Stairlifts Heybridge
In case you find going up the stairs awkward, a stairlift can help you to move around your property freely and safe again. The most popular types of chairlift are straight and curved. straight stairlifts move in one straight line, curved lifts can handle bends. Curved lifts cost significantly more due to the manufacturing of the curved rail and installation.
Heybridge, Maldon, Witham, Tiptree has a good choice of chairlift companies to choose from.
Manufacturers you may of heard of are
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Companion
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- Thyssenkrupp
- Oto Lift
There is something for everyone from Brook's affordable range to more expensive models with additional features, the selection is wide and varied.
All major brands provide installation, making the process stress-free.
Second-hand stairlifts can be more affordable than brand new models. To ensure you get the most out of your money, buy a second-hand chairlift from a trusted company. All reputable reconditioned stairlift companies in Heybridge will facilitate the install, simplifying the process. Make sure you get a one-year warranty on your lift purchase to ensure peace of mind.
Prior to a stairlift being fitted, you must book a home survey from a professional stairlift surveyor. This process will assess exactly what's required and how much it's going to cost. Once you've approved the quotation, you'll receive an installation date. As stairlifts attach to stairs, not walls, no building work is usually required. As a result, installation is usually straightforward and takes less than a day.
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Curved Stairlifts
A curved stairlift is typically required when there is a curved or non-standard staircase in a home or building. It is designed to navigate stairs that have bends, curves, or intermediate landings. Here are a few scenarios where a curved stairlift might be necessary:
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Curved Staircase: If your staircase features a curve or bend, a curved stairlift is essential to navigate the turns smoothly and safely. The track of a curved stairlift is custom-made to match the specific shape and angles of the stairs.
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Spiral Staircase: Spiral staircases are compact and often have a central column. These staircases require a specially designed curved stairlift that can accommodate the tight curve and narrow width of the steps.
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Multiple Landings: If your staircase has intermediate landings, where the stairs change direction or level, a curved stairlift can be customized to travel across these landings seamlessly.
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Unique Architectural Design: In homes or buildings with unique or unconventional staircase designs, such as helical or freestanding stairs, a curved stairlift may be necessary to provide accessibility without compromising the aesthetics of the structure.
It's important to consult with a professional stairlift provider to assess your specific staircase configuration and determine if a curved stairlift is the appropriate solution for your accessibility needs.
Curved stairlifts come with a higher price tag compared to straight stairlifts due to the intricate design needed for navigating turns. Unlike straight staircases, curved ones vary in shape, requiring a custom-built rail that adds to the overall expense. While the starting price for curved stairlifts is typically around £3,850, additional charges will apply for multiple bends and stops along the staircase.
Here are some popular curved stairlift options to consider:
- Acorn 180
- Handicare 4000
- Stannah 260
- Platinum Ultimate
- Thyssen Flow X / Access Flow X
Straight Stairlifts
If your property features a straight staircase without any turns or corners, a straight stairlift is the right solution. However, in the case of two straight staircases connected by a landing, it may be necessary to consider installing two separate stairlifts.
The images of straight staircases featured (A-D) can give you an idea of whether you'd need a straight chairlift.
The average starting price of a brand new straight stairlift is around £1,950. Because they usually have a relatively simple design, straight chairlifts cost less than curved stairlifts. Additional features like a powered hinge or telescopic rail and a powered swivel seat will cost more.
Popular straight stairlift brands: • Acorn 130, • Brooks Lincoln, • Handicare 1100/1000, • Platinum Horizon, • Stannah 600 and • Thyssen Homeglide
Outdoor stairlifts
Do you have trouble getting up and downs steps to your home? Consider fitting an external chairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor chairlift can restore your confidence and independence. Stairs can pose a significant risk for individuals with limited mobility or balance issues. Outdoor stairlifts offer a secure and stable mode of transportation, reducing the chances of injury.
The average cost of an outdoor stairlift in the East of England region is around £2,400, depending on your requirements. A long curved set of steps will naturally cost more than a short straight staircase.
External stairlifts are virtually the same as indoor stairlifts, but include waterproof components to make them more weather resistant. When you're not using your external chairlift, a cover can provide extra protection from the Great British weather.
If you live close to the sea, your external stairlift is more likely to suffer weather damage. Salt in the air can corrode parts of the stairlift over the years.
Narrow Stairlifts
If your staircase is narrow, you may need a stairlift made especially for smaller spaces. When not in use, collapsing parts allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm. A good solution for utra narrow stairs is the Thyssenkrupp Flow X, previously the Flow 2. This stairlift works on both curved or straight staircases but is usually the only option available for very narrow curved staircases. The Flow X stairlift is the narrowest on the market, designed to work on stairs as narrow as 610mm. The chair automatically turns to get the passenger through the smallest sections on your staircase without the user's knees fouling the opposite wall. Another option to look into is a perched seat stairlift. When using a perch stairlift, you partially stand but with a seat to perch on. It's excellent if you have restricted knee or hip joints that make sitting uncomfortable. However, it's not suitable if partially standing makes you feel unsteady.
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Heavy Duty Stairlifts
The weight limit of stairlifts differs based on the specific model. Manufacturers such as Handicare and Bruno provide bariatric stairlifts with increased max weight capacity.
The highest weight capacity currently available for straight stairs is the Handicare 1000 XXL, which can carry up to 31 stones. For curved staircases, some models have a weight capacity of up to 25 stone, such as the Platinum Ultimate. The highest weight capacity currently available for a curved staircase is the Bruno Elite, which can carry up to 30 stones.
If you exceed these maximum weight limits, TFL's, also known as home lifts or residential elevators, provide a convenient and efficient way to move between different levels of a home. TFL's consist of a self-contained cabin that moves vertically, through a newly made aperture within a dedicated shaft or enclosure.
To operate a TFL, a user enters the lift cabin at one level and selects up or down. The lift moves smoothly and quietly, through the aperture in the ground floor ceiling, guided by a rail system. The cabin ascends or descends to the chosen floor, allowing the user to exit at their destination safely.
Through floor lifts typically use an electric motor and a system of cables, pulleys, or hydraulic mechanisms to move the cabin. They are designed to be space-efficient and can be customised to fit the specific dimensions of a home.
Costing in the region of £11,500, Through-Floor-Lifts can be expensive compared to a stairlift. However, they can also make a massive difference in your daily life.
Reconditioned chairlifts Heybridge
To reduce costs, you could consider buying a stairlift second-hand. Acquiring a pre-used stairlift for a straight staircase is a straightforward process. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is generally straightforward. Sourcing a used curved stairlift rail to fit your curved staircase is not an easy task as they've most likely been manufactured to a specific customer. The solution is to get a brand new custom-made curved rail to fit your stairs then use a second-hand curved stairlift carriage.
It can be cheaper to purchase a stairlift second-hand in Heybridge than buying a new one. Getting a pre-owned stairlift from a private seller may seem like a good idea, but it’s typically problematic and fraught with risk. Unless you’re a qualified stairlift expert, buying a refurbished stairlift from a reputable company is much more sensible.
A refurbed chairlift, from a reputable company, will also come with a one-year warranty, meaning you're protected if it breaks down within a year of it being fitted.
