Adults with mobility issues have more than one wish, but they all lead to the same goals: safety and personal freedom. Life is so much less complicated when you don’t need to rely on assistance to navigate the stairs in your home safely.
A stairlift, or chairlift, can help meet that goal. You’ll need several pieces of information when researching to select the stair lift that best serves your needs. In this article, we’ll discuss one of those research items—a stairlift’s cost.
What Factors Determine a Stairlift’s Cost?
If you’ve already done a fair amount of research, you’ve likely discovered a wide range of prices. To shed some light on the reasons for such a difference in prices, let’s look briefly at what goes into the pricing structure for stairlifts.
As with most things you buy today, your zip code impacts price. It’s all about the cost of living in the area where you live. The cost of products and services typically varies depending on labor costs and shipping, to name just a few.
There’s also a difference between basic and high-end stairlift models. All manufacturers design their lifts with your comfort and convenience in mind. That said, there’s a difference between standard and optional features, and often, options raise the final price of a stairlift.
The shape of your staircase comes into play when determining cost, and so does location. We’ll talk about both factors next.
Don’t forget about the installation of your new stair lift. Some dealers include installation costs in the overall price of your unit. If not, you’ll need to add the cost of labor to your final cost.
How the Shape of a Stairway Impacts Cost
Do you have a straight staircase in your home? Straight staircases make no turns, and the steps are all the same size. The average straight stairway is 14 feet long, but the one in your home may be longer.
A longer staircase usually means you’ll pay a bit more for your lift because you’ll need longer rails. You could also need a retractable rail if the stairway landing is in a narrow hallway or next to a door.
What about curved stairways? Although they’re stunning, we’re not necessarily referring to those vast, curving stairs found in the antebellum mansions of the Old South. For the purposes of pricing stairlifts, curved staircases include any staircase with a turn or an extended platform.
Stair lifts for curved staircases do cost more. Generally, dealers calculate the price based on the number of turns and the staircase run length. More turns and longer runs require more rail, and that does increase the price.
A Few More Things About Straight vs. Curved Staircases
Aside from the number of turns and run length, dealers base stairlift cost on a few other factors. These are the three main determiners of price:
- Staircase Type
- Step Type
- Location of Rails
When your dealer schedules your stairlift installation, they will determine whether you have a 90-degree flat landing or a 90-degree with winders.
If you have a staircase with winders (pie-shaped stairs), it takes longer to make the rail. The location of the rail also plays a role in pricing. You’ll either have an inside or outside turn, and your dealer will price your unit accordingly.
So, which is less expensive, the straight stairlift or the curved stairlift?
Because straight stairlift installations usually take place on straight staircases (no curves, no complicated architectural features), they are the more economical units. Generally, the basic straight stairlift’s starting cost is around $3,700.
The various twists and turns of a curved staircase make installation more difficult; therefore, a curved stair list typically costs around $7000. Please keep in mind the points made earlier in this article about the various factors that help determine the final cost.
Location Location Location
In real estate, location makes a difference. The location also matters when determining the stairlift’s cost.
While most people install stairlifts inside their home, you can buy an outdoor lift. Imagine the enjoyment a person with limited mobility would experience if they could enjoy nature and other outdoor activities without a family member or healthcare aid assistance.
Outdoor stairlifts require more labor, making them more expensive. Expect to invest around $4,600 for an outside lift. It’s not only the cost of labor for installing the lift, but you’ll also want to consider how location impacts the maintenance cost of owning a stairlift.
How Much Does it Cost to Maintain a Stairlift?
Stair lifts have multiple moving parts, which greatly benefit from regular maintenance. Some maintenance tasks aren’t too difficult for the average person, even some with limited mobility, to take care of without much assistance.
Routine inspection, cleaning, and lubrication all fall under the category of DIY maintenance.
Yearly maintenance checks performed by a qualified technician will keep your lift safe and working smoothly. You should budget $100 – 200 for annual service. Ask your dealer if they offer a maintenance program when you buy a stairlift.
You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the warrantee available for the lift you’re interested in buying. Some stairlift companies offer a lifetime warranty, while others require customers to pay a yearly fee.
Need Help Purchasing a New Stairlift?
As you can see, there isn’t one answer when it comes to determining the cost of a stairlift. Many factors go into pricing, including the model you choose, features, type of staircase, location, installation, and yearly maintenance.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have about selecting the best lift for you! We can also direct you to a dealer in your area who can assist with your purchase. Reach out to our team today, and we’ll be happy to help!
