Advice about stairlifts

Albion

BobQ wrote: »

OP,

A good brand like Stannah will cost about £1500 new for a straight run but if you have a curved route it will probably cost £4000 due to the fact the rail has to be custom designed (so you are unlikely to get one second hand unless from an identical house). Also allow for the fact that maintenace contract beyond this can be a few hundred pounds a year. Of course the need for this is whether he could manage without it for a couple of days if it broke down.

You can get cheaper models and cheaper maintenance from local firms who are not part of the manufacturers.

Questions to ask (and which any professional assessor will need to determine) is whether your FIL needs the curved version. For example could he manage the last few steps? If so a straight run to the lower landing (if there is one at the turn) might work. But if the turn has steps its probably not worth considering on safety grounds.
Another matter is to consider what the need will be in 5 years time which may also mean a curved rail is needed.

One other thing to think about, if the stair carpet is likely to need replacing in the next 5 years you may want to replace it now since the stairlift (if fixed to the stair treads) may need to be uninstalled and re-installed to do it.

The majority of people think that you cannot buy a reconditioned curved stairlift because it would obviously be bespoke for your type of staircase.
This is incorrect as reconditioned curved stairlifts are readily available and can be significantly cheaper than new.
BobQ is correct in regards to stair carpets and it is advisable to replace them before you get a stairlift fitted.
But if you live on your own or if all the people living in your home will be using the stairlift like your husband or wife and your carpet is in good condition don't bother renewing your carpet because obviously nobody will be actually walking up the stairs causing wear.