Everything You Need to Know About Renting vs. Buying Stairlifts
Almost 19% of Americans aged 18 or older have difficulty walking or climbing steps.
Are you finding it more challenging to get up and down the stairs in your Denver home? Will you be having surgery that will limit your mobility during recovery? Are you caring for a loved one with mobility issues?
If the answer to any of those questions is yes, you should start looking for stairlifts in Denver. A stairlift provides safety and security when going up and down the stairs. It gives you the freedom you want in your home.
You have a choice between renting or buying a stairlift. Understanding your options is the first step toward making the best decision.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of renting and buying a stairlift. You'll find out what factors to consider so you can make the right choice.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Stair Lift in Denver
Stairlift rentals give you flexibility when you need a short-term mobility solution. The cost of renting a stair lift for a few months is far less than buying one.
However, some stairlift companies have a minimum rental period. You have to pay for the stair lift even if you're not using it anymore. Renting doesn't give you the same options for stairlift customization as buying does.
If you're not sure that a stairlift will be worth the cost, you can rent a stairlift to try it out. That way, you can experience what difference it may make before committing to buying one.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Stair Lift in Denver
Buying a stairlift gives you peace of mind knowing you can stay in your home for as long as possible safely. You can use the stairlift as often and for as long as you need to. And best of all, you don't have to deal with ongoing monthly payments.
When you buy a stairlift, you can better customize it to fit your lifestyle.
The main reason stairlift users hesitate before buying this vital tool is the high initial cost. However, buying can be more cost-effective than renting over the long term.
Deciding to Rent or Buy a Stairlift
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy a stairlift. Your mobility needs and the design of your home are essential factors. A professional stairlift company can help you evaluate whether renting or buying makes the most sense for your situation.
How Long Do You Plan to Use the Stairlift?
One key factor in deciding whether to rent or buy a stairlift is how long you plan to use it. If you are only using the stairlift for a short time, renting may be the best option.
For example, you could need a stairlift temporarily while you or a loved one recover from surgery or illness. You might want a stairlift when caring for an elderly relative for a short time. Business owners may need a stairlift to provide access for an injured employee.
If you plan to use a stair lift for more than a year, buying is usually the best choice. The up-front cost may seem high, but you'll end up spending less than renting for the same amount of time.
A variety of circumstances can make buying a stair lift more practical. These include:
Preparing to age in place in your home
Long-term illness or injury
Disability
Chronic pain or other mobility challenges
Buying a stairlift is a more permanent, cost-effective solution for long-term situations.
Do You Have a Straight Staircase?
Many stairlift companies limit rentals to straight staircases. Staircases with more complex designs usually need a custom fit.
You will likely need to buy a stairlift if you have:
A spiral staircase
A curved staircase
A very long staircase
An outdoor staircase
Stairlifts for these staircases have higher construction and reconditioning costs for the rental company. For this reason, rentals of this nature are difficult to find. If you have a straight short staircase to a landing and then another straight short staircase you can buy or rent two separate stairlifts.
Do You Need Customization?
If you need (or want) to customize your stairlift, buying one is the best choice. In addition to getting modifications based on the shape of your staircase, modern stairlifts have other features to choose from. Some of the possibilities for stairlift customization include:
Power swivel seat
Powered footrest
Folding exit rail
Backup battery
Higher maximum weight capacity
Depending on your household, you may want enhanced safety features. For example, if you have children or pets, you may want an object sensor. Object sensors cause the stairlift to stop if the bumper touches anything during travel.
A lockable on-off switch prevents unauthorized use of the system. A lock is vital if you have young children in your home.
When you buy a stairlift, you can select the features and designs you need.
Installing Stairlifts in Denver
The installation process for your stairlift will be similar whether you buy or rent a stairlift.
Stairlift companies provide installation services for the products they sell. The installation cost may be included in your rental or purchase price, or it may be billed as an additional charge.
Installing a straight stairlift usually takes between two and three hours. A stairlift for a more complex staircase will take longer. These types of installations typically take around four to five hours.
Removing a Stairlift
If you rent a stairlift, you'll eventually need it removed. The company who rented you the stairlift will take it out of your home. Some companies charge an additional fee for this service.
The removal process for a straight stairlift could be as short as an hour. However, more complex designs can take up to half a day.
After the stairlift is gone, you'll have minimal damage to your stairs. The small screw holes that are left don't affect the safety or stability of your staircase. If you think the spots are too noticeable, fill them with wood filler or plugs.
Finding the Best Stair Lifts in Denver
Whether you decide to rent or buy a stairlift, you'll want to choose from the best stairlifts in Denver. Mobility Plus Colorado is committed to empowering your mobility. We offer dependable and affordable stairlifts.
Mobility Plus Colorado offers stairlift rentals and stairlifts for sale. You can also rent-to-own. Our mobility experts are happy to work with you to find the best stairlift solution for your mobility needs.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We'll help you get the best stair lift for your situation for the lowest price and with the most reliable service.