If you are someone who can not easily or safely use the stairs, then you might not be able to use the entire upstairs portion of your home. Those that are over the age of 65 are at increased risk of injury as a result of a fall down the stairs. A stair lift can be a great way to greatly reduce this risk and ensure that you or a loved one is able to completely use all areas of their home.

Stair lifts are personal lifting aids, which are used to carry a single individual up and down the stairs. They come in several different models and designs, but most utilize a chair and are frequently called stair chairs. If you have a straight stair case, then you can generally quickly and easily install a stair chair, like those made by AmeriGlide. The installation of these devices can usually be done in a few hours and with normal household tools. A curved stair lift on the other hand can be very expensive and usually takes months to be installed.

The measurements for any stair lift are very important, because they will be used to determine the size of track that you need. Those with straight stairs can quickly do the measurements themselves, but if you have a curved stair case then you will need to have an in home estimate and can not typically do the measurements themselves. After the initial in home estimate, the stair lift usually takes at least 6 weeks to be built and installed. In addition a curved stair lift is very expensive and can cost over $15,000 more than you would spend on a straight stair lift. They also can not be moved or sold easily, because a curved stair lift is custom built to fit only stairs that have the same measurements.

If you do have a curved stair case, there are a few options which might save you some money or time. If your curved stair case is really 2 straight staircases with an ?L? shaped design, then you might be able to install 2 straight staircases. This requires that you have a landing midway down and that you will have to change lifts half way down, but can save a tremendous amount of money. If this is not an option, some people, when faced with the tremendous cost of a curved stair lift purchase a residential elevator. A residential elevator greatly improves home value and adds tremendous functionality to a home.

A curved stair lift is very expensive, so before you set up your in home estimate, talk with someone about other options that can save you time and money.