experience-breaks

by Powerhouse Museum Collection

Used Stair Lifts Are A Good Option To Save Money

A used, reconditioned stair lift is a viable option. However, there are ten key things to consider when purchasing a used stair chair lift.

1. Only straight stairways are most commonly fitted with a used stair lift.

2. Some stair lift models are not able to be switched from one side of the stairs to the other.

3. Some rails on used stair lifts can not be lengthened due to variance in the track tolerances.

4. Short or tall stair lift users may require an adjustable seat height on the stair lift.

5. If you have lower back problems, the a soft start and soft start stair lift model is required.

6. If the previous stair lift user was over 250 lbs., then there stair lift rail may have excessive wear.

7. Never buy a stair lift that you have not seen running.

8. Confirm with the stair lift manufacturer that the model you are considering purchasing is a stair lift model that has parts available.

9. Confirm that there are a few stair lift installation companies in your area that carry the model you are considering buying so that you have back up if service issues come up in the future. A stair lift model that is being offered by only one company is not strong support for the future if distribution channels change.

10. Learn about the previous stair lift user. Did they smoke? How often did they use the stair lift? Were they the original purchaser of the unit you are considering? Did more than one person use the stair lift? Was it serviced by a stair lift installation company?

The cost of a used stairlift can vary from 0 to 00 for the lift plus installation. A fair price for installing a stair lift is somewhere between 0 and 0. A warranty should be included in the labour price of a around three months or more. Most problems with used stairlifts occur with a few weeks of the initial installation.

A stair lift installation company should be well versed in issues like the footrest height so that it misses the stair treads, installing the rail close to the wall but not too close to allow the seat to swivel at the top or bottom of the stairs, adjusting the seat height to fit the stair lift user and making sure that the connection to the electrical supply is satisfactory.

Some states require a licensed stair lift installer to install a stairlift. Oregon, Washington, Michigan and Connecticut require this designation.

Most states and provinces insist that for any commercial stair lift installation a licensed installer is required.

This is unfortunate since stair lift regulations drive up the price. A licensed stairlift installer is many times more expensive than a non licensed installer. Government fees in the regulated states also add to the price. Some states are considering deregulating stairlift regulations. Some other states are considering adding to this situation.

Another troubling trend is for elevator unions trying to regulate stair lift installations so as to capture market share.

It is the author’s opinion that a stair lift installation can be handled by a handy person.

The ideal situation is to purchase a used or reconditioned stair lift from a stairlift installation company who can match the stair lift user’s physical needs with the stairway site particularities such as the stair width, length of track and stair lift seat height adjustability.

Related Stairs Articles

by cambiodefractal

ChoosingTrusted Stair Gates for Your Home

What to Consider When Choosing Stair Gates

Keeping children safe is the prime consideration in every parent’s mind. This is why choosing the right products like safe and trusted stair gates needs to be done with care. Just because something is being marketed for children does not mean that it is safe and dependable. Parents should know that there are some tips to keep in mind to make selections of safety stair gates and other child protection devices an easy and worry free process.

• Choose stair gates that have a certification from JPMA or CPSC

• Select stair gates made from sturdy material with secure latch fittings

• Make certain that the stair gates are appropriate for the area where they are to be used. Some of these safety stair gates are only appropriate for use at the bottom of a staircase

• Choose a mounting system that is easy to install and will work on the walls of your home

Certifications

Having a certification seal from JPMA or CPSC is considered a gold standard for any products designed to be used by children. This certification ensures that parents are choosing an item that has met or exceeded every manufacturing guideline that promotes safety. JPMA is one of the largest groups that monitor whether or not children’s products meet the required safety standards. ASTM is the organization that lists all of the safety features and quality standards for products being prepared for market. JPMA is a separate product authority that works with ASTM and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to develop and maintain the highest level of standards and quality for the juvenile marketplace. When you notice the JPMA certification seal of approval you are assured that the product you purchase has been tested both during and after the manufacturing process. JPMA will only approve juvenile products like child stair gates after these items have met the most stringent criteria standards.

Material Strength and Mounting Systems

When choosing safety stair gates parents should always select those that are made from sturdy, dependable material. Cheaper items are readily available and these are constructed from flimsy plastics or cheap wood. These types of safety gates will not hold up under the weight of a determined small child and can result in a serious accident. The mounting systems must also be made from material that will be secure once installed. Hardware consisting of metal mounts is ideal and this type of setting can hold firm against the push and weight of small children who are trying to get through the safety barrier.

Aesthetic Appeal

It is only reasonable that parents would want safety features that have a certain aesthetic quality. You can find a number of different styles of child safety gates that block access to dangerous areas like open doors, kitchens and stairs. Many of these childproof gates have colors and designs that will let them blend into any type of décor. Parents need to make certain they are not sacrificing any safety features when they select one of the more aesthetically pleasing gates.

Our Children Deserve the Best

A child’s safety is not something to jeopardize with an improperly chosen safety item. You want the best for your children and this means selecting safe and trusted stair gates that will prevent an unfortunate accident. Parents should always choose child gates that are made of high quality material, have a certification seal from JPMA or CPSC, and have a strong, durable mounting system. This will give your home the child friendly safety features that you can trust.

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