Stair Lifts, Wheelchair Lifts, Residential Elevators and Pool Lifts The first things most customers want to know is how much a stair lift cost. Buying a new stair lift can be a liberating investment, restoring safety and freedom to people with mobility problems so that they are able to continue living comfortably in their own homes. However, a key question will always be “How much will installing a stair lift cost?”
To estimate a stair lift price realistically, several factors need to be taken into account. These include:
- Is the stairlift for a curved or straight staircase?
A stairlift for a curved staircase cost considerably more money. - Are there obstructions at the top/bottom of the staircase?
This could mean the addition of a powered hinge rail, or remedial works (moving radiators etc) at the time of installation. - The actual purchase price of the equipment, whether the chairlift model is new or a reconditioned unit.
- The cover and duration of the warranty.
- The details in the maintenance contract.
- The resale value, if any, of the stair lift (unfortunately, there’s little value in used stair lifts).
For these reasons it’s clear to see why there’s really no easy way to determine an “average stair lift price”, but since this article aims to answer exactly that, we’ll try to provide some costs.
- Average cost of a Straight Stairlift = $3,000
price suggests:- Standard length (13 step) straight stair case
- New model (not reconditioned)
- 2 year warranty
- Straight-forward installation (no remedial works)
- Standard rail (no powered hinge required etc)
- Average cost of a Curved Stairlift = $10,500 (more info on curved stairlift prices here)
- Average cost of a Outdoor Straight Stairlift = $4,000 (costs vary massively depending on length and location of external stair case/steps)
Check out our stairlift comparison table to compare features and prices for new stairlifts.
These stair lift prices do not necessarily include the additional costs (mentioned above). A survey is always required to give consumers a true picture of the total price. For example, we always advise that an engineer should call at least once a year to make safety checks and carry out routine maintenance tasks, so a maintenance contract is always advised.
Even if a reconditioned stair lift has been purchased, reputable suppliers will still include a warranty for the first year of use. This will cover the cost of any replacement parts should the stair lift breakdown, providing vital reassurance for anyone considering a reconditioned model.
Consumers should also remember the size and shape of their staircase. If the staircase is curved, the resale price may be negligible, as it can rarely be installed successfully into a different property without significant modification.
Making an Economical Choice
In the UK, the leading manufacturers of stair lifts are Stannah, Acorn, and Companion. All produce excellent, high-quality stair lifts that are safe and reliable.
Before making a decision, the prospective purchaser should shop around and ask lots of questions about the true cost of the stair lift being considered. It is essential not to confuse low price with value for money. A reconditioned stair lift costing $2,200 that requires a control button to be pressed will offer less practical value for someone suffering from arthritis than a new stair lift costing $3,000 with a joystick or attendant control. The quality of the maintenance contracts and warranties offered by different suppliers also need to be carefully considered.