How much will it cost to install a stairlift in your home or business?

Stairlifts are an excellent alternative for individuals with mobility difficulties who need to ascend and descend stairs regularly in their homes. However, getting an accurate estimate for a stairlift installation in Sydney or any other Australian location can be quite challenging.

Whether you’re looking for stairlifts in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, there are some things you should know before making your investment.

Here’s a list of 8 key tips on buying, installing and using stairlifts that will help simplify the process.

1. Identifying the user’s needs

The first crucial factor to consider is the specific needs of the individual who will be using the stairlift.

There are various designs to suit different needs, as well as optional extras if necessary.

An ergonomic control may be easier to use for someone suffering from hand arthritis.
A motorised swivel seat might be helpful for someone who finds it difficult to use a manual seat.
A perch seat may be more comfortable for someone who has trouble bending their knees or hips, rather than a normal seat that requires the user to sit down.

Most stairlift companies can assess your needs and suggest the best type for you.

2. Straight stairlifts or curved stairlifts?

Straight stairlifts or curved stairlifts

Think about what type of stairlift should be installed in your home before purchasing one or hiring someone to install it for you. There are two types: a stairlift for a straight staircase known as straight stairlifts, and curved stairlifts for a curved staircase with a 180-degree turn.

3. Safety and security for your stairlift

Anyone with mobility issues should utilise stairlifts to travel up or down staircases safely. Stairlifts are also an excellent option in businesses when lifts are unavailable. Providing an alternative to someone who has limited mobility offers them greater independence by allowing them to access different levels of the building without needing assistance.

Please note these additional safety aspects when choosing a straight or curved stairlift:

Ensure the stairlift satisfies Australian Standard AS 1735.7.
Adjustable seat belt to provide safety and security.
The lift will come to a safe stop if it encounters an obstruction.
A stairlift is powered by batteries in the event of a power outage.
Powered swivel seat: When reaching the top, keep pressing the joystick control for the seat to automatically turn and stop.

Another option to consider in commercial places is the Ascendor platform wheelchair lift (DDA compliant) designed especially for wheelchair users, which can carry up to 300kg and travel up to 30m.

4. Reputation of the stairlift provider

Several companies install stairlifts in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other states in Australia but choosing a local and licenced Australian company ensures you get the highest quality stairlift at a fair price. Make sure only licensed professionals install your stairlifts. You don’t want your staircase damaged by amateurs cutting corners during installation. Stairlifts are simple to install with key considerations including the distance between each step, the presence of a level landing at the bottom of the stairs, and more. Make sure the stairlift supplier knows what they’re doing and has experience with various staircases.

Consider what past clients have to say about multiple stairlift companies by reading their Google Reviews.
How long has the stairlift firm been in operation? Get to know the company.
Enquire about installed stairlifts in your area. See an example of an actual stairlift installation here.

5. NDIS funding for stairlifts

NDIS

Many stairlifts are eligible for NDIS funding, and many stairlift companies will help you get the necessary forms filled out. If your stairlift provider can’t do this for you directly, they may be able to point you in the right direction on where to go if it’s needed.

NDIS – for people with a disability, 64 years and under

Reside in Australia as:
- Australian Citizen, or
- Permanent Resident
Protected Special Category Visa holder – was in Australia on a Special Category Visa on 26 February 2001 OR had been in Australia for at least 12 months in the 2 years immediately before 26 February 2001 and returned to Australia after that day
Meet disability requirements:
- Your impairment/condition is likely to be permanent (life-long)
- Your impairment significantly reduces your ability to participate effectively in activities or perform tasks
- Your impairment affects your capacity for social and economic participation
- You are likely to require support under the NDIS for your lifetime

To confirm whether you fulfil the requirements, you may use the Access Checklist on the NDIS website.

The first step is for the person to contact an Occupational Therapist (OT) for an assessment. To access funding, the person has to be assessed by an occupational therapist. The OT will write a submission where they believe NDIS can assist the person to continue living in their home. A lot of the time the funding is for mobility equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters and stairlifts.

We have recently sold several home lifts that NDIS has approved and is funding.

All our DDA compliant lifts are suitable for NDIS funding, e.g., stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, low rise platform lifts and home lifts.

Direct Lifts is registered with NDIS 4050010471.

Sometimes NDIS will fund the basic product and the client can pay privately for additional features.

6. General cost of stairlifts in Sydney

Stairlifts are not inexpensive. Consider them an investment that delivers a high return on comfort and accessibility.

The cost of stairlifts in Sydney depends on the type of stairlift and the location.

Prices range from $4000 for a straight stairlift to $20,000 for a curved stairlift.

Some stairlift companies also offer payment plans for clients who need them right away – this isn’t something that all stairlift providers offer, so make sure to check with yours before making any decision about purchasing one.

Actual price of a straight stairlift installed in Chatswood, Sydney (1x staircase, 13 steps straight stairs, wooden staircase, 2250mm rail length, one-stop powered swivel seat with existing power point and within 50km radius in metro): A$4480.

Straight stairlift

Actual price of a curved stairlift installed in Lidcombe, Sydney (single rail, standard rail, timer/carpet staircase, 16 steps, indoor with 180-degree bottom): A$18,586.

Curved stairlift

Not all stairlifts are made equal; the price may differ depending on how complex the staircase is and your personal preference to match your interiors.

7. Check lead time for the stairlift installation

The usual lead time for a straight stairlift installation is about 3-4 hours.

If you need the curved stairlift, then it might take as much as 8 hours, depending on how complicated your staircase is.

These are just estimations because there can be other factors involved such as having extensions built into your home or getting rid of some parts of the ceiling in order to lift up your new stairlift.

8. Great after sales support

Make sure you choose a stairlift company that provides after sales support to know what kind of assistance is available if there are any problems.

If the stairlift provider offers an excellent warranty for parts such as batteries or controllers (usually one year), make sure they offer service agreements as well – not something every stairlift company will do. Still, it’s definitely worth asking them if this sort of commitment is part of their customer care package before making your final decision.

For decades, local stairlift providers such as Direct Lifts Australia have delivered outstanding service in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

We can help you find the best stairlift that is most suitable for your needs and budget. We offer an expert installation service, comprehensive after sales support, and outstanding warranties on all our stairlifts.

Architecture & Design Team

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Direct Lifts Australia

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