Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a stair lift cost?
Stairlifts range in price. Straight stairlifts can be very cheap as the can be fitted to any straight staircase, however there is no fixed price for a curved stairlift as they have to be tailor made to fit your stairs. The price will depend on which model you buy and what type of stairs you have. At Calderdale Stairlifts we offer a free survey service where a fully trained representative will personally visit your home to assess your needs and measure your staircase in order to give you a fixed quote with no hidden extras, the price we quote is the price you pay.
Will I be able to use the stairs as normal?
Yes. The narrowest of stairlifts are available should an installation require one. The arms, seat and footrest all fold away, so the stairs can still be used as normal.
What if my wall isn't strong enough to support the weight?
Many people are worried about their stair lift damaging their walls, but in actual fact all stair lifts are fitted to the steps, not the wall. The stair lift brackets need to be screwed into the steps, so it doesn't matter at all if your wall is non-supporting or plasterboard, and it won't damage your carpet either!
Are there any difficulties getting on and off the stairlift?
The seat is designed to swivel allowing the individual to align at the top or bottom easily without having to bend or twist the body. You can use the armrests to push yourself up. The armrests can be raised separately, which is especially useful if you are getting on from a wheelchair.
Can I choose the colour of my stairlift?
Yes we offer a choice of upholstery to complement your decor. Curve rails can even be upgraded to be painted in a choice of colours. These are options which can be discussed at the time of your quote.
What will power the stairlift?
All modern stairlifts are powered by a battery which is automatically recharged from the mains when not in use. The beauty of having battery power is that in the unlikely event of a power cut your stairlift can still function as normal. Another advantage is that modern stairlifts are very energy-efficient and economical to run.
How long will I have to wait before it's installed?
The delivery time will depend on your chosen model and how much work is involved in the factory to build the rail to fit your staircase. Generally, stairlifts for straight stairs are installed in under a week. You may have to wait 2-3 weeks for a stairlift for curved stairs. If your stairlift is urgent we can often install quicker than these times.
How long will the installation take?
A standard installation generally takes around 2-3 hours, however a complex staircase may take longer. All of our stairlifts are fitted by professional engineers with minimal disruption, mess and inconvenience and the engineer will not leave until you are completely satisfied.
What safety features do stairlifts have?
Some safety features will vary from model to model, and optional extras can be added if you need them, but all stairlifts come with a wide range of safety features as standard. These include obstruction sensors, emergency stop buttons, a key switch to disable unauthorised use of the stairlift, battery back-up power and many more.
Is a Stairlift easy to use?
Stair lifts are operated by simple, large, up and down paddle switches on the arms, which are designed to work with minimal pressure. This makes them suitable for people with arthritis or who are visually-impaired. You simply need to gently press the paddle in the direction of travel to start the stair lift. On completion of the installation our engineers will give a thorough and complete demonstration and will not leave until you feel comfortable using the lift.
What happens if the stairlift is at the "Wrong" end of the stairs?
All of the stairlifts we fit come with remote controls which are useful if someone else in your house uses your stair lift and you need to call it back to where you are or you want to send something up or down the stairs without having to carry it. Your remote controls will be provided by our engineers at the time of installation and can be mounted on the wall at the top and bottom of the stairs so you are always able to find them when you need them.
How will it cost to maintain the stairlift?
Our stairlifts are extremely reliable and are manufactured in the UK to the world's highest standards to give life-long service. Our lifts come with a free, full standard warranty of up to 2 years (1 year on reconditioned) parts and labour. This is usually extendable up to five years giving you complete peace of mind.
Will my stairlift need servicing?
As with any equipment with moving parts your stairlift will benefit from regular servicing, at Calderdale Stairlifts we can provide routine serving at a very competitive price, we recommend every 12 months for a standard duty lift and every 6 months on heavy duty.
Why not contact us or request a call back if only for a chat, that way we can fully answer any questions you may have. We are here to help.