Tuesday 21 October 2008

Curved Stair Lifts - An Overview

Many people have already experience the benefits of having a stair installed in their home. If you are also thinking of buying one but are worried that you won't find one to fit your case, don't be. Curved stair lifts are custom made and can be fitted on just about any staircase whether it's curved, is oddly shaped or has multiple landings.


Unlike straight stair lifts that can be bought as is and installed by anyone with good DIY skills, a curved unit is tailor made to the size and shape of your staircase. It's designed and installed to easily cop with bends, straights and landings.


Not surprisingly a curved stair lift price is substantially higher than that of a straight model. The cost can't be worked out until an on site survey is performed. The actual cost of installation lift will depend on several factors: the number of bends, the angle of the bends, the length of the actual staircase, and - most importantly of all - the time taken to install. Installation time should not be underestimated; installing a curved unit takes anything between 3 weeks to 3 months.


Curved chair lifts are very flexible. You can decide on which side of the stairs you want to install the track - the track is always mounted on the stair treads and never on a wall. The actual profile of your staircase will be a determining factor as to which side to place the stair lift. Your supplier will discuss this with you when they carry out a site inspection.


There is a healthy market for used stair lifts. However, you should be aware that this is primarily for straight units. Curved units are custom made therefore the track that is fitted to the exact shape of your stair will be of no use to anyone else. So, if you want to sell your curved lift at a later date you can expect to sell only the chair, motor and controls.


Even if you don't sell your curved unit you may want to sell your home. Depending on who buys your home, you might be able to leave the stair lift in situ, otherwise you will have the expense of first removing it before your vacate your home.


Because curved units are individually made, be prepared to pay your supplier a substantial deposit when ordering it. This usually does not happen with a normal, straight model but the one you are ordering will only fit in your house and if you pull out of the deal the supplier will not be able to resell it.


Find a reputable supplier - these can be found quite easily on the internet - so that you can discuss which brand name is best for you, whether it be a Summit, Ameriglide or Stannah stair lift.


The above points are just a couple of minor considerations you should bear in mind when deciding to buy a curved stairlift. The advantages of being able to access all the floors in your existing home far out way these points - especially when compared to the stress and expense selling and moving to a single storey residence or getting home help.


Finally, if you do buy a curved stair lift, make sure the suppliers provides excellent after sales support. Look for references and a dealership that offers 24/7 phone support.


Follow the links for curved stair lifts and get stair lift prices on leading brands like the Stannah stair lift.


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