Buying a Stair Lift
Posted on by Eric Rubel
You may have seen television commercials or advertisements for stair lifts and thought that you or a loved one would benefit from having one installed in the home. While these advertisements may demonstrate the features and many benefits of a stair lift, they don’t prepare you for what to expect during the buying and installation process. Fortunately, this process can be trouble-free if you know what to expect and reach out to a local trusted stair lift dealer.
In this post, we'll provide helpful information on some of the main factors to consider when buying a stair lift.
Before You Call
When considering a stair lift installation, it is wise to research local home access providers online or receive a recommendation from a third party such as a friend, local agency on aging, health care provider or even a stair lift manufacturer. Look for positive online reviews and customer satisfaction ratings along with credentials such as Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist or Certified Environmental Access Consultant. This means that the provider will have training in accessibility services to go along with their experience.
Home Evaluation
Once you have contacted a qualified stairlift provider, they will schedule an in-home at which time they will take measurements of your staircase. If it is a straight staircase, this consists of 6 to 7 measurements using a tape measure. Consultations can also be done remotely. In this case, you or your family member would need to take the measurements and provide them to the local provider by phone or e-mail.
If it is a stair case that has curves, turns or intermediate landings, a curved staircase is slightly more complicated and typically involves using a photo system that will provide the manufacturer with precise measurements that will allow them to create a custom-made rail. They will also look to see if an electrical outlet is located within six feet of the top or bottom of the staircase.
At Lifeway, we first take the time to learn more about the person's mobility and specific needs so that we can recommend the best possible solution, where that's a stair lift or other accessibility solution. The consultant can also help provide recommendations for other areas of the home, such as the entryway or bathroom if needed.
During the evaluation, the consultant will then discuss various stair lift models, features, and your budget. After the evaluation, the consultant should provide you with a written proposal. For a straight rail stair lift, this will likely be available on-site or within the next 1-2 days. Curved rail stair lifts will sometimes take longer if measurements need to be sent to the manufacturer.
Showroom
Visiting a local showroom that has stair lifts on display can be very helpful. It allows for the person in need of the lift to learn how it operates and test out all the important safety features. Test riding the lift will provide a better sense as to whether or not the lift will be a viable solution to safely navigate the stairs at home. Many also find it helpful to see it in-person because it allows them to visualize how it'll look if installed in their home.
Lifeway Mobility has fully operational showrooms in the Chicagoland area, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Minneapolis. Below are photos of our showrooms in Chicagoland and Boston.
Cost
While prices will vary based on staircase layout, model selection, and added options, below are some typical starting costs and price ranges for stair lifts.
- A used stair lift typically starts at around $2,200 including installation. Many providers also have rental options if your needs are temporary.
- A new straight rail indoor stair lift will typically range between $2,800-$5,000
- A curved rail stair lift with a custom-built rail will start around $10,000 and scale up from there depending on the design of your staircase
Many providers will also offer rental units for temporary needs. Learn more about whether a new, used, or rental lift is right for your situation.
Installation
Lead time for a straight rail stair lift typically ranges from 1 or 2 days to a week depending on the provider. The installation of a straight rail lift should only take a few hours if installed by a professionally trained and certified technician from a trusted provider. If an electrical outlet needs to be installed, this can add extra time to the installation.
Lead time for a curved rail stair lift can take 2 to 4 weeks and sometimes even longer since specifications need to be sent to the manufacturer for custom rail fabrication. The installation should take up to 1 day to complete depending on the layout and the number of technicians installing it.
Straight stairlift rails are bolted to every third or fourth step, so installation should not damage walls or railings. When a stair lift is removed, minimal patchwork is needed to repair the stairs.
Service
Occasionally, a stair lift may require service such as a replacement of a battery or malfunctioning part. Batteries typically last 1 to 3 years with heavy use and 3 to 5 years with light use. You should make sure to discuss manufacturer and dealer warranty details and service plan options with your provider.
Final Thoughts
The key to ensure a hassle-free stair lift purchase and installation is to find a qualified and reputable provider. When researching providers look for dealers that have factory training and all required state licenses. Also remember that while you may be able to purchase a stair lift online for less money, do-it-yourself installation is NOT recommended by most quality stair lift manufacturers.
Interested in learning more information about buying the process of buying a stair lift? Check out the Lifeway Mobility Ultimate Stair Lift Guide.