There are many assumptions made about the price of a stairlift installation, but the reality is that there are so many elements to a stairlift that are tailored to a particular installation that the price can vary wildly.
Ultimately, if the assumption is that a stairlift is an inherently expensive home adaptation, that is a misconception that can thankfully be easily corrected.
The only true way to know the price of a stairlift is to get in touch with a stairlift company and arrange a survey, but a general rule of thumb is that the more standardised your needs, the cheaper the stairlift will be.
If you have a standard 13-step straight staircase, then there are a lot of options available for a robust, standardised unit, including the use of a reconditioned stairlift that could save you even more money.
Narrow staircases, curved staircases and anything that needs to be tailor-made will naturally cost more and limit your options. If you have a spiral staircase, for example, you can get a stairlift for it but it will be more expensive than a straight line.
Whilst costs will vary considerably, a straight stairlift can sometimes be more than three times cheaper than a curved one, depending on the track requirements. They also can be delivered and installed far sooner, as they can be made with standardised parts.
As well as this, outdoor stairlifts are available but will cost more to ensure they are adequately weatherproofed and protected from the wind, sun and rain.
Beyond location, length and curves, another key factor is functionality. There are many different features that make a stairlift either usable or more comfortable for people who might not be able to use a conventional stairlift.
This includes narrow-track systems that can be used for narrower staircases, retractable seats and footrests or perching rests that can be easier on hip and back joints.
