subject: Choosing Between Residential Elevators And Stairlifts [print this page] When floor-to-floor accessibility requirements arise, reliable solutions are available in the forms of indoor elevators and stairlifts. These products come in many different designs, with a range of specifications, features, and safety measures. Pricing also varies according to the model. Choosing between them can be a tough task and choosing any specific model among them can be even tougher; every product has its own merits and of course, drawbacks.
Residential Elevators that Cater to Your Interior Dcor
Residential elevators are modified and minimized versions of traditional multi-storey building lifts which use pulleys and cords to make an effective lifting system. The main modifications for residential use are support for less weight, more beautiful designs and graphics to better blend with home interiors, and geared movement among others. The advantages of residential elevators include beauty and better blending with interiors, better (home) resale value, easier floor-to-floor accessibility, better support for wheelchair users, convenience for disabled individuals, capability of carrying multiple persons, and ease of transporting packages and bulky items or laundry.
The disadvantages include higher cost that ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, high space requirement, complex and space taking machinery, and expected need of modifications for existing home interiors.
Stair Lifts for Easy Floor-to-floor Access
Stair lifts are motor powered geared lifts which ride along a rail on one wall of a flight of stairs. They are designed to carry one person a time and are available as AC and DC models. They are often battery powered to work during power failures. When not in use, the chair of the stairlift can be folded and the stairway can be used normally.
The advantages of stairlifts include cost savings as most of them cost only $3,000 to $5,000; easy to install - some are even available in do-it-yourself packages; less space requirement; no/low home structural modification requirements; simple mechanism; and easy maintenance.
The disadvantages include less support for multiple persons and for packages, visible modification to staircases, higher cost when the staircase is curved (usually can go up more than $8,000), need battery replacement every 10 to 12 months and less support for wheelchairs.
What Do You Need --Residential Stairlifts or Elevators?
Choosing between stairlifts and elevators depends on many things such as cost, staircase structure, space availability, need of wheelchair accessibility and of course on interior dcor. Now there are many models of lifts and elevators available that can perfectly blend with your home design and fulfill your accessibility requirements.
A reliable dealer can help you choose the right product for your home. Find a recognized dealer and state your specific requirements. Apart from helping you make the right choice of stair lift or elevator, your dealer will also take care of the entire installation and maintenance of your mobility equipment.
