Stair lifts are important to all those with mobility problems because they can easily move up and down stairs in their homes. However, the most important factor that anyone contending to obtain a stairlift will be very much willing to know is the cost. As is the case with almost every single other location, several factors define the cost of stairlifts in Birmingham.
Factors Influencing Stairlift Prices
Several factors in Birmingham can determine the costs associated with stairlifts. These factors include the type of stairlift, the stairs’ complexity, the presence of other features such as turned stairs, and whether the stairlift is new or reconditioned.
Type of Stairlift
There are two main types of stairlifts: straight and curved. Walk-through stairlifts are for consecutive staircases which are those that do not incorporate any bends or corners within the stairs. These are relatively cheaper because of their design and ease of installation compared to the DPFs. The price set for a new straight stairlift for Birmingham is approximately between £2,000 and £3,500.
Curved stair lifts are designed specifically for stairs with blinks, turns, or even landings. These options are custom and, therefore, cost a lot more, though typically they are between £5,000 and £8,000. The exact cost of the work is directly linked to the intricacy of the flight of stairs and the number of curves.
Complexity of the Staircase
The design and structure of the staircase, including the number of turns, influence the cost of the stairlift. It has been agreed that straight staircases are easy to install and they are also cheaper when it comes to fitting a stairlift. Nevertheless, if the staircase is complex, with two flights, strict curves, or thin stairs, the price will be higher. This is because the greater the complexity of the installation, the more material will be needed and time consumed thus the higher prices.
Additional Features
Present-day stairlifts have features meant to boost the safety and comfort of the users. These features include swivel seats, remote controls, battery backups, and upholstery, among others. Even though some of such features are believed to contribute to substantially better usability, they are also expensive. It’s important to assess which features are necessary for your specific needs and budget accordingly.
New vs. Reconditioned Stairlifts
There is also another issue that can be resolved before opting for a stair lift: whether to get a new or refurbished stair lift. Used stair lifts may be those that are second hand, may have a new one and are disassembled to be reassembled in another home after undergoing reconditioning and have passed the test of safety. They are cheaper and are usually sold at 30-50% more affordable than the new models of the same brand. For Straight Stairlifts, reconditioned stairlifts may cost £1,500 and above in Birmingham, while curved stairlifts reconditioned stairlift may cost between £3,000 and £ 5,000.
Installation and Maintenance Costs
The buying process for stairlifts is not complete when the stairlift has been ordered and is ready for delivery but when it has been installed. Some companies factor installation in the price, but it is always good to clarify this. Professional installation ensures that the stairlift will run smoothly and safely. If we consider the Birmingham area, then the costs can vary from £300 up to £1,000, depending on the complexity of the installation.
Financial Assistance and Grants
Those who are concerned about the cost should note that there may be some financial help and grants provided. To some extent, local councils and charitable institutions in Birmingham provide subsidies to solve the problem of the expenses for stairlifts for the disabled. That is why it is possible to turn to these options to minimise expenses.
Conclusion
The costs of stair lifts in Birmingham not only depend on the kind of stair lift installed, the level of difficulty of the stairs, other extra features which may required or not required, whether the stair lift is brand new or a reconditioned one. Knowing these factors will help you make a suitable decision depending on your needs and the amount of money you would wish to spend. The cost may be high at the start; however, the fact that using a stairlift means that a person can easily move around his/her home makes this option favourable for many.
Also Read: The Cost of Installing an Upstairs Lift
