Stair lifts are more expensive when installed on staircases with turns.
For anyone with mobility issues such as an inability to walk up stairs or stand, a stair lift offers many advantages. Stair lifts, also called a chair lift or stairway lift, consist of a motorized chair a person sits in to move up or down stairs in a house. This allows an individual the freedom to go to upper levels of the house and transport items like laundry to other rooms; however, stair lift disadvantages exist. Does this Spark an idea?
Installation
One disadvantage involves the damage done to staircases when installing a stair lift. Modifying or removing stair railings may be necessary to install a stair lift. Anyone not paying a professional to install a stair lift may encounter difficulty with installation. For example, a stair lift has many cabling systems and wiring that must be connected properly. The more cables, the harder a stair lift becomes to install for someone without stair lift installation experience.
Battery
Some stair lifts have a battery-operated system that powers the chair. A battery-operated system has advantages. For example, a battery-operated stair lift works during a power outage, as compared to an AC model, which depends upon house electricity. A distinct disadvantage, however, involves maintenance. Typically, a stair lift requires a replacement battery after two to three years of usage. A replacement battery ranges from approximately $50 to $100 as of June 2011.
Cost
Cost is a disadvantage. In fact, the cost of a stair lift depends on the type of staircase in a home. As of 2011, a stair lift for a straight staircase with no turns cost around $2,000 to $4,000 to install; however, a stair lift installed in stairways with curves, turns and/or landings range from $7,000 to $15,000. The final cost depends on the size, shape and the amount of parking space (where the unit rests when not in use) at the bottom and top of the stairs. The cost doesn't include annual maintenance, replacing any batteries or repairs.
Considerations
Typically, installation takes approximately four hours; however, do-it-yourself installation (not having a professional install it) may take longer because of the lifting and setting up involved. A stair lift with additional features such as a folding or adjustable seat or footrest heights may cost more money. In addition, companies sell outdoor stair lifts, but at a higher price than indoor stair lifts.
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