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For those with mobility issues and impairments, one of the biggest daily challenges can be having to navigate getting up and down stairs. Luckily there are options available that can make any home a more accessible place and alleviate this issue — usually these options will come down to either a stair lift or an elevator. 

There are of course differences in cost, installation, and the features available, so if you’re weighing up your options and trying to choose between a stair lift or an elevator for your home, then this is the blog for you. We’ll break down some of the key differences so that you can make an informed decision and choose the option that best suits your needs. 

Benefits Of A Stair Lift 

A stair lift is a very practical and cost effective solution when it comes to helping navigate accessibility needs. As a stair lift does not require remodeling of the home, it’s a simpler and less expensive installation. This makes it a great option if you’re operating on a smaller budget, if you don’t want the disruption of significant remodeling work, or if you’re trying to preserve your home and don’t want to undertake significant changes. 

Stair lifts are also a versatile solution as they are available in a range of installations including both indoor and outdoor models with both straight and curved rail systems. Which option you choose will depend on the shape of your home, as a curved system will be required if your staircase turns around a corner. 

However, both are simple to install, with the straight stair lift attaching directly to the top of the stairs and the curved option following a custom-built rail system that can easily navigate around a banister or wall. Modern stair lifts are adaptable solutions and can be worked into narrow and congested spaces if required. 

Drawbacks To Choosing A Stair Lift 

Despite the many benefits, a stair lift is not an effective solution for everyone. A stair lift is not recommended for either wheelchair or power chair users, as in order to safely use a stair lift a person needs to be able to get up from the chair and into the lift with little or ideally no assistance. This can be a dangerous and risky activity for chair users, and therefore a stair lift does not represent a safe solution. 

Another thing to keep in mind is a stair lift will reduce the amount of space on the staircase. However, generally much of it can be folded up when not in use which means there will still be room for other people to use the staircase. 

Benefits Of A Home Elevator 

This is where a home elevator comes in. As it doesn’t require the user to leave their chair, it is a practical and comfortable solution for wheelchair and power chair users no matter what their needs. Home elevators are also capable of moving large objects in addition to people, which means you aren’t limited if you need to move furniture or other items you’ve bought to the second floor. 

Additionally a home elevator can offer a more luxurious, comfortable, and stylish solution that will be able to add value to your home. This is especially important if you care about retaining the aesthetic of your home, as a home elevator will be easier to blend in and integrate. 

With a range of design options, you can customize your home elevator to match the aesthetic of the rest of your home. These features will also be seen in the added value of a home elevator, should you ever need to move or wish to sell your home, this is an investment that will pay off. 

Drawbacks Of A Home Elevator 

As we’ve alluded to, the primary drawback of a home elevator is the additional cost. Most of which comes from the more complicated and extensive nature of the installation process. Because it requires a significant remodeling of the home, the process is also a longer one. For more information on that process visit our Island lift Systems site, but typically once all of the details have been finalized and you’ve approved the plans we can begin the production process and aim to have it ready in 8-10 weeks, although this can vary based on availability.  

If budget or time constraints are a primary concern, then a home elevator may not be the right choice for you. However, if you’re able to make the commitment it is a comfortable, practical, and cutting edge accessibility solution that can’t be beaten in terms of quality of life. 

When it comes to accessibility solutions, there are no shortcuts or substitutes for quality. It’s about finding the ideal solution that will ensure you retain your independence and don’t have to sacrifice on quality of life. That’s exactly what we offer, with a wide ranging catalogue of solutions, knowledgeable customer service, and the very best products. If you’re interested in a home elevator, stair lift, or other options, get in touch with us today and we can help you find the right solution for you!