Are Stairlifts a Good Investment for Your Home or Organisation?
Whatever your stairs are like, it’s important to look at buying a stairlift not as a one-off cost, but as an investment which will pay dividends. Whether you’re looking for a stairlift for your home or your business, you should consider the long-term benefits it will deliver.
One factor which can put people off buying a stairlift is the initial cost of purchase and installation. Stairlifts vary in price between different suppliers and depending on what type of stairs they’re designed for. A stairlift for a ‘standard’ straight flight of stairs will cost much less than one for a more complicated staircase featuring curves or turns. But whatever your stairs are like, it’s important to look at buying a stairlift not as a one-off cost, but as an investment that will pay dividends. Whether you’re looking for a stairlift for your home or your business, you should consider the long-term benefits it will deliver.
A stairlift may cost less than you imagine, especially if you buy direct from the manufacturer. Every stairlift is different, so you’re unlikely to see standard prices advertised. However, reputable stairlift suppliers will provide a free quote after surveying the staircase. Since it costs nothing to get a quote, you can get several to compare – but don’t automatically opt for the cheapest. Make sure you’re getting a quality product which will give trouble-free service and one which meets all your needs.
Maintaining your stairlift is an ongoing cost, but it also protects your initial investment. By doing this it keeps the equipment you bought in good working order. In this way, it’s an investment in itself, and shouldn’t be overlooked. You can also save money by dealing with a company that meets all your stairlift needs in one package. Some stairlift companies manufacture stairlifts, sell them directly to consumers, install and maintain them. This allows you to avoid the need to deal with different retailers or contractors.
Having bought a stairlift, what returns can you expect on your investment? If you’ve bought it for a business or other organisation, the key benefit is in improving access to your premises for more people. Whether they are customers, staff members or anyone who might struggle with stairs this will assist in regaining freedom. In many cases, providing equal access to diverse groups is a legal requirement and a stairlift is a cost-effective way to comply. But it’s also in your interests to ensure everyone can access the goods or services you offer.
For a residential stairlift buyer, there are several returns on your investment. If you struggle with the stairs, a stairlift eliminates that obstacle and enables you to stay in your current home and continue using all of it. The cost of installing and running a home stairlift can seem very small compared to the alternatives. Reorganising your home to live on just one level, or even having to find, buy, and move to a new property is a lot to deal with in itself.
Other benefits are harder to put a price on, but could in fact be priceless. A home stairlift is an investment in enhancing your daily quality of life. You’ll be able to go up and downstairs whenever you like, free from pain or discomfort. Even if you don’t need a stairlift all the time, having it will futureproof your home in case your condition deteriorates. Perhaps the single most important return on your investment is ensuring your safety on the stairs. If you’re at risk of falling on the stairs, then a home stairlift removes that risk. It’s an investment in safeguarding your health and wellbeing, now and for the future.