Do you or a love one have trouble getting up or down the stairs? It is common that due to an injury or old-age getting up or down a staircase can be difficult. Getting a stairlift installed in your home or that of a family member can ensure independence and allow you to stay in your home. Here are some things to know about how to get a stairlift installed in your home.
Make Sure a Stairlift Will Fit in Your Home
Most homes can accommodate a stairlift but the first step is still to make sure that a stairlift will fit in your home. A professional can come to your location and advise you on the best steps to get a stairlift installed in your home. Once your stairs have been given the “okay” it is a quick and hassle-free process, usually done in less than one day.
What Type Do You Need?
Surprisingly, there are over half a dozen varieties of stairlifts. These include the common straight-rail stairlifts. The straight-rail stairlifts are the lowest cost and most common variety of stairlifts, they will fit most staircases and are perfect for standard use. There are also curved-rail stairlifts. Curved-rail stairlifts are used when you staircase is curved. Though these are usually more expensive and take longer to install, they are often your only option if you have a curved staircase and once set up provide the same great service as a straight-rail stairlift. Wheelchair platform stairlifts are not commonly seen in private residences and are more common in public or commercial applications. These often are often built to comply with ADA regulations and allow users to use them while staying in their wheelchairs. Wheelchair platform stairlifts are much more expensive than straight-rail stairlifts and require heavy duty equipment and reinforced industrial strength walls. There are also outdoor stairlifts which are similar to straight-rail and curved rail but are weatherproofed to allow them to work in outdoor applications. So if you are wondering how to get a stairlift installed in your home, first consider which variety you need.
Should I Install it Myself?
Today many people market stairlifts as being easily self installed. While depending on your skill-set this may be feasible many organizations warn against this. Stairlifts are designed to carry a large amount of weight up a steep angle. If a stairlift is not properly installed you can risk serious damage to the house or even worse, serious damage to the user. Unless you know what you are doing it is probably best to leave the installation of your stairlift to a professional.
So if you are wondering how to get a stairlift installed in your home, hopefully these tips were useful. Once you have a stairlift installed you wonder how you ever lived without it. Your or your loved one will experience a sense of freedom and independence knowing they wont be nervous or have to ask for help every time they go up or down their staircase.