If you are thinking about installing a stairlift, then you are taking a necessary step to maintain mobility and freedom in your home. However, there are a number of things you’ll need to consider before installing the stairlift. Here are four important ones to remember.

1. Location of the Staircase

The location of the staircase will go a long way in determining whether or not you will need a waterproof lift. If your staircase is found outside your house, then you will need an outdoor stairlift to avoid instances of rust or other damage that may result from extreme weather conditions. However, if the staircase is located inside the house, then you do not need a waterproof stairlift.

2. Customization Options

You can’t order a stairlift from any vendors and have your local handyman do the installation for you. Stairlifts are usually complex machines, and therefore, you’ll need to get something that meets (if not exceed) your expectations. To achieve this, you will need to schedule a consultation with stair lift experts so you can determine which machines are consistent with your staircase. During consultation, the technician will ask you some questions such as; who the user of the stairlift will be and whether the person intends to use it while sitting or standing. These aspects are especially important if you are planning to install stair lifts for the elderly or disabled.

3. Safety Features

When you are searching for a stairlift to install in your home, you will need to make sure that all the safety measures have been taken into consideration. Ensure features such as seatbelts, braking systems, pushbuttons, and rocker switch control are in place. For ease of use, the rocker switch control should be placed strategically in the armrest of the stairlift. Your stairlift should also have features such as send or call control to help users send or call the device to any section of the staircase in the building.

You also need to consider if you want a stairlift that is battery powered or electric powered. For you to choose between the two, you will need to determine how you want to use it. Either of these options has its merits and demerits, so you may want to measure the pros and cons and see which one outweighs the other.

4. Capacity

The capacity of the stairlift is also something you may want to consider. Capacity is usually determined by the size of the individual using the device. If a larger person is using the lift, then you’ll need to go for a heavy-duty device. This kind of lift should have a much wider seat to accommodate the user, and must have a larger capacity as well. Some units accommodate up to 500 pounds, although most are usually suited for 300 pounds.

Bottom Line

If you are thinking about installing a stairlift in your home, you need to make an appointment with different local companies that sell the device. You can also conduct some research online to have an idea of the type of device that is suitable for your home.