5 Steps To Take Before Buying a Stairlift
Stairlifts are a big commitment, so you want to make the buying process a seamless experience.
While the stairlift technician will take care of this during installation, there are a few steps you can take before this point that would help out.
Luckily, this is what Colin and his herd are for! Read on to find out more about what you can do to prepare for buying a stairlift…
Check the warranty
If you’re weighing up the options between different manufacturers and models of stairlifts, then the warranty could be something that catches you out.
Unfortunately, comparing the warranties of different stairlift manufacturers is not always easy. Some may contain confusing words or hidden clauses designed to catch you out, which is why we suggest you go through them with a fine-toothed comb.
This can be done by either asking the manufacturer directly before purchasing or letting us help you with it. We will compare every aspect of each stairlift for you, including the warranty, ultimately getting you the best possible deal.
Set a budget
There’s no sugar coating it – stairlifts can get expensive. There’s a huge price range when you’re on the stairlift market, starting from as low as £1500 to as high as £10,000.
This is why it’s handy to agree on a budget with help from your family, close friends and loved ones prior to starting your search.
There are many options out there to adapt to your budget, from reconditioned stairlifts to rentals. Knowing your budget before starting your search allows you to include these options when comparing stairlifts within the same price range.
When searching for a stairlift, the aim is to find the perfect fit for you, which even includes budget!
Research to find out which type of stairlift you want and need
Many people don’t realise that there are hundreds of different types of stairlifts out there. From the different types of stairs to your individual needs as the user, you may not realise just how personalised a stairlift is.
Different models will appeal to different people. Some stairlifts have specialist features such as added gadgets or different ergonomics. In many cases, a user may be unable to use a particular stairlift model due to it not suiting their needs.
For example, if a medical condition can cause potential weight gain, you may need to consider a stairlift which can carry a heavier load. The majority of standard stairlifts can carry between 18 – 21 stone, whereas others can carry up to 30 stone. Small characteristics like this are why it’s important to research which type of stairlift you need before searching the market.
Think about how long you’ll need it for
Before buying a stairlift, it’s important to think ahead of time. This includes thinking about how long you’ll be needing the stairlift.
For example, if you’re purchasing a stairlift due to an operation you’re scheduled to have, you may be fully recovered within 18 months. In this case, you will no longer need the stairlift, meaning buying a permanent stairlift would be a waste of money.
If you’ll only need the stairlift temporarily, whether that’s because you plan on moving home soon or no longer needing it after recovery, it’s best to rent a stairlift rather than buy one. It’s important to determine this before comparing stairlifts to save yourself money in the long term.
Shop around
As with anything, when you’ve decided on the type of stairlift you need, taking a look at all options on the market may lead to finding a better deal elsewhere.
Using a comparison site will help you make an informed decision based on the features and prices of multiple stairlifts on the market. It never hurts to try if it means you could save some money!
Our team of industry experts test and review the very latest in stairlifts and home lifts so we can offer you the best UK prices. After doing all of the pre-purchasing research we have suggested to you in this article, click here to get quotes from stairlifts that suit your needs.
