Before you start thinking about which stairlifts to purchase, you should consider how a stairlift would be beneficial in your home. If you are struggling to climb the stairs in your home, but don’t wish to move to a single-floored property such as a ground floor flat or bungalow, then a stairlift may be the perfect cost-effective solution for you.
Is a stairlift the right option for you?
If you live in a home with a staircase that needs conquering every time you want to reach another level to access your bedroom, bathroom, and other essential rooms, a stairlift could be the best option for you.
As with any other home improvement purchase, there are options to consider and talk about with your family, friends and professionals to help you make the perfect decision for you. If any of your friends and family already own a stairlift, it’s worth having a chat with them to get their honest opinion on the pros and cons of owning a stairlift. It could also be beneficial to contact an Occupational Therapist (OT), who will be able to support you in making decisions based on your own practical needs.
You could request a free stairlift brochure to compare products that you may consider having within your home. It’s also worth contacting your Local Authority, as you may be entitled to Disabled Facility Grants if your circumstances reach the criteria.
Euro Lifts Limited can offer you a wide range of high-quality stairlifts. Depending on the requirements of your home, we can offer both a straight stairlift or a curved stairlift, tailor-made to fit your stairs as well as your individual needs.
Things to consider when purchasing a stairlift
The first thing to consider when choosing a stairlift is how it will fit in your home. Fortunately, if your staircase is quite narrow, the chairs can be folded up or tucked away around the corner in most cases. Your stairs should be at least 30 inches wide to accommodate the chair with someone on it.
If you think your staircase may be an unusual shape, there’s no need to worry. Our stairlifts come in both straight and curved designs, allowing them to work with the shape of your staircase. Some stairlifts may even attach to the stairs, if there is no wall for them to be attached to, this will depend on the model.
Some stairlifts will have different features, which you can tailor to suit your needs. For example, as previously mentioned, a folding seat to avoid blocking the stairway. A swivel seat is also an option to increase accessibility, and an adjustable height seat could be useful if multiple people will be using the stairlift. As well as this, you might consider adding a feature to allow your stairlift’s battery to charge continuously, so it will never run out of battery.
All stairlifts are fitted with seatbelts, however, you could choose a retractable belt – or a harness if you’re looking for an extra safe option. If this added safety is important for you, you could add safety sensors which will stop the lift if there is anything blocking its path. This could be beneficial if you have small children or pets in your home. As well as this, there may be the option to include an emergency stop button, child lock, or a remote.
How much does a stairlift cost?
The cost of your stairlift will vary depending on a number of factors. These factors include the length of your staircase, as well as the extra features you may want added. A basic stairlift may cost between £2,000 and £5,000 and rise from there with any additional features. Additionally, a curved design will cost more, due to the extra requirements needed. Of course, you may be entitled to a subsidised cost or even a free stairlift installation if you have a disability which requires you to have a stairlift (please contact your Local Authority regarding this if you think you may be eligible).
To begin your journey to getting a stairlift, you should contact your lift installer to discuss your needs. Many companies will offer a free consultation to give you a more accurate quote for the cost of your stairlift. Once you have decided on your stairlift’s design, the company will then begin the process of making it a reality.
You might be worried about the stairlift decreasing the value of your home. Lift installation does not cause any damage to your home, however, if you choose to remove the stairlift there may be some damage – such as holes in the carpet of the stairs. This may decrease the value of your home slightly. On the other hand, a stairlift may increase the value of your home, if a potential buyer needs a stairlift it might become a selling point!
At Euro Lifts Limited, we’re more than happy to visit your home or site free of charge to discuss your requirements and offer our advice.
Discuss your needs and stairlift prices with one of the leading stairlift companies in South West England by giving us a call on 0800 999 1199.