
Companion
1100 Straight Stairlift
£ with VAT Relief
Stairlifts are such a wonderful investment to make for yourself and loved ones. They provide an extra bit of freedom and independence, and also just simply give you comfort. So, if you’ve been considering getting a stairlift, we’re here to help you out along the way.
As with every kind of investment or purchase, you’re likely questioning how much they cost, of course, we totally understand.
That’s why this guide will go in-depth on the cost of stairlifts. This guide does focus on outdoor stairlifts, we do have guides on other stairlifts – including straight and curved. So, check those out if they are more up your street.
Without further ado, let’s dive into this stairlift buying guide, looking at affordable stairlifts and a range of stairlifts to choose from.
If you’re experiencing mobility issues, these don’t just vanish once you leave your home. Stairlifts provide you with freedom inside the house and outside.
For instance, you may be having trouble making your way from your front gate to your front door. Shopping, going for walks, or visiting friends and family can easily become a headache. Stairlifts can end those struggles.
Outdoor stairlifts do differ slightly from indoor ones. Obviously, they need to be designed to withstand various weather conditions – from super hot to super rainy. To be able to serve you all year round, they are designed a little bit differently.
Outdoor stairlifts often use different materials and vulnerable components need to be sealed so they are protected from rain, sleet, snow, and heat.
If you live in a particularly cold area, some stairlifts may benefit from a heater for when the temperature hits extreme lows.
You may notice that outdoor stairlifts have waterproof covers, which protect armrests and seats – so you don’t have to sit on a wet seat when you need to use it. These are comfort measures.
So, if you have steps, outdoor staircases, slopes, or veranda access – a stairlift could be for you.
Like with indoor stairlifts, this won’t cause you inconvenience. A trained engineer will come round and install the stairlift, this will take around two to three hours – again, this varies depending on your specific flight of stairs.
Either way, your outdoor stairlift will not take longer than a day. There won’t (for the most part) be any structural changes to your steps or stairs. The majority will just fit into whatever is there.
If you feel you have unique challenges, talk to the engineer or surveyor. There will always be around it.
There are some things to consider, these are:
Right off the bat, it is difficult to estimate a stair lift price. There are so many considerations and factors which can change this price dramatically.
For instance, if your house has any obstructions, the price will increase with the cost of moving a radiator, as an example.
You can also choose to spend more money on a warranty, spending more will guarantee more security. Spending less may cost you more in the long run, but the initial investment will be lower.
A big factor when it comes to price revolves around whether or not you need a curved or straight stairlift. The curved stairlift is considerably more expensive. One way to save money (on both) is by buying a reconditioned stairlift, these are sustainably cheaper than a new stairlift.
One thing for sure is, you want to make sure that you’re spending your money on a good investment. So, always read maintenance contracts, read the fine print, and ensure that you’re getting the best deal for your money.
Lastly, if you have any special requirements, an extra may be required on your stairlift. These will come at an additional cost but are completely worth it. We will get into details about all of this later on.
As we mentioned, this can be extremely hard to accurately predict. Outdoor stairlifts can be slightly more expensive than indoor stairlifts, because of their extra weatherproofing and protection.
Outdoor stairlifts cost around £2,500, just for a standard model. This price will increase when there are obstacles, curves, or difficult flights of stairs.
A surveyor will assess the structural situation, and decide where your stairlift will be fitted, and what specifics you need. You will also need to tell the supplier about any other mobility issues you may have, as this will affect the price.
£2,500 is a very general prediction. However, your outdoor stairlift may cost less or more depending on your flight of stairs, garden, or other considerations.
Is this worth it? Absolutely. An outdoor stairlift will make it easier for you to socialise, keep your independence, and get some fresh air.
You can rent stairlifts, however, for outdoor stairlifts, this may be a little more difficult.
One way to save money is by opting for a reconditioned stairlift.
New stairlifts are more expensive, but they do come with their own set of perks. They are usually the best option for outdoor stairlifts, as gardens and outdoor landscapes will vary quite dramatically.
The obvious bonus – they are brand new, and you can be sure you’re getting the highest quality.
Reconditioned stairlifts may be an option for you if you have a fairly standard set of stairs. They will be refurbished and should be working like new. Obviously, you should ensure that you have a warranty that will cover everything and a trustworthy 24-hour call-out service.
For outdoor stairlifts, the seat may be refurbished, but the track will likely be brand new.
You can get extra parts on your stairlift, which will make it more tailored to you and your specific needs.
It’s important that you disclose your specific needs to your supplier so that they can provide you with an accurate quote, and a stairlift that works best for you.
An example of this would be a perch seat, for those that have difficulty bending. Swivel seats are also an option, and powered footplates can also be fitted.
We don’t have to tell you how important warranty and servicing is. This is definitely something that you need to ensure your money is going to.
One year’s warranty is the minimum you should expect. That should also be included in your price, make sure your supplier isn’t cutting corners.
We know how tempting it is to just go for the lowest price. However, you should avoid that. Look into warranties and also servicing costs. You should have the security of knowing there is a 24-hour call-out service, who will be able to help you at all times.
The majority of suppliers will also offer an extended warranty, once the year is over, for under £100. Servicing contracts should also come to under £100, too.
We will always encourage spending your money on these, just in case. They may just save you money in the long run.
This can get a little confusing, so if you need more information please check out the government’s website.
In short, for the chronically sick or disabled, you will not have to pay VAT. This is because items for disabled people are zero-rated. This also applies to any extras and stairlift products.
If you don’t fall into this bracket, you will get a 5% VAT relief if you are over 60. Remember, if you believe either of these exemptions applies to you, you need to let your supplier know, and they will work out the rest for you.
VAT reliefs should be looked into, so please research this a little more if you’re confused.
Stairlifts do not cost a lot to run, at all. Many manufacturers will claim that it costs around £10 a year, less than a kettle. As with all the cost estimations, this can vary, too. If you use your stairlift less or more than seven times a day (what that estimation is based on) the cost will increase or decrease.
However, they are super low-cost and low-energy – this is what makes them safe to run outdoors.
As with everything; prevention is always better than a cure. So, regular maintenance of your stairlift will enable you to live a little more stress-free.
We recommend that your outdoor stairlift should get serviced every year. Again, this needs to be done by a qualified engineer -anybody who is not qualified may actually damage the unit.
Always use the waterproof coverings and any other protection that you are supplied with. This will ensure that you get the longest life out of your stairlift.
Of course, to power your stairlift, you do need a power source. As an outdoor stairlift, this obviously is a little bit different from indoor stairlifts.
This is usually achieved by charging an internal battery inside your home and will be there to charge various points on your rail.
This battery is a very convenient system and allows your stairlift to work even when there is a power outage.
These batteries will last for several years. As stated, they also don’t make much of an impact on your electricity bills.
Here are some things to consider when picking a stairlift:
In some cases, you may be eligible for a grant – this will depend on your local council. This means that they may be able to help with the cost of installing a stairlift in or outside your house.
As with every investment, make sure that you do your research and discuss all your options with your OPs, suppliers, and engineers. You need to ensure that you’re making the best decision for you and your specific needs – so make sure everything is met. This is your life and your money, after all.
We can answer any more questions that you may have, too.