Second-hand Stair lifts – Pros and Cons
If you and your loved ones are on a budget but still need the helpful services of a stair lift in the home, then you may want to look into the possibility of second-hand stair lifts. These are simply lifts that have been taken from someone else’s home, having been used already. They usually have all the benefits of a new stair lift, at a discounted price. Before they are sold to a new owner, they are restored and fixed up by the reseller to make sure that they are up to safety codes, and appropriate for someone new to use. Safety always comes first with this type of appliance. It is for this reason it is always advisable to purchase a second-hand stair lift from a manufacturer or professional – to makes sure your stair lift is safe and in good working order.
When it comes to installing second-hand stair lifts, this will be done with the same amount of care that would be put into a new one. Make sure to hire a team of professionals that are experienced in stair lift installation, in order to ensure that the lift is installed properly and safely. This holds true both for those straight lifts or curved ones. The curved will of course take a little bit more time to install, because they have to be adjusted to match the curves and turns of a windy staircase. Some can be battery operated, and some are electric. The ones that require electrical wiring will take longer to install, as well.
There are a few pointers to keep in mind if considering purchasing second-hand stair lifts. Most professionals recommend that you not buy any that are over 18 months old, because this is an industry that is constantly updating itself in technological innovations, and so to keep up to date with safety standards, it’s best to stay ahead of the curve with second-hand purchases. Additionally, you should make sure to get a one-year warranty at the very least on your purchase, in case there are any small mechanical issues that may come up in your older model.
Finally, make sure to ask a lot of questions about the stair lift before purchasing it. You may want to sit down with a professional in the field first and talk about your needs, so you know what questions to ask. Free assessments are usually available from all the major manufacturers and you are under no obligation to purchase.
The biggest benefit of purchasing second-hand stair lifts is the lower price but this does need to be weighed against the additional research required to make sure that they are still up to par with safety codes and that everything is in perfect working order. Much of this worry has been removed however, as the major manufacturers have all recognised the need to supply second-hand lifts to the market. They now ensure your stair lift is in perfect running order when it is installed.
Talk to UK Stairlifts for free on 0800 002 9916, we can advise you on the range of second-hand stair lifts available, helping you get the best deal possible.
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