The ultimate guide to buying a stairlift
Buying a stairlift is meant to make life easier for you. But that doesn’t mean any stairlift you pick for your home will serve this purpose.
Each home and user is unique, requiring a stairlift that will cater to their particular needs. That will call for some research and a little bit of digging around. Knowing what to look for when buying your stairlift is essential in making sure you get the most value for your money and the best service out of the stairlift.
In this guide, you will learn about the steps and features you should look for before buying a stairlift. This way you know you are getting a safe and affordable stairlift for you and your home.
Various mobility solutions are available to seniors. Before you settle on a stairlift, you have to be sure it’s the best option for you.
Investing in a stairlift will change your life dramatically. It also has significant financial implications and will take a good amount of your living space.
If you’re seriously considering a stairlift, here are a few questions you should ask yourself to determine if this is the best mobility solution for you.
Why not also read: Install a stairlift or move to a bungalow?
Now that you’ve decided a stairlift is the best option for you, there are a few things you need to figure out before you start looking for the stairlift. These will help you to narrow down your options and only look at varieties that are best suited for you.
These factors include;
Depending on these metrics, the design of the stairlift can be tweaked to meet your needs better.
Make sure you buy a Stairlift from a manufacturer that is accredited by the British Healthcare Trades Association (BTHA). This assures you that you are buying from an approved supplier, ensuring you are getting the best products and services. They have even provided an independent guide to buying a stairlift.
Once you’re sure that the stairlift is the way to go, you need to assess and find out which type of stairlift is best for you. At this point, it’s best to have an expert come and have a look at your home and advise you on the best way forward.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t hurt to research the types of stairlifts to know which one is best for you.
These types of straight stairlifts are ideal for homes with a straight staircase. The railing used in these staircases is simple and doesn’t require a lot of customisation.
These curved stairlifts have a rail that is customised to your stairs. If you have any bends or curves on your staircase, this is the best type of stairlift for you.
Seated stairlifts come with a variety of additions and features to make the stairlift easier to access and use. To help you make the right decision on the type of sitting stairlift you want for your home, here are a few factors you need to consider.
Most additional features are considered a luxury and unnecessary. But some of them could actually save you a lot of trouble and inconvenience and are well worth the price. The most important thing when considering the additional features is to go for those that will be most useful.
Some of the options you can choose from include;
Choosing a good stairlift is one part of the puzzle. After choosing your stairlift, you need to consider the cost.
The prices of stairlifts vary based on a variety of factors and your individual needs. It’s essential to prioritise your safety and comfort when considering the price.
You might have to pay a little more to get a top of the line stairlift, but over the years, it’s going to offer you a better and safer experience and you will feel more comfortable using it.
Some of the factors that will affect the cost of your stairlift include;
Most manufacturers will send their personnel to install the stairlift. This is the safest option because it ensures the stairlift is installed correctly by someone who is professionally trained. It also ensures that should anything fail, the warranty is not voided.
Each stairlift should come with a maintenance chat that should be followed strictly and maintenance and service done by the manufacturer accordingly. By following this chat closely, you should enjoy long, trouble-free service from your stairlift.
Why not also read: How do stairlift work?
Most companies are excellent at sales pitches and providing services just before you buy the product. Considering how vital a stairlift will be to your mobility and safety, you should be more worried about the after-sales support.
The stairlift should come with a considerable warranty on parts and labour and you should be provided with a working phone number you can use in case the equipment fails or breaks down.
Before you make a choice, it’s advisable to read up on customer reviews for the different companies and see which one is the most responsive and offers the best services. It will give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t be stuck should anything happen to the stairlift.
You have finally settled on your stairlift. After listening to advice from family, friends, experts and even picking a few pointers from this guide, you finally have the stairlift installed. Now you just need to figure out how to use it.
Stairlifts are designed with plenty of safety features. But, if you don’t know how to use them, they’re not any good.
To help you make the most out of your stairlift, here’s a quick guide on using stairlifts safely;
Why not also read: How safe are stairlifts?
The decision to get a stairlift can be both exciting and overwhelming. You have various things to consider and different options to choose from. But, the thought of finally being able to get up and down your home with no help makes it all worth it. Read more about benefits of installing a stairlift here.
With this guide, you have everything you need to make the best decision on choosing your ticket to your freedom. But, don’t forget to listen to the experts and consider their opinions.
