Used Stair Lifts Are A Good Option To Save Money

A used, reconditioned stair lift is a viable option. However, there are ten key things to consider when purchasing a used stair chair lift.

1. Only straight stairways are most commonly fitted with a used stair lift.

2. Some stair lift models are not able to be switched from one side of the stairs to the other.

3. Some rails on used stair lifts can not be lengthened due to variance in the track tolerances.

4. Short or tall stair lift users may require an adjustable seat height on the stair lift.

5. If you have lower back problems, the a soft start and soft start stair lift model is required.

6. If the previous stair lift user was over 250 lbs., then there stair lift rail may have excessive wear.

7. Never buy a stair lift that you have not seen running.

8. Confirm with the stair lift manufacturer that the model you are considering purchasing is a stair lift model that has parts available.

9. Confirm that there are a few stair lift installation companies in your area that carry the model you are considering buying so that you have back up if service issues come up in the future. A stair lift model that is being offered by only one company is not strong support for the future if distribution channels change.

10. Learn about the previous stair lift user. Did they smoke? How often did they use the stair lift? Were they the original purchaser of the unit you are considering? Did more than one person use the stair lift? Was it serviced by a stair lift installation company?

The cost of a used stairlift can vary from $500 to $2000 for the lift plus installation. A fair price for installing a stair lift is somewhere between $500 and $800. A warranty should be included in the labour price of a around three months or more. Most problems with used stairlifts occur with a few weeks of the initial installation.

A stair lift installation company should be well versed in issues like the footrest height so that it misses the stair treads, installing the rail close to the wall but not too close to allow the seat to swivel at the top or bottom of the stairs, adjusting the seat height to fit the stair lift user and making sure that the connection to the electrical supply is satisfactory.

Some states require a licensed stair lift installer to install a stairlift. Oregon, Washington, Michigan and Connecticut require this designation.

Most states and provinces insist that for any commercial stair lift installation a licensed installer is required.

This is unfortunate since stair lift regulations drive up the price. A licensed stairlift installer is many times more expensive than a non licensed installer. Government fees in the regulated states also add to the price. Some states are considering deregulating stairlift regulations. Some other states are considering adding to this situation.

Another troubling trend is for elevator unions trying to regulate stair lift installations so as to capture market share.

It is the author's opinion that a stair lift installation can be handled by a handy person.

The ideal situation is to purchase a used or reconditioned stair lift from a stairlift installation company who can match the stair lift user's physical needs with the stairway site particularities such as the stair width, length of track and stair lift seat height adjustability.