Access BDD offers a variety of stairlifts designed to accommodate various mobility needs and budgets. When you begin comparing quotes from different dealers, you’ll notice that a notable portion of the cost of a stairlift is attributed to the installation expense.
While it may seem like a good idea to install a stairlift on your own in order to save money and use your existing DIY skills, it is important to note that such installations can be unsafe and may even damage the lift itself. Therefore, it is recommended to have a professional install the stairlift to ensure it is done correctly and safely. Going the DIY route may end up adding more costs to repair and install the lift properly in the long run.
Improper installation of a stairlift can be extremely dangerous and put the user’s safety at risk. Regulatory bodies have taken a strong stance against self-installed or DIY stairlift installations. Most manufacturers, including Access BDD, will void the warranty if the stairlift is not installed according to their recommended guidelines and requirements and by an accredited installer.
It is essential to install a stairlift in a safe manner to ensure that it can be operated safely. The installation must be in accordance with all local regulations and codes. Installing a stairlift requires specific training and understanding of the product. A carpentry or electrical work background alone is insufficient to qualify someone to install a stairlift safely and correctly.
When you look at a professionally installed stairlift, it looks relatively easy to install. However, most of the installation work on a stairlift happens behind the scenes. Before the stairlift is delivered to your home, there is a lot of back and forth between the installer and the manufacturer to ensure you get the right product. When you choose to do the installation yourself, a lot of things might not go as planned, including;
DIY installations often compromise the integrity and safety of the stairlift. An incorrectly installed stairlift can endanger the user and potentially risk the safety of others using the staircase. After installation, the stairlift must undergo definitive quality and safety checks to ensure the components are intact and don’t harm the user and others. When you install the stairlift yourself, these checks are not carried out, drastically increasing the risk of dangerous accidents involving the lift.
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The lift tracks on our stairlifts are designed to fit like a glove on your staircase. Accredited installers take precise measurements of your staircase, and we build the lift track and the stairlift to those precise measurements.
DIY stairlifts also come with the added risk of not fitting properly. Stairlifts bought from online retailers or other third parties are often made from a single blueprint and produced universally. That means there’s a good chance the stairlift will not fit properly on your staircase.
Also, the stairlifts are usually designed for one side of the staircase, which might match your staircase design. The chair might end up swivelling in the wrong direction at the top of the stairs, leaving the user in an unsafe position.
Stairlifts are fairly complex. During installation, you might need technical support to ensure you’re on the right track. If you aren’t licensed, or an accredited installer, most stairlift companies will not provide technical assistance to you because of the liability risks.
In most cases, you will only have the installation manual to refer to. It will give you the basics, but it doesn’t contain any troubleshooting or guidance information if you get stuck with the installation or have problems getting the stairlift to work.
Most stairlift users believe that if they’re getting a reconditioned stairlift or even a donated one from a friend or relative, the only option to install is a DIY stairlift. However, many stairlift companies like Access BDD have accredited installers who can check the stairlift, ensure it is in serviceable condition and provide a quality check of the stairlift. If the reconditioned stairlift is purchased directly from Access BDD, it has the added benefit of a warranty. These options are not available for a DIY stairlift.
Even if you purchase the stairlift and then install it yourself, you will void the warranty, terminating any benefits and support you would get from the company in the future.
One of the ways to extend the life of your stairlift is to keep up with the service routine. The stairlift should be serviced annually at a minimum. As the stairlift ages, this becomes even more important. If you purchase a reconditioned stairlift, it’s a good idea to maintain good service from the beginning. If you use an accredited installer, they provide the service. But if it’s a DIY install, it’s unlikely that any reputable installer will want to work on the stairlift because of the liability risks associated with a self-install.
Hiring an accredited installer may come with additional costs, but it proves to be cost-efficient in the long run, with numerous added benefits. When you choose to work with an Access BDD accredited dealer, you can rest easy knowing that your stairlift installation will be safe and secure.
Our dealers undergo extensive training in installing, maintaining, servicing, and repairing our stairlifts, making them experts in their field. After the installation is complete and all necessary safety checks have been carried out, you will be given a customer walk-through to ensure that you understand how to operate the stairlift safely. The installer will demonstrate how to use the stairlift so that you can operate it on your own without any difficulty.
Furthermore, you will have peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable point of contact if you have any questions or challenges with your new stairlift. The installer will also assist you in activating your warranty, which can be incredibly useful if anything happens to the stairlift or it breaks down unexpectedly. The installer you choose to work with will also provide regular maintenance services to the lift and check essential components like the batteries to ensure they supply enough voltage.
With the support of an accredited installer, you can use the stairlift comfortably without any surprises. Any issues with the stairlift will be addressed promptly and comprehensively, ensuring that you never have to experience any inconvenience.