Things That You Need to Consider Before Installing a Stairlift
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: January 17, 2022
Table of Contents
Installing a Stairlift: When people change their living spaces itâs important that theyâre not just good to look at. Itâs when renovations are practical as well as aesthetic that people really reap the benefits.
It may be that youâre thinking of having a stairlift installed in your home, office building, or hotel. If youâre wanting to access more information, this article will tell you everything you need to consider beforehand.
The Basics
Stairlifts aid people with mobility challenges by providing a means to move between floors in homes or public spaces. They come in manual or motorized models, with some featuring detachable seats for use as wheelchair lifts. Electric-powered chairs run along a track mounted on stairways. When not in use, stairlifts fold up against the wall, blending discreetly into home environments. They also find use in commercial settings, facilitating easy floor-to-floor movement in office buildings and public places.
Speaking To A Specialist Company
Before making decisions, itâs crucial to consult professional suppliers and installers who can provide expert advice based on their experience and expertise. Each building is unique, so itâs important to find a solution that meets your specific requirements. You can research companies online that offer chair lifts for stairs, where you can request free in-home consultations, access live chat for immediate assistance, and explore helpful FAQs. Virtual consultations over the phone are also available, allowing you to learn about safety features and cost details.
The Staircase And Railings
There are two kinds of stairlifts commonly available on the market: straight stairlifts and curved ones. A straight stairlift is used when the staircase has a consistent shape, while a curved stairlift goes around corners and is designed for use on winding stairs.
Your particular stair type will affect both the cost and installation process.
If your staircase has open railings on at least one side, you will require a seat belt system in order to safely operate the lift. This feature ensures that people will remain securely fastened during transit.
The Safety Aspects
The stairlift must be sized appropriately for both the individual and the staircase â if itâs too large or small it could be dangerous or difficult to use. It should be anchored securely to the staircase and/or wall.
Make sure there is enough space on the landing at the top and bottom of the staircase for the lift to stop safely.
If you have pets or small children, make sure they are supervised when using the stairlift as it could be a tempting place to play or hide. Itâs essential that the passengers are within the weight limit of the lift, including if there are multiple users.
Failing to do so could result in an accident or injury to passengers. Make sure thereâs access to electricity nearby so that the unit can run without interruption or complication.
The Installation And Preparatory Work
This is not a DIY project that most people can do on their own. If you try to install the stairlift yourself, it may not be safe and you could be putting yourself or someone else in danger.
Itâs important to have a professional company that knows what theyâre doing installing the device. If the company that supplies the stairlift installs it for you, they will be best placed to understand the product and to put it correctly in place.
Before the work begins the company will need to measure your staircase. This is so that they know how much available space exists for the device to fit into. They may also need to do some alterations (e.g. cutting through walls or making holes into other surfaces (such as doors)).
This is so that the cables, wires, and pulleys can have access from one place to another without being obstructed by obstacles.
Additional Features
One extra feature you could consider is having a door opener. This provides convenience when it comes to connecting and disconnecting from the chairlift system. The auto-door feature can make life easier for users as they get in and out of their seats.
It can also help avoid accidents, e.g. by someone leaving the door open when others need to use the stairs.
There is another extra feature that can help people who are carrying bags and other items on the stairlift. With some models, itâs possible to have external storage compartments installed on the stairlift carriage.
This can come in handy for carrying groceries, laundry, or other necessities up and down the stairs. It means that the passenger wonât need to carry them in their hands or arms during transit (which could make them vulnerable to accidents).
After-Service
Stairlifts require periodic maintenance just like any other piece of equipment in your home. In order to keep your lift running smoothly, itâs important that you schedule regular checkups and service appointments with the installer or a qualified technician.
Many companies offer annual contracts that include regular maintenance visits.
If something goes wrong with your lift, be sure to call the company immediately so they can send a technician to fix the issue. And remember, if there is ever an emergency (e.g., power outage), always have a backup plan in place.
Additional Considerations
Itâs also worth checking out the warranties that companies provide, and reading online reviews regarding their stairlifts and customer service levels. You may also wish to speak to your insurance company in case they are willing to contribute anything towards the installation costs.
Whilst it will take time to do the research, it will be worth it for the end result. If you choose wisely, the stairlift will be fit for purpose and valuable addition to the home for many years to come.
Thank you for reading!
