How Much Does a Stair Lift Cost?

Stair Lift – also called a stairway lift, stairway elevator, stair glide, chair lift or stair chair, a stair lift is a motorized chair you sit on to glide up or down a staircase on a rail system for anyone who has difficulty or in unable to navigate stairs. A stair lift can also be used to transport groceries, laundry or other items up and down stairs

Typical costs:

• For a straight staircase with no landings or turns, Internet prices start around $1,000-$3,000. Generally these models are designed for fairly complex do-it-yourself installation.
• From dealers such as Caliber Stair Climbers and their competitors, stair lifts for standard straight staircases average $3,000-$6,000, which usually includes installation. Most stair lifts are used indoors; outdoor models tend to be at the higher end of the price range. Options include adjustable seat and footrest heights, folding seats and rests to save space, greater weight capacity (usually 300 pounds but can be 375-500 pounds) and a security lock to limit who can use the chair lift. Commercial applications of course change the dynamics and the cost.
• Installing custom-engineered stair lifts for a curved stairway, one with turns and landings, or other special features can run $6,000-$17,000. A number of factors will influence the total cost, such as the size and shape of the stairway, the needs of the user (height, weight, ability to get on and off the stair lift), the amount of “parking” space available at the top and bottom of the stairway, and prevailing local labor rates.
• The staircase must be of sound construction and in good condition; installation does not generally involve any sort of structural changes to the house. Installation usually takes about 2 to 4 hours and involves lifting a fair amount of weight — and a do-it-yourself installation might take longer. Many people report successful self-installation, but the Accessibility Equipment Manufacturers Association argues against self-installation, saying it’s important that stair lifts be installed correctly, and that some areas require a permit or have specific safety codes governing stair lifts.
• Most chair lifts are powered by batteries, which mean they continue working during a power outage, although AC models operate on standard house electricity (and don’t work when the power goes out).
• Most stair lifts come with a 3-10 years warranty on parts, but may have a “lifetime” warranty on the gearbox/motor assembly or drive train.Additional costs:
  • A replacement battery for most battery-operated stair lifts runs about $50-$100, and typically will need replacing after 2-3 years.
  • Although some models advertise zero maintenance, most stair lifts require some maintenance to check for oiling, etc.Discounts:

• Medicare does not cover stair lifts, but assistance in paying part or all of the costs may be available from an insurance company, community organization, government agency or local

service club. The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging or the Eldercare Locator can help find resources for adults in a community.

IRS Deductions:

• The cost of installing a stair lift might be deductible in some circumstances; ask your tax preparer or read IRS Publication 502 .

Shopping for a stair lift:

• Key factors in choosing a stair lift:
o Weight and Height of the user
o The persons ability to transfer onto and off of the seat of the stair lift o The width of the stair case (with and without hand rails)
o Configuration of the Stair Case

 Is it straight?

 Does it turn at the top or bottom and have a landing or do the stairs curve?

• It is important to remember that the majority of the time these products are for seniors or disabledpersons that are trying to regain not only their independence in their home home but there senseof freedom and dignity.
• A qualified TRAINED and CERTIFIED installer is worth the extra cost. Several people try to savea dollar and “do it yourself”. Companies such as Caliber Stair Climbers are all about making surethat the products are installed by the best trained and certified installers in the industry.
• A question to ask yourself – is it worth a little more to have a new lift versus a used lift?

Key FACTS:

WARRANTY:

NEW LIFTS have a Factory Warranty of 3 – 10 years. In many instances, Dealers offer a “Craftsmanship Warranty” on any of their newly installed lifts.

• Used Lifts are typically “refurbished” and carry a warranty that is offered by the installer and you can forget about having any part warrantied by the manufacturer. Read the fine print – they typically are non transferable warranties – that means, unless you purchased it directly from the manufacturer, there is no warranty.

MODIFICATION:

The NEW Lift can be fitted to the specifics of your stairs and home. Many Lifts need to have zero clearance at the top of the stairs to accommodate a doorway. Other instances may require a rail that folds up at the bottom to avoid tripping hazards and in many states building codes.

• Used Lifts – you get what you get and hope that it fits. Of course you can cut to fit – however you better hope your stairs are similar. Even similar stairways, you need to be aware of the left or right side of the stairway the lift needs to be installed

RELIABILITY:

NEW Lifts manufactured today are fresh off the assembly line and are current with the times. In most instances, the lift and rail is manufactured specifically for your staircase and home. New parts and maintenance costs are easy to come by as when that problem comes – you can deal directly with the manufacturer or Dealer and costs of repairs and maintenance are nearly ZERO under certain warranties provided.

• Used Stair Lifts are outdated. It is a frustrating fact, however many dealers are not willing to work on old equipment that is not something they originally installed or sold. when they do, expect to pay more –
a lot more than you would with their new products.

SAFETY:

NEW Lifts provide SAFETY.

•

Used Lifts – with no warranty – imagine mom or dad getting stuck in the middle of the stairs because their lift doesn’t work, they climb off to get to the top or bottom, they fall and have an accident. What Insurance will help? NONE. All because you wanted to “save money” and buy that enticing used one you found on ebay or from a friend that has one that has “only 1 month of use….”

Top Manufacturers:

There are several manufacturers of Stair Lifts approximately 15-20. Of these manufacturers the most common are: Savaria, Harmar, Acorn, Bruno, Stannah.

o Each of these brands have dealers. It is always best to work with a company that can offer more than just one brand. These dealers like Caliber are rare but they are able to offer you the BEST option for your situation.

CALL TODAY! 208-552-3037 and schedule an on site visit at no cost to you for the best option for your home.