Straight stairlifts are a wonderful tool to have for those who struggle with mobility, but you may find that a new system would be too much for your budget. Buying new can be expensive, especially for a project that would involve adjusting your own home. Buying a used or pre-owned stairlift may be something you can consider to get the mobility you need in your home, but with a lower price tag. Here are some things you can look out for when looking at used rails.
Pricing
Of course, the main thing you’ll be on the lookout for is pricing. The whole point of buying a used stairlift is to lower the overall price of obtaining and installing one. A brand new straight stairlift will cost between $2,800 and $5,000 dollars depending on how sophisticated the system is. Used stairlifts are much lower, ranging between $2,200 and $2,500. With such a decrease in cost, this gives you room to afford installation fees.
Where to Buy
Another important thing to note is where you get your used straight stair lift. While you can buy one secondhand directly through someone else, it would be better to go through a company. A company can send someone to inspect your home and make sure that a rail can be installed. They can let you know of any issues that may arise upon installation. Most companies also refurbish used rails so they’re in the best shape possible. Sometimes, buying the stairlift directly from someone else may leave you with a damaged rail or other faulty parts.
Maintenance
While buying a stairlift used is much cheaper, they come with their own risks. Because they’ve already been used, they’re bound to have a little wear and tear. This means that you may need to replace parts sooner and the rail will require more upkeep. This is why it’s important to make sure that the company you purchase from offers warranties on the rail. That way, you can request maintenance under warranty and reduce your cost.
A new straight stairlift cost can be high, but there are options you can look into to lower it. Buying a used stairlift from a company can greatly reduce your cost. So long as you find a company that refurbishes rails and offers warranties, you can make this huge project affordable. Just be sure that you’re prepared to give the used stairlift the care it requires so it’ll last you a long time.
