electric lift plugs into an outlet to power it up and down the stairs. If there is no outlet in the stairwell, one will have to be installed, which will raise the overall installation cost. This type of stairlift typically comes with a backup battery in the event of a power outage.

2. Straight Stairlift

Straight lifts are the most common type of stairlift. They are fitted to a straight staircase that doesn’t bend or curve. These lifts are the easiest to install and typically run between $2,000 and $8,000.

3. Curved Stairlift

Curved stairlifts are the most expensive type of lift. They are custom-designed to fit the contours of the staircase. These can run between $8,000 to $20,000. For homes that have a staircase with one or more landings, an alternative to a curved lift would be two straight stairlifts, which could save thousands of dollars.

4. Platform Stairlift

A platform stairlift is designed for wheelchair users to maneuver up and down the stairs. A wheelchair can be placed on a size-appropriate platform to transport users to different floors. Platform lifts can be used with both straight and curved lifts, with the price dependent on the length and type of staircase. These can cost between $5,000 and $20,000.

5. Outdoor Stairlift

Outdoor stairlifts can range between $4,000 and $12,000. These lifts must withstand harsh weather conditions and still work properly, so the price is generally higher than for straight indoor lifts.

Stair Lift Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

While it may be tempting to install the stairlift yourself to save some money, installing a stairlift as a DIY project is not recommended. Even though it is easy to use and operate, a stairlift is a complex mobility device. It needs to be professionally installed to ensure the user’s safety.

Professional installers undergo rigorous training, and they are qualified and experienced to install the lift in as little as 4 to 5 hours. It may take a bit longer to install a lift on an extra-long set of stairs.

Since a staircase rarely has an electrical outlet nearby, new wiring may need to be installed before the stair lift. It is always recommended that a professional handle new wiring and outlet installation.

Mobility Stairlifts Mountain West

If it’s difficult and dangerous for you or your loved one to navigate the stairs, then consider getting a top-quality, reliable, and durable Stannah stairlift from Stannah Mountain West Stairlifts to install in your home. We sell high-quality mobility stairlifts Mountain West and do the installation as well.

Call us today at (888) 542-3834 or contact us online for a FREE, no-obligation consultation and home survey.

Mobility Stairlifts Mountain West