Can I install a stairlift myself? It’s a question many people ask when trying to avoid the cost of professional installation. To keep costs down, some people buy a second-hand stairlift and try to fit it themselves. However, this can be incredibly dangerous, increasing the risk of injury. No matter how well-intentioned, you could end up making matters worse for yourself or a loved one.
To learn more about why you should avoid installing your own stairlift and alternatives to ensure a safe and low-cost installation, continue reading.
Should You Install a Stairlift Yourself?
Technically speaking, no one is stopping you from installing a stairlift yourself. However, we strongly advise you not to install a stairlift yourself, especially if you’re inexperienced.
We always advise buying or renting a stairlift from reputable suppliers who provide installation as part of the purchase. Compared to self-installation, trained engineers understand the installation process, ensuring the highest health and safety standards are met. Stairlifts are there to support you during poor mobility, not put you at more risk – which is exactly what you’re doing if you attempt to install your own device.
Reasons to Not Install a Stairlift Yourself
There are many reasons not to install a stairlift yourself. Despite thinking it’s more affordable and convenient to install a stairlift yourself, we promise you that it’s not, especially due to the complex fitting, potentially missing parts, and compromised safety.
Tailored Track
Stairlifts are installed using custom-made tracks to fit your staircase perfectly. If you’ve bought a second-hand stairlift for your stairs, there’s a high chance it won’t fit.
Every home is different, so there’s bound to be factors that’ll affect the length of the rail you need to install. When a stairlift rail is too long, or a custom track hasn’t been made, there’s no point even attempting installation.
Example – As you can see, the stairlift rail is far too long. If someone is unstable on their feet and walks into this while trying to get on their stairlift, they’d likely injure themselves.
Missing Parts
Buying a used stairlift from someone presents the risks of missing parts. Key components make up a stairlift to ensure it works efficiently – if any of these parts are missing, your stairlift won’t work properly. Additionally, if you aren’t aware that these parts are missing, you’re putting yourself or others at serious risk.
Example – This self-installed stairlift was missing multiple bolts, leaving the track insecure and unsafe. The loose rail could move easily, making your journeys unstable.
Stairlift Safety
Stairlift engineers do all they can to ensure the user’s safety during stairlift installation. Well-meaning but inexperienced friends or relatives are not likely to spot the same safety issues, leaving the user at greater risk.
Example – There are a few stairlift safety concerns here. Firstly, the stairlift comes to a standstill at the top of the stairs, with the seat and footrest overhanging the drop below, which should be positioned over the landing for easy access. Additionally, potential obstructions could be in the way, which causes the stairlift to stop entirely and beep until they’re removed.
Does DIY Stairlift Installation Save Money?
DIY stairlift installation typically does not save money for a few main reasons:
- Issues are likely to arise, leading to higher costs in the long run
- Manufacturer warranties may be void
- You may need specific tools or parts, adding unexpected costs
- Arranging repairs or servicing later can be costly
- Professional installers usually provide aftercare and servicing support
Although DIY stairlift installation seems advantageous if you’re looking to save money on installation, it isn’t. Instead, you can buy a reconditioned stairlift from a reputable company, with professional installation included for added reliability and peace of mind – something you don’t get with doing it yourself.
We completely understand why you’d prefer to buy a used stairlift from someone online and try to fit it yourself, but the bottom line is that without proper installation, it’s too dangerous.
Should I Contact a Professional Stairlift Installer?
If you’ve been considering installing your own stairlift, we recommend reaching out to a professional installer instead. We always advise using a fully qualified stairlift engineer to install your stairlift, or purchasing from a trusted supplier with reconditioned models as part of their collection.
Reconditioned Models
When you opt for a stairlift company to supply your stairlift, you don’t always have to choose a brand-new model. Many suppliers, including ourselves at Halton Stairlifts, repair and restore unwanted stairlifts for resale after returning them to full working order.
Reconditioned stairlifts often look and feel like new, just with a lower price tag! Additionally, they come with free installation and warranty, which isn’t available when you purchase a used stairlift from someone and install it yourself.
Stairlift Experts
Choosing an expert to install your stairlift means they’ll identify any risks or hazards and stick to approved installation methods to eliminate them. Once it’s fitted, they’ll also take the time to show you how to use the stairlift, helping you feel more confident and safer using it.
All professional installers undergo training to be aware of these safety features, which helps them teach you how to properly attach your seatbelt and even reverse your stairlift if you need to.
More Experience
Professional engineers have more experience with stairlifts, which means their installation will be more efficient and safer. With more experience comes added benefits, like reassurance that your device is fitted securely and safely for continuous use.
Faster Installation
If you have no experience installing a stairlift, then it might take you a while to figure out how to do it yourself. By relying on a professional to complete the installation, you’ll have your stairlift up and running much faster than if you were to do it yourself.
Stairlift engineers fit a few stairlifts a day, multiple times a week. So it’s no surprise that they’ve become pretty efficient at installing them. In fact, our engineers can fit a straight stairlift within an average time of two hours. With a self-installation, two hours in, you’ll likely still be trying to figure out which bit goes where.
Stairlift Warranty
When you buy a new or reconditioned stairlift from a reputable stairlift company, you’ll also likely receive a manufacturer or supplier warranty. While you wouldn’t expect a new or reconditioned stairlift to break down in the first year, there’s always a small chance it might. When you install a stairlift yourself, you probably won’t have a warranty to fall back on if something goes wrong.
Professional Stairlift Installation at Halton Stairlifts
Stairlift installation is best left to the professionals. At Halton Stairlifts, we have a highly experienced team of DBS-checked engineers who can correctly install your stairlift both quickly and accurately!
Contact us today on 0800 644 7766 to get your quote on a new stairlift with FREE installation.
