Since high costs are associated with the installation of a stairlift, the investment must be well considered and carefully planned. This is the only way to ensure that you get the right stairlift at a fair price. The considerations that should be made before the purchase concern the design of the lift, the brand, the overall structural situation, the individual needs and, of course, the resulting costs. Good advice is particularly important when buying a stairlift. We give valuable tips that should be considered when buying.
The decision for a stairlift is expensive and long-term. Before buying, you should therefore be well informed and comprehensively advised. In doing so, it is important to consider a few tips. We give an overview of all the important points that should be considered before buying.
Tips to find the right stairlift
Before buying, you should be able to answer a number of questions. Is the staircase straight or curved? The latter increases the cost, the stairlift immensely. How long is the staircase? The shorter the staircase, the cheaper the stairlift. Is the stairlift needed for one floor or more? Is construction work required in the stairwell? This may be the case if the stairlift creates narrow spaces in the stairwell, which could hinder other people.
Only when all these questions are clarified, it is possible to get a transparent offer. The prices for stairlifts differ namely quite considerably. Thus, although the prices for stairlifts start at around 3,000 €, they can easily rise to over 15,000 €. When buying, you should of course also pay attention to quality. Stairlifts are usually in use for a long time and must therefore withstand high loads.
Tips to find a reputable supplier and get good advice
Advice is very important when buying a stairlift. This should be intensively addressed to the needs of the prospective buyer. Ideally, the consultation takes place in the home of the buyer. This allows the supplier to check which lift models are possible for the corresponding staircase and what needs to be taken into account during installation. Also, if possible, a test drive should be carried out. In this way, the future owner can try out the stairlift at his leisure, ask questions himself and learn about its advantages.
Only then can the decision be made in favor of a particular model. A reputable supplier will also point out to the customer any costs incurred for service and maintenance, offer support in applying for grants or subsidies, or offer financing options. One should also always compare different offers from different vendors. A reputable seller does not exert any pressure here and does not push for a quick purchase decision.
Tips to finance the purchase of a stairlift
Various funding agencies provide subsidies for the purchase of a stairlift. For example, the nursing insurance provides a maximum subsidy of 4,000 €, provided that a nursing degree is available. The cost of a stair lift can also be covered by various insurance companies. In the event of an accident at work, for example, the stairlift can be covered by the employers’ liability insurance association. Under certain circumstances, the liability insurance of an accident opponent can also be made liable.
PhotosSource: © ThyssenKrupp AGOther cost units that can also provide grants or financing include the state welfare association, the main welfare agency, the statutory pension insurance, the accident insurance and the Federal Employment Agency. The Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW) offers favorable loan conditions for stairlift buyers. With the program “Altersgerecht Umbauen (159)” the purchase of a stairlift can be fully financed by the KfW with 1.00 percent effective annual interest rate. When buying a stairlift, this possibility should already be checked and taken into account when preparing the offer.
Tips on the useful life
If it is already foreseeable before the purchase that the stairlift will only be needed for a limited period of time, one should seriously consider renting a stairlift. In many cases, this is more economical than buying. Renting is an option, for example, if the stairlift is needed during a period of recovery or rehabilitation. As a user, one then enters into a temporary contract with the stairlift provider.
The providers usually require a one-time payment and then monthly rental fees. However, installing a rented stairlift usually only makes sense for straight stairs. Curved stairs require adjustments that are usually not economically feasible with a rental lift.
Tips for buying a stairlift used
A good way to reduce the initial cost of purchasing a stairlift is to choose a used stairlift. Some dealers specialize in selling used stairlifts. These are usually technically and qualitatively as good as new, but just significantly cheaper. Savings of up to 50 percent are quite possible. Adaptations of the lift (for example with curved stair course) are however just as expensive as with the new purchase.
When buying privately, you can save even more. Up to 70 percent is possible compared to new prices. However, you should be aware of possible follow-up costs and a high risk. When buying from private, costs for the inspection of the lift as well as the (dis)assembly are usually added. Guarantee or warranty is usually not provided.
