As we grow older or become less mobile, going up and down the stairs at home might become difficult for us. A stair lift can greatly help in solving this problem and provide you with ease, comfort, and convenience. If you have decided to get a stair lift installed in your house, then some preparation on your part will allow the entire process to go smoothly without any hassle. You do not have to alter anything drastically in your house for the installation, as preparation can significantly simplify the entire procedure. In the case of straight stair lifts, installation normally takes just a couple of hours, so there will not be much disruption in your routine during the stair lift installation. Nevertheless, it is always good to know what to do before the actual installation of your stair lift. In this article, we’ll help you understand how you can get your house ready for the installation process.
Things to Know Before Buying
Mobility Challenges
To start with, it is necessary to pay attention to the person who would be using the stairs on a regular basis. Why do the stairs cause problems for this person? They might find it difficult to walk and balance on their feet, stand for some time, or need assistance when standing up and sitting down. Taking into account all these mobility issues could help choose the appropriate type of stair lift that the user would easily be able to use. In this regard, people from Dubai could also find it easier to select a stair lift after analyzing their specific requirements first.
Stair Lift Type
You can begin with an inspection of your staircase. Is your staircase a direct one, or is it a cornered one, a curved one, or does it have a landing on it? If you have a direct staircase, the straight stair lift would be an ideal choice for you. In case of curved or bend stairs, the curved stair lift would be a better choice.
Cost
After you have chosen the one you want, the next thing you will need to consider is the price. Prices of stair lifts in Dubai may differ according to the model, the kind of staircase, and the features you will need. Straight stair lifts are cheaper than curved stair lifts since the latter are designed according to the shape of the staircase. In addition, it is important to note that you should not forget to ask about the cost of stair lift installation, maintenance, and service charges.
What To Look For On Your Staircase For Stair Lift Installation
Measuring Staircase Dimensions
Before the stair lift gets installed, it is important that your staircase is correctly measured first. This involves measuring the length and width of your stairs as well as their height and depth. With these measurements, the type of stair lift that will suitably fit will be known. This is a seemingly small but crucial step in ensuring that there won’t be any difficulties when installing the product.
Checking for Obstructions
Now take a quick walk through the staircase area. Is there any furniture located near the stairs? Do any doors lead to the stair area? Is there any railing, ornamentation, or other obstruction that might interfere with the stair lift? Even a small landing can be helpful. Removal of such obstructions prior to installation helps to ensure an unobstructed path for your stair lift.
Inspecting Staircase Condition
The stairs must be in good condition before installing the stair lift. Check if there are any loose steps, cracks, broken areas, or even loose railings. The staircase should be sturdy enough to be able to hold both the lift and the passenger. In case some repairs need to be made, it would be best to do them ahead of time to avoid any future complications.
Stair Lift Placement
Take into account the place where the stair lift is going to be placed, as well as the place from which the person is going to enter and exit the stair lift. It is crucial to make sure that the optimal location for installing the stair lift is chosen based on the particular characteristics of the stairs and construction, and ease of use for the user. Sufficient space should be left above and below the stair lift.
Electrical and Structural Preparations
Assessing Electrical Needs
The operation of the stair lift will require electricity, and therefore it would be wise to examine your power source close to where the stair lift will be installed. In most cases, there is a possibility that an existing electrical outlet may be suitable, but in other instances, a new electrical outlet or minor modifications may be required. In case of any doubt, the services of an electrician can always come in handy.
Ensuring Structural Integrity
Your staircase must be sturdy because it supports the entire lift. Before lift installation, ensure there are no problems such as wobbly steps or other weaknesses. If there are any issues, they must be fixed before installing the lift. In addition, a qualified installer will inspect your staircase to see whether there is anything else he or she can do to reinforce it. This will help establish a good foundation for your stair lift.
Preparing for Installation Day
As soon as the day of the installation comes, a small effort can go a long way in making things easier for you. First, confirm your appointment and see whether the installing crew has given you any special instructions to follow. Make the stairs as well as the surrounding area free from obstruction. See that the appropriate power point is accessible to them, and inform everyone else at home about the installation. With everything sorted out and the way clear, the stair lift installation may start without any delay.
Conclusion
A little preparation can go a long way when getting a stair lift installed at home. From choosing the right model of a stair lift to making sure that your staircase is ready for the installation, everything is important to successfully complete the whole process of installation. With the help of a proper stair lift, moving up and down the stairs will become easier and safer. Contact stairlift.ae to help you find a good stair lift for your home in the UAE.
