Save money on your stair lift
Buying a stair lift to make getting up and down the stairs easier, is often an expensive necessity as we get older or suffer mobility problems. However, there are a couple of avenues that can be explored in an effort to lessen the blow to your bank balance, without sacrificing quality or safety.
Save money without cutting corners on safety
When you are looking to save a little money on a stair lift, the last thing you want to do is save money at the expense of passenger safety. The options we will consider here do not involve DIY installations or untested second hand stair lifts purchased from car-boot sales. Stair lifts are safety devices, designed to transport passengers between floors with no risk to life and limb and it is this we have in mind when we look at lower cost options.
Considering your needs, is rental an option?
Do you need help with the stairs permanently or temporarily? Thinking about this question before you make a purchase, could save you money.
If you need a stair lift because you are recovering from an injury or operation, then renting your stair lift offers a lower cost alternative to an outright purchase. A rental lift can be used for the duration of your recovery and then returned when it is no longer required.
Many of the large stair lift manufacturers offer rental programs. Stannah Stairlifts for example, offer a particularly comprehensive package with lots of options. You pay an initial deposit that covers the installation and future removal of the stair lift and then a monthly rental charge.
The agreement can be cancelled at any time and you only need to pay one month's rental in advance, which gives a good deal of flexibility, ideal for those with only temporary mobility problems.
You can select from any of the Stannah models, both straight and curved. And to cut costs further, you can select a reconditioned (second hand, but safety tested) model. Many manufacturers offer rental and the web is a good place to look at their rental programs.
One thing to bear in mind with rental however, is duration. How long are you expecting to be in recovery and in need of the lift? If your mobility problems are going to continue for a considerable period of time, looking away from rental and to a permanent purchase may be the more appropriate option.
Reconditioned stair lifts offer savings
For those who need a stair lift permanently, reconditioned stair lifts offer good savings over purchasing a brand new model. A reconditioned stair lift is a second hand model that has been purchased by a manufacturer and re-fitted for re-sale.
The reconditioned stair lift market has been a strong growth area, with many manufacturers offering reconditioned versions of their stair lifts. Professional refurbishment creates good quality, safe, and importantly, cost effective alternatives for buyers.
The models that manufacturers use are not usually over 18 months old and are safety tested before they are offered for resale. Most models will come with a one year warranty, offering additional reassurance to potential buyers.
Reconditioning on a curve
If your stairs have a curve, bend or half landing then you will need a curved stair lift. Curved stair lifts are more expensive than straight versions as the rails the lift runs on need to be manufactured for each set of stairs.
The unique nature of curved stair lifts does not mean you cannot get a reconditioned model however. Generally, reconditioned curved lifts run on new rails which raise the price, but you should still see a saving over an entirely new version.
Consider your options
Now that we have looked at two of the options available to help keep the cost of a stair lift down; take some time to research the different deals and models available. Remember, don't be afraid to get several quotes, ask lots of questions and don't feel pressured into making a decision on the spot.
Buying a stair lift is a big purchase (even when you make savings) and it should not be rushed. Good luck in your search!
Save money without cutting corners on safety
When you are looking to save a little money on a stair lift, the last thing you want to do is save money at the expense of passenger safety. The options we will consider here do not involve DIY installations or untested second hand stair lifts purchased from car-boot sales. Stair lifts are safety devices, designed to transport passengers between floors with no risk to life and limb and it is this we have in mind when we look at lower cost options.
Considering your needs, is rental an option?
Do you need help with the stairs permanently or temporarily? Thinking about this question before you make a purchase, could save you money.
If you need a stair lift because you are recovering from an injury or operation, then renting your stair lift offers a lower cost alternative to an outright purchase. A rental lift can be used for the duration of your recovery and then returned when it is no longer required.
Many of the large stair lift manufacturers offer rental programs. Stannah Stairlifts for example, offer a particularly comprehensive package with lots of options. You pay an initial deposit that covers the installation and future removal of the stair lift and then a monthly rental charge.
The agreement can be cancelled at any time and you only need to pay one month's rental in advance, which gives a good deal of flexibility, ideal for those with only temporary mobility problems.
You can select from any of the Stannah models, both straight and curved. And to cut costs further, you can select a reconditioned (second hand, but safety tested) model. Many manufacturers offer rental and the web is a good place to look at their rental programs.
One thing to bear in mind with rental however, is duration. How long are you expecting to be in recovery and in need of the lift? If your mobility problems are going to continue for a considerable period of time, looking away from rental and to a permanent purchase may be the more appropriate option.
Reconditioned stair lifts offer savings
For those who need a stair lift permanently, reconditioned stair lifts offer good savings over purchasing a brand new model. A reconditioned stair lift is a second hand model that has been purchased by a manufacturer and re-fitted for re-sale.
The reconditioned stair lift market has been a strong growth area, with many manufacturers offering reconditioned versions of their stair lifts. Professional refurbishment creates good quality, safe, and importantly, cost effective alternatives for buyers.
The models that manufacturers use are not usually over 18 months old and are safety tested before they are offered for resale. Most models will come with a one year warranty, offering additional reassurance to potential buyers.
Reconditioning on a curve
If your stairs have a curve, bend or half landing then you will need a curved stair lift. Curved stair lifts are more expensive than straight versions as the rails the lift runs on need to be manufactured for each set of stairs.
The unique nature of curved stair lifts does not mean you cannot get a reconditioned model however. Generally, reconditioned curved lifts run on new rails which raise the price, but you should still see a saving over an entirely new version.
Consider your options
Now that we have looked at two of the options available to help keep the cost of a stair lift down; take some time to research the different deals and models available. Remember, don't be afraid to get several quotes, ask lots of questions and don't feel pressured into making a decision on the spot.
Buying a stair lift is a big purchase (even when you make savings) and it should not be rushed. Good luck in your search!