Straight stairlifts FAQ
How much does a straight stairlift cost in the UK?
Buying a stairlift and installing a stairlift is for most people quite a large financial commitment. Of course, prices can vary hugely but in a recent Which survey the average price for a new straight stairlift, including installation, was £2845. We have a wide range of lifts that can meet a large range of budgets starting at £1,595, but it is essential that you get the correct stairlift for your needs so a site survey and an individual quote is essential. Every property is unique and the range of access needs for a client can vary hugely so we would always recommend that you obtain a site survey from ourselves to get both a realistic and fit-for-purpose fixed price quote. When receiving quotes from companies ensure that you are comparing like for like. Check what the quote includes as well as the level of service you can expect, especially post-purchase. Things to look out for include:
- Is installation included? Are any extra works included in the quote like installing an extra powerpoint or any required carpentry work?
- Do the stairlifts quoted have the same functionality or additional features installed eg remote control, folding seat or footrest, safety belt, locking key switch etc.
- Check what is included in the warranty – for example, a service, replacement parts or repairs. Also, check the duration of that warranty, are parts of the warranty lifetime, 12 months or shorter?
- What aftercare is available? Does the company offer a service plan that includes planned maintenance? Will the stairlift be maintained by engineers directly employed by the company? Will they be on call and able to visit whenever needed, day or night?
Finally, it is well worth checking the reviews of both the lifts and the mobility company who you will be buying from and getting it installed for you. Do they provide a fantastic service?
There are numerous suppliers like Acorn stairlifts and Stannah stairlift distributors. We favour the Handicare stairlift range. Handicare offers both a wide range of stairlifts with a wide range of additional features and are very robust providing an excellent long term stairlift solution.
Can stairlifts be fitted to any straight staircases?
In most cases yes, however, issues that may prohibit the installation of a straight stairlift include any clearance issues for the person to safely get on and get off the stairlift. Too narrow a staircase (below 73cm as a general rule) may also be an issue as can any severe gradients that may tax the stairlift over its lifetime. Of course, any marginal curvature may also discount the usage of a straight stairlift and a curved stairlift solution may have to be considered. Finally, we always take into account the mobility needs of the person who will be using the stairlift as well.
Do you recommend a home survey first?
We always recommend an extensive site survey to determine the best model and functionality as well as to fully understand the requirements and level of mobility of the person or people who will be using the stairlift. A site survey will also review the gradient and clearance areas that people can dismount from the stairlift safely. By taking all these considerations into account then we can provide a free quote that is both realistic as well as a stairlift solution that will be fit for purpose.
Is there a limit to the length of a straight staircase that a stairlift can be used on?
Generally for domestic properties, no. Moreover, most properties will have a bend or curve in them if a particular high floor, eg a mezzanine, is to be reached. In our experience, we haven’t come across this as an issue but a site survey will help to determine this very quickly.
Can straight stairlifts be fitted to curved staircases?
The simple answer is that since straight stairlifts have to follow straight lines so straight stairs with clearance at either end are essential. Of course, if the question is can a straight stairlift seat be retro-fitted to a curved rail then the answer is no since we wouldn’t ever recommend the mixing of different systems since safety rather than expediency should always be paramount.
What areas do you install straight stairlifts in?
We have experience in fitting stairlifts to just about every type of staircase and abode. Narrow staircases and landing area are a frequent issue that may limit installing a straight stairlift along with any staircase or stairwell that is exposed to the elements. However, our numerous years of stairlift installation with our free site survey will help determine this for you.
Are straight stairlifts attached to the floor and not the wall?
We are frequently asked this question by concerned home owners who worry that they will be looking at expensive or ugly remodeling of their walls. The good news is that almost all models are installed on the treads of your stairs, not the wall. This means that an adjacent wall isn’t necessary for installation so they are independent of this issue with some owners choosing for them to go along the staircase balustrade rather than against a wall.
At Shire Mobility we offer Straight stairlifts to suit all budgets.
