Stairlifts Springfield
The most popular kinds of stairlift are straight and curved. As their names imply, straight stairlifts can only move in one straight line, curved stairlift can handle bends. Curved stairlift cost much more due to their unique design and additional install cost.
Springfield, Chelmsford, Broomfield, Moulsham has lots of stairlift companies to pick from. These include
- Acorn
- Stannah
- Handicare
- Brooks
- Platinum Stairlifts
- Bruno
- TKA
- Oto Lift
There's something for everyone from Brook's affordable range to more state-of-the-art stairlift with automatic options, the selection is wide and varied. All major brands provide installation, making the process stress-free.
Refurbished stairlifts tend to be cheaper than buying new. To ensure you get the most out of your money, buy a refurbished stairlift from a reputable company. All reputable reconditioned stairlift companies in Springfield should install the lift as part of the service, streamlining the whole process. If you do buy a 2nd hand lift, be sure to get at least one-year warranty cover.
Prior to a stairlift being fitted, you must book a home survey from a professional stairlift surveyor. This process will assess what's required and how much it's going to cost. Once you've approved the quotation, the stairlift can be installed.
Building work is typically not required as stairlifts attach to the stairs, not the wall. Installation usually takes no more than a day if everything goes well.
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Curved Stairlifts
Curved stairlifts are custom-made to fit the unique shape and dimensions of the curved staircase. They have a flexible rail system that curves along the staircase, allowing the user to travel smoothly and safely around corners or up multiple flights of stairs. This makes curved stairlifts an ideal solution for individuals with mobility challenges who need assistance navigating curved or multi-level staircases in their homes or public buildings.
Curved stairlifts come with a higher price tag compared to straight stairlifts due to the intricate design needed to navigate beds. 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.
Common curved stairlift brands include:
- Handicare 2000 (and the newer 4000 model)
- Stannah 260 {Siena}
- Platinum Ultimate
- Otolift Modul-Air
- Thyssen Flow X / Access BDD Flow X
Straight Stairlifts
A straight stairlift is likely right for your home if your staircase goes in one direction without bends or curves. You may need two straight stairlifts if you have two straight staircases linked by a platform. For this to work, you must be able to transfer between the stairlift seats by yourself. Getting a curved stairlift could be a better option if this is problematic.
The typical starting price for a straight stairlift is around £1,950. Because they usually have a pretty simple design, straight stairlifts cost less than curved stairlifts. Additional features like a powered hinge 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
If you find climbing the stairs outside your home or garden difficult, consider fitting an external stairlift. Whether to reach your property unassisted or parts of your garden that bring you joy, an outdoor stairlift can be life-changing. The average cost of an outdoor stairlift in the East of England area is around £2,400, but this can be higher or lower depending on the design of your stairs. A long curved set of steps will cost more.
Outdoor stairlifts are similar in design to indoor stairlifts, but include waterproof components to make them more weather resistant. When you're not using your external stairlift, a cover can provide extra shielding from nasty weather. If your home is by the sea, your outdoor stairlift is more likely to suffer weather damage. Salt in the air can damage the stairlift over time.
Narrow Stair Lifts
If your staircase is narrow, you can get a stairlift designed especially for tight spaces. When not in use, collapsing armrests, seat and footplate allow your stairlift to fold away as slim as 300mm.
An excellent stairlift for narrow stairs is the Thyssen Flow X. This stairlift works on both curved or straight staircases. The Flow X stairlift is designed to work on stairs down to 610mm wide. The carriage automatically swivels to get the passenger through the narrowest sections on your staircase without the user's knees or toes fouling the spindles.
Another option to look into is a perched seat stairlift. When using a perch stairlift, you partially stand but with a seat to lean 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 Stair lifts
The max weight capacity of a stairlift varies depending on the model. Brands like Bruno and Handicare offer heavy-duty options, otherwise known as bariatric stairlifts, that are safe for people of a higher weight.
The highest weight capacity for straight stairs is the Handicare 1000 XXL, with a maximum weight capacity of 31 stones. It styles a wider seat, larger base, and extended armrest to keep you comfortable. For curved staircases, you can choose the Bruno Elite stairlift, which can carry up to 30 stones, or the Platinum Ultimate, with a weight capacity of up to 25 stones.
If you exceed these weight limits, TFL's, sometimes described as home lifts or residential elevators, provide a safe and secure way to move between different levels of a home. These lifts consist of a self-contained cabin that moves vertically 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 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. Starting at £11,500, Through-Floor-Lifts can be expensive compared to a stairlift. However, they're sometimes your only option if you want to stay in your existing home.
Reconditioned stairlifts Springfield
Ask about approved-used stairlifts if costs are a concern. Finding a reconditioned stairlift for your straight staircase is usually uncomplicated. Shortening an existing straight stairlift rail to fit your stairs is easy and safe enough to do. Sourcing a used curved stairlift rail to fit your curved staircase is almost impossible as they are custom-made to a specific customer. The solution is to get a brand new custom-made curved rail and fit a 2nd hand curved stairlift seat.
It might be cheaper to buy a stairlift second-hand in Springfield than buying a new one. Purchasing a pre-owned stairlift from a private seller may seem like the most affordable option, but it’s usually problematic and fraught with risk. Unless you’re a qualified stairlift expert, buying a refurbished stairlift from a reputable company is much more sensible. Reconditioned stairlifts, from a reputable company, should also come with a one-year guarantee, meaning you're covered for up to a year should it malfunction.
If you’re considering a stairlift and live in Springfield, give us a call today on 0330 223 6584 or book your free home visit.