Q: Will my stairlift fit on my stairs?
All stairlifts are custom-made for your relative’s stairs only. An approved technical surveyor takes precise measurements. This means that, when stairlifts vendor deliver it, it’s already set up to fit your relative’s home, so no building work is required.
Q: Is the stairlift easy to use?
There’s a big paddle switch, buttons or a joystick – it couldn’t be easier. Progress will be smooth and steady.
Q: What happens when the lift is upstairs and I’m downstairs?
If your loved one needs their stairlift when they’re watching TV and it’s at the top of the stairs, they just summon it with the remote control – there are two, so they can leave one upstairs and one downstairs.
Q: How hard is getting on and off?
The stair lifts all have a swivelling seat design. This means your relative can get onto the lift on the landing while safely facing away from the stairs and without needing to turn their body.
Q: Can people still get up and down the stairs?
Of course. Today’s stair lifts are very slim, so the stairs are still accessible.
Q: How is the stairlift powered?
Two DC batteries power most stairlifts, although the stair lift is also plugged into the mains. Because of the DC power, if there’s a power cut, your relative can still use the stairlift.
Q: Is the seat comfortable?
Stair lift seats are very comfortable as they’re padded. There’s even a padded backrest and a footrest. The materials are hardwearing and simple to keep clean. Many leading manufacturers also make their stairlifts in a variety of colours, to match a range of décor.
Q: Will my stairlift make a lot of noise?
Stairlifts have an incredibly quiet motor.
Q: What if there’s something on the stairs?
If something gets in the way of the stairlift, one of the safety sensors will kick in to prevent it continuing its journey.
Q: Does the stairlift fix to the wall?
Most of the the stairlifts are fixed to the tread of the stairs rather than the wall.
Q: Will I need special instruction in using the stair lift?
When install the stairlift, They shall give a detailed demonstration of all the features. There’s an exhaustive list of checks they make, too, before they go.
Q: What about a warranty?
All the stair lifts always come with a 12-month warranty as standard.
Q: Are stairlifts expensive?
A curved stairlift will cost more than a straight one, because it has to be custom-made for your relative’s home. Prices will vary according to the dimensions of your relative’s staircase and the stairlift model that they choose.
Q: What if the stairlift breaks down?
Your relative will be supplied with a 24-hour callout number. Call their engineer and they shall be there as fast as possible.
Q: What if my stairs are very narrow?
Today’s stair or chair lifts are designed with slim rails and a compact carriage. The arms, seat and footrest fold away when it’s not in use. You can see the range of stairlifts on the website. If you have any queries about your relative’s own stairs, just call them.
Q: Does it take long to install the stairlift? Is there much mess?
How long it takes to fit your relative’s stairlift depends on whether it’s a straight stairlift or a curved stair lift. They can install a straight lift in just an hour or two; a curved stairlift will take slightly longer, depending on the complexity of the staircase. However long it takes, there’ll be no mess – they absolutely guarantee. They will even take their outdoor shoes off, so the carpet stays nice and clean. You’ll get a run-through of all the stairlift functions before they go, too.
Q: Do reconditioned lifts cost less than new stairlifts?
Stairlift prices depend on your loved one’s stairs. If they need a curved stairlift, they’ll likely pay over few thousand for their lift, as they are custom-made. For a straight stairlift, the RRP is around USD3,000. Buying a reconditioned straight stair lift will save them probably a few hundred dollars and it should give many years’ service.
Q: What if other people need to use the stairs?
Your relative’s stairlift will fold flat against the wall when they’re not using it. When it’s not being used, the stairlift will also be on the landing or in the hallway in the ‘parked’ position. This means that the track, which is very unobtrusive, will be the only element of the stairlift on the stairs.