Stair Lifts - Self Installation or Not?
The installation of our stair lift is easily done by a handyman or family member who is familiar with basic tools. If at all possible, provide your staircase measurements in advance so your tracks can be pre-cut at the manufacturing site. This will save you a few steps ... and a lot of metal shavings from the chop saw.
The stair lifts arrive in four basic pieces. This includes two sections of track, a motor assembly (chassis), and the seat. All of the brackets, remotes, and screws are all included within the shipment. An experienced installer can install a stair lift in less than 2 hours. For someone installing a lift without any prior knowledge or experience, the job will take 3 to 4 hours.
At one time, stair lifts were mounted to the wall and were hard wired. This usually involved permits and inspections. Manufacturers now make units that attach to the stair treads (steps) and plug into a standard wall outlet.
How safe is a stair lift? Well, let's just say there has never been a law suit filed over a stair lift in the United States. The manufacturers report to two Federal Agencies - the FDA and the Elevator Commission. There are numerous safety features that are mandatory. (i.e seat belts, safety sensors around the footrest, remote controls at either end, seat rotates and locks at 90 at the top, travel at about 19 feet per minute or 19 steps per minute, won't move unless in the sideways position, and stops if your hand comes off the control switch.)
Installation should cost around $500. You have to consider travel time, installation and clean-up time, and tool replacement. Anything over that amount needs to be questioned.
If you have a door at the top - tall brackets are used and the top of the track is raised in the air a few inches to allow the seat to reach the correct height at the top and still allow the door to open and close. This is a common installation.
Installation instructions can be found in the Literature & Installation section. Whether you call them a chairlift, stairglide, or simply a stair lift - we've got you covered!