Couches don't fit up the stairs

gav77_2

Help me please!!! I found a really nice corner couch at DFS, but when it was delivered, it wouldn't fit up the stairs. Not even close!!

I live on the second floor, and there is a Juliet balcony (with railing) which is big enough for the couch.

The trouble is, all the companies I have contacted have given quotes near the £500 mark (much higher than expected), and will be using ropes to bring the very heavy couches up (is this safe). To add further confusion, I can't tell whether these companies are reputable or not. If the couches got damaged ( or dropped ) who would pay??

I just need the couches brought from 10 miles away to my SE London flat and brought over the balcony. I would also be on hand to help out for the whole process.

I did consider the possibility of the couches not fitting up the stairs, but didn't imagine I'd have trouble getting a reputable company to sort this for me. I know I should have looked into this before, but hind site is a wonderful thing.

Any advice or recommendations would be soooooo appreciated.

Thanks for reading

andrew-b

Have you enquired whether you can send it back? You might have to pay to return it but it may save you money in the end.

Where is the sofa at the moment as if its left outside it may be damaged and then you've got no chance of getting your money back.

Andy

gav77_2

I will loose the deposit if I return. I have considered this, but would much prefer to have the couch if possible.

The couch is presently back at the DFS warehouse.

Here's hoping for a miracle solution from readers!!!

ka7e

If the stairs are too narrow, would removing the banisters help?

Or, is there any possibilty of hiring a rising platform/ cherry picker, if there is room outside your window. http://www.hirecentres.com/index.php?main=catalog&cat_id=2 Much cheaper than £500!

The rope and pulley system is expensive because I assume it needs some form of external fixing being installed. A reputable removals firm would have insurance in case the sofa was damaged or dropped on a passer-by!

gav77_2

There is a large vertical beam that supports the staircase and severely restricts turning space unfortunately.

There is room outside to set up a furniture lift or the like. It is a public footpath though. I assumed you would have to be licensed to operate such a device though.

Thanks for the link, I'll look into that as an option.

adaze

If you did it quick enough, no one would know! You don't need a licence, I don't even think you would need to tell the council. Just make sure you borrow some cones to put around to stop people walking into a dangerous place (like under the couch), check the cherry picker can support the weight, and make sure it comes with all the harnesses etc...They are really easy to use too, just needs a bit of practice.

andrew-b

Sorry adaze but i believe your wrong on the license front... pretty sure you do actually need a license (which you must carry with you) to operate a cherry picker in order to work at heights (partner's sister had to go on a course to get the license for her job). A standard cherry picker probably wouldnt be suitable anyway as it would need a big enough platform to fit the big corner sofa.

Bit OTT, but how much would it cost to hire a mobile crane with driver?

I still reckon you should cut your losses and get a refund. If you ever move house you might want to get the same sofa out again in one piece in the future.

Andy

gav77_2

I'm a bit cautious of using a cherry picker myself, so I've talked to DFS and if I buy a different couch off them, the deposit can be carried over with no loss.

I didn't want to go this option, but looks like the one that makes economic sense.

Thanks everyone for your advice.