Stairlift Installation Near Me
A stairlift is a vital mechanical device that can benefit anyone who has mobility issues. If you desire to age in place (stay in your home), like many Americans, you will indeed see the benefits of stairlift installation near me. Stairlifts can be a life-changing way for elderly and disabled people to maintain their independence while living at home. They can also be helpful for those in aftercare following an injury or operation.
It can be tricky working out the full cost of stairlifts, and the variety of different options leaves many people feeling overwhelmed. If you are considering adding a stairlift to your home, we are sure you have questions, and we are happy to answer them.
Perhaps, you aren’t even sure whether your home is suitable for installing a stairlift in the first place. Then there is the issue of maintenance: for example, is a maintenance contract a good deal, or should you seek out contractors yourself? What about insurance?
In this article, we will provide answers to some crucial questions about stairlift installation as well as information and advice to help you make an informed decision.
Is A Stair Lift Going to Meet My Mobility Needs?
If you’re considering buying a stairlift, the first question you should ask yourself is whether a stairlift is right for you. Mobility needs can be complex, and stairlifts are not suited to everyone. But there are many types of stairlifts to meet various needs.
Most users of stairlifts suffer from arthritis. Many others suffer from non-arthritic joint pain. Those who tire easily, or whose knees find walking up steps to be a challenge, also find stairlifts helpful.
Probably, it is not worth getting a stairlift if your mobility issues are mild and likely to subside within a few months. This is because there are many sunk costs that cannot be recouped if you want to get rid of your stairlift.
You should also consider whether you need to use the stairs at all – for example, it might be easier to stop using a basement or attic room, rather than fitting a stairlift.
Moreover, if you need to use the stairs to get to the bathroom, fitting a toilet in a more accessible location might be a better solution overall. This all depends on the layout of your home- in some houses, a new bathroom might be a lot cheaper than installing a stairlift.
Can Stairlifts Be Fitted to Any Stairs, Even If They Are Narrow or Curved?
As a rule of thumb, you cannot have a stairlift fitted to a staircase narrower than a minimum of 75 centimeters. This is because the stairlift would obstruct the staircase, making it unsafe to use the stairlift and potentially causing a fire hazard.
As long as your stairs are wider than 75 centimeters, you can probably have stairlifts fitted. Stairlifts can be fitted to curved stairs, and they can go around bends. You can even have a stairlift fitted to a spiral staircase.
You should be aware that most of these features will increase the cost of your stairlift. A straight stairlift is often half the cost of a curved stairlift. A curved stairlift installation near me will be more expensive if your staircase has a lot of turns. Straight stairlifts are cheapest if the stairs are wide, short and not unusually steep.
Your staircase may have to be modified for a stairlift to be installed. For example, a radiator or banister may have to be modified or removed so that your stairlift doesn’t collide with it.
Different Kinds of Stairlifts On the Market
There are many different types of stairlifts for various applications and needs. Of course, there are curved stairlifts and straight stairlifts to suit almost all homes.
There are also a range of perch seats for those who struggle to stand up for long periods. A seatbelt allows the user to remain standing while safely placing much of their weight on the perch seat. Plus, some stairlifts models feature a swivel seat, meaning they won’t get in the way of a family member.
Some stairlifts come with joystick controls. These give the stairlift user the power to alter their speed with ease or stop moving using a control button.
Stairlift Costs
As mentioned earlier, stairlift costs can vary significantly depending on the type of life, staircase, and additional features. Whether the rail is curved or straight affects the price. The cost of a stairlift for a straight staircase typically ranges between $2,200-$5,000 (new or used).
The final price that you pay will depend on the length of the staircase, the model selected, and any added upgrade options, such as a folding rail or power swivel seat. Straight stairlifts are the cheapest available.
Stairlifts suited to curved staircases can cost more than double that. If you have a curved staircase or a straight staircase with an intermediate landing, the stairlift track will need to be custom-made to fit your staircase. As a result, the cost will be significantly higher.
Pricing for a curved stair lift starts at $9,500 and ranges upward from there, depending on the configuration of your staircase and upgrade options that may be added to improve comfort for the user. If your stairlift needs to go around corners, each corner can as much as double the purchase price.
Stairlifts with higher weight requirements can also cost significantly more. These special features and alterations do not affect the stairlift cost as much. But as a rule, non-standard features lead to a higher price.
How Expensive Is It to Install a Stairlift?
Stairlift installation costs can vary based on the nature of your stairlift and your staircase. Stairlift manufacturers and dealers will often do this for you, in which case the installation cost is included in the full price of the product.
If you arrange stairlift installation near me yourself, it can cost anywhere between two thousand and five thousand dollars. This is because you will have to pay for a trained engineer, which can cost a hundred dollars an hour or more. You may also need to hire an electrician, and if a radiator needs to be moved, a plumber will be required.
As with the purchase price, the cost of installing a stairlift will be greater if your staircase is curved or has a number of corners.
How Does the Installation Process Work?
First, the stairlift installation company will send a surveyor to assess your home and take accurate measurements of your staircase. They will assess and survey your stairs from top to bottom. These details will be used to figure out how much space is available, as well as which wall the rail will be attached to. Some companies charge for surveyor visits, but it is essential to ensure your safety.
Then the company will inform you of the available options. You must decide what type of stairlift you want.
When the installation date comes, a team of trained engineers will begin installing your stairlift. Installation works usually reach completion within a week. A straight stairlift takes less time to install than a curved stairlift. In many cases, a straight stairlift will be finished within a day. A curved stairlift tends to take longer.
Installation time also depends on the specifics of your house and the difficulty of fitting the stairlift rails.
Should I Buy A Warranty or Maintenance Contract with My Stairlift?
It is generally a good idea to buy into the warranty or maintenance contracts offered by your stairlift dealer. Breakdowns can be expensive, but they also represent obstructions to your independent living.
Warranties provide invaluable peace of mind, as well as cover the significant running costs, including servicing and replacement parts. Replacement parts for a custom-built or curved stairlift can be very expensive.
Is Buying or Renting Better?
There is no simple answer to this question- there are advantages and disadvantages of both options.
The main factor when choosing whether to hire a stairlift is the length of time you’ll need a stairlift for. If you will only need a stairlift for less than a year- for example, if you’re recovering from an operation – renting might be the perfect option.
This is because if you rent a stairlift, companies remove it at the end of the rental period, and you won’t end up saddled with a valuable piece of mobility equipment that you no longer need. So, over shorter periods, renting a stairlift can work out cheaper.
But if you expect to require a stairlift for a long time – as long as you remain in your current home, for example- it would make more sense to buy it. Rental stairlift prices naturally include a profit for the company, and you can forgo this expense by owning the stairlift outright.
Stairlift Installation Near Me
If you are looking for a professional and reputable company with vast experience in Stannah stairlift installation near me, look no further. Contact Stannah Mountain West Stairlifts today at (888) 542-3834 or online to schedule a FREE, no-obligation home assessment so that we can provide you with a free accurate quote and help you choose the right stairlift that suits your needs and budget.
What are you waiting for? Call us now!
