Stairlifts Buying Guide – Things To Consider Before Buying A Stairlift

Having a stairlift in your home is one of the best ways to help regain some independence and mobility within the comfort of your own home. Those who are impacted by their mobility issues, usually those with underlying chronic conditions and the elderly will benefit massively from purchasing a stairlift, though a stairlift should be a careful investment to make and not one to be rushed. 

Knowing which stairlift will be the most suited to your needs, style preferences, and budget are just some of the things you need to consider. In this helpful guide, we have put together some of the things you should always consider before buying a stairlift.

Always Seek Professional Advice

When buying any type of mobility product it is always best to seek expert advice from a professional mobility company like National Stairlifts. These companies often have years of experience in supplying and installing mobility aids and will be very knowledgeable when it comes to advising on the best stairlift for you which caters to your own specific requirements. Always turn to a reputable company that is well known in your area of their sector and reach out to different providers to compare prices and advice.

Consider Which Type Of Stairlift Will Be Best For you

There are many different types of stairlifts that will be more beneficial to individuals and different types of properties. And, of course, different types of staircases. Staircases differ from properties and house styles in different parts of the country. For example, staircases in Edinburgh are often much more aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the architecture to the area so choosing the right equipment is key. Understanding which type will be the most suitable for you is important as a stairlift needs to cater to your current and future mobility needs. If you have gotten professional advice from reliable stairlift specialists then it will be much easier in choosing the right stairlift for you. Different types of stairlifts include:

Seated Stairlifts

These are one of the most common types of stairlifts which allow for comfortable seating and often contain a swivel at the top of the stairs which allows users to transition from seating to standing more easily. 

Perch Stairlifts

These types of stairlifts are more suitable for individuals that have difficulty sitting, perhaps those suffering from chronic conditions that affect the back. The perch design offers support underneath the buttocks, reducing the need to move the hips or knees.

Curved Stairlifts

Curved stairlifts are made to order so will contain tailored measurements that will allow the stairlift to glide up curved stairs and across landings. These tend to be the more expensive option out of stairlifts.

Straight Stairlifts

Unlike curved stairlifts, straight stairlifts only move up a straight staircase with a simpler installation and affordable option. A straight stairlift is fitted to the stair tread rather than the wall so it’s a much more hassle-free installation.

Know The Full Costs Included With The Stairlift

When comparing costs between different stairlift providers, always ask if the final cost given in the quote covers everything and that there are no additional costs. A full-price cost should include:

• Home survey to analyse your property
• A stairlift made to measure for yourself and the staircase at your home
• Installation
• After-sales care, including a call-out service (this is usually an additional add-on)

Have A Set Budget In Place

Having a set budget in place from the off will allow you to determine which stairlifts are in your pricing range which can help refine your search making the process a lot easier with options that meet your pricing requirements. Stairlifts can either come brand new or pre-owned. 

There are pros and cons to both but the main con for a pre-owned stairlift is that it will be much more affordable and you could get a better model for a lower price. If you opt for brand new, there will be more peace of mind that the stairlift will not be faulty.