When stairs become a complication in a home, it’s not clear that a simple solution exists. There are different types of lifts available on the market for residential properties and they each work uniquely in size, in cost, and installation space. Some require more space than others, some are far more expensive to install and some work better in particular house types.
However, it’s incredibly frustrating because most people wait until they’re in dire need of a solution. Perhaps someone is recovering from surgery and cannot go up and down stairs as easily as they used to, or perhaps an elderly parent is moving into the home, or perhaps years of climbing stairs has finally taken a toll and action needs to be taken yesterday.
Stair Lifts
When people think about assists for going up and down stairs, they almost always think about the stair lift first. This is likely because they are the most visible option. They’re the chairs that slide along a rail attached to your stairs in some capacity and allows someone to sit in the chair and go up and down the stairs that way.
The advantage here is that they’re relatively easy to install since the rail can be installed onto the stairs themselves (the actual part where you step) or alongside the wall. However, if someone is using a wheelchair, they still have to transfer out of the wheelchair to use the stair lift—which means maintaining wheelchairs across multiple floors. Additionally, it takes up space on the actual staircase because it’s a chair, and when stairs are narrow, it feels intrusive.
Platform Lifts
Platform lifts work differently. They move between floors from ground level up by going through an opening like an elevator. Someone can roll onto the platform if they are in a wheelchair or just step on. The platform can be open or closed depending on installation and available space.
This is where looking through luxury platform lifts at Alliance makes sense for those who want something that’s versatile. This type of system works for those who use wheelchairs, those who use walking frames, or those who simply want to transition between floors without dealing with stairs. Additionally, this option can get furniture between floors, assist with shopping or laundry, and accommodate any mobility aids without anyone needing to transfer out of them.
Through Floor Lifts
Through floor lifts are similar but generally smaller. These are typically used as a tool to transition between two floors since they go through a cut out opening that is relatively small but can be covered when not in use.
They work well in homes where space is more limited as the footprint on each floor is smaller than a full platform lift. However, the caveat is with capacity as most through floor lifts work for one person with a mobility aid but will not move a wheelchair and caregiver at once.
Home Lifts
Some larger properties just elect to go with home lifts that mirror smaller versions of those found in apartment buildings. These require the creation of a shaft through the home either during new construction or extensive renovations. A home lift can serve multiple floors and transport multiple people between stories.
However, with this also comes space concerns and money. A shaft has to be accommodated that can travel through multiple floors which means that closets may need to be eliminated or layouts may need to shift. This only makes sense during renovations or construction.
Space Requirements
It’s important to note that space available on each floor matters more than people initially think. A platform lift needs running room to operate safely as well as getting on and off for it to be useful. If someone’s landing is already too tight, that’s an issue for what they’re willing to accomplish. Stairlifts take up less space in terms of overall floor area but take space in width on the actual stairs.
Also important is practical use. If the goal is merely moving a wheelchair from one floor to another regularly, stairlifts don’t accomplish this goal but one needs to take this into consideration whether needs change or not since it’s expensive to reinstall new ones every three years if only one was installed in good faith at first attempt.
Installation Time Considerations
Duration of installation also varies greatly as well with how much of a mess it makes inside a residence. For example, stairlifts can be installed within one day or two with little mess. For platform lifts and through floor lifts which require an opening cut through two floors, there are builders, structural elements needed, dust, noise and open spaces for much longer than one would like.
Many people elect platform lifts when the home is being extended for other reasons. If they’re getting an addition or doing a loft conversion, adding a lift into the project makes sense because it’s already being accessed by builders who will cover openings later anyway. Though there may be minor differences, ultimately coordinating everything while builders are in there tends to be cheaper than doing it alone at another time.
Budget And Practical Considerations
In addition, budget comes into play with how realistic each option truly is. Stairlifts are typically the cheapest option by far, especially for straight sets of stairs, though occasionally they can get complicated.
Platform lifts and through floor lifts require greater finances up front for not only purchase but installation value but they also do more with better capacity. Home lifts are the most expensive but most capable.
Consider resale value as well. If someone has installed a platform lift or home lift through renovations then more likely than not it, appeals to buyers down the road looking for homes in an area with aging populations or families looking for accessible homes. Stairlifts are easier to remove if necessary but don’t add value in the same respect over long term investments, unless you need it yourself first before moving out.
The Best Option
Overall there is no right answer except what’s best for your home and who requires it as such. People should speak with professionals who access your home instead of trying to decide what’s best through general information. They’ll see things and either offer something better that you never considered or bring attention to things you never wanted to realize.
As long as your access problem gets solved without creating another problem, that’s the best option. Whether it’s the simplest that does it’s job or something more capable, it’s worth investing in for greater future flexibility.