Should You Install Your Own Stairlift?

Many homeowners pride themselves on do-it-yourself projects or have a family member who is handy with home improvement projects. While some do-it-yourself home improvement projects can save you time and money, when it comes to home accessibility projects like installing a stairlift, safety and proper installation are paramount.

Stairlifts are used to safely transport an individual up and down a set of stairs using a powered chair that is mounted to a rail along the staircase. The design can be as simple as a straight track for homes with a single set of stairs, or more complex with a curved track that can travel across landings and multi-level staircases.

Do It Yourself vs. Professional Installation

Do-it-yourselfers may find themselves wondering if they can just purchase a straight lift kit and install the stairlift on their own and, indeed you can. While this may seem like a quick and inexpensive solution, there are several potential issues to consider.

1. A wise man once said, “beware the high cost of a low price.” Self-installed stairlifts advertised online often come with tantalizingly low prices. Often these “deals” do not include freight and are based on a minimal amount of track which means they may not fit your staircase. They also do not include features and options that may be necessary for the stairlift to function in your home. One example is a folding rail so that the stairlift does not block a door at the bottom of your stairs. When you work with MobilityWorks@home we conduct a full site inspection to ensure you are provided the right stairlift for your specific home and accessibility needs.

2. Safety – while installing a stairlift may seem like a simple matter of fastening the rail to the home structure, there are many factors to consider. Examples include:

• • The angle or pitch of the stairlift to ensure the user has an unobstructed path
  • The track brackets are securely fastened to the home structure
  • The tracks are properly aligned
  • The power supply is safely connected

MobilityWorks@home installers are all factory-trained to properly install your stairlift ensuring you or your loved one’s safety.

3. Service and Warranty – Stairlifts require annual maintenance and battery evaluations to ensure they continue to safely perform for years to come. When a homeowner installs a stairlift on their own they are often frustrated when they find it difficult to have service and maintenance work done on their stairlift.  Professional installers are reluctant to work on a stairlift installed by a do-it yourselfer because of the potential liability when they discover an incorrect installation.

When you consider all of the above, the tantalizing low price you see online becomes much less attractive.  At MobilityWorks@home we make the installation process smooth while minimizing any inconvenience for you.

Any installation obstacles, such as the need for an electrical outlet, will be addressed during your in-home assessment to avoid any unpleasant surprises on installation day. Our technicians can install a straight stairlift in roughly four hours, while a more complex curved stairlift installation can be completed in as little as six to eight hours. Plus, we always make sure to remove all packaging and debris created as part of the installation, meaning no mess left behind for you to clean up!

Our MobilityWorks@home technicians are here to answer any questions you have throughout the purchasing and installation process, and beyond. With a limited lifetime warranty on major components, a two-year warranty on parts, and a one-year warranty on labor, you can rest assured knowing that our team will be there for any repair services you might need.

Give us a call today to learn more about how a MobilityWorks@home stairlift can help you stay in the home you love.