The first question that caregivers and families of seniors in the Lehigh Valley, Poconos, and western New Jersey ask when it comes to home residential stair lifts is how much do they cost? When considering cost, there are two factors: upfront cost and cost of ownership. While we discussed the upfront cost in a previous blog post, we want to now look at the cost of ownership in detail here.
What is cost of ownership?
It’s important to note that the cost of ownership for a stair lift may vary depending on your location, local market conditions, and individual circumstances. It’s recommended to obtain quotes from multiple stair lift providers and carefully review their pricing, warranties, and service contracts to determine the most accurate cost of ownership for your specific needs.
The hard cost for maintenance of a home stair lift can vary depending on the brand, model, and specific maintenance needs of the stair lift, as well as the location and service provider. Before delving into the details, we want to share that cost of ownership varies for straight stair lifts, curved stairlifts, and outdoor stair lifts. Configure any of those residential stair lifts with features like a flip rail, power swivel seat, heavy-duty package or other features and the costs will increase. Here are some general guidelines for a straight stair lift in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions:
- Routine inspections: Routine inspections are typically recommended to ensure the safe and reliable operation of a stair lift. The cost of routine inspections can vary, but may range from $100 to $300 per inspection and regular maintenance of a home stair lift.
- Lubrication and cleaning: Stair lifts may require periodic lubrication and cleaning to keep them in good working condition. The cost of lubrication and cleaning supplies can vary, but may range from $20 to $100 per year.
- Battery replacement: Stair lifts are often powered by batteries that may need to be replaced over time. The cost of stair lift battery replacement can vary depending on the type of batteries used and the specific requirements of the stair lift, but may range from $50 to $300 or more per battery, and typically, stair lifts require two or more batteries.
- Repairs: Repairs may be needed if components of the stair lift, such as the motor, control panel, or track, malfunction or wear out. The cost of repairs can vary greatly depending on the nature and extent of the repairs needed, as well as the labor rates in your area. Minor repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, while major repairs could be several thousand dollars or more.
It’s important to note that these are rough estimates and actual maintenance costs for a home stair lift can vary significantly depending on various factors. Some stair lift providers may also offer service contracts or extended warranties that can provide additional coverage for maintenance and repairs at an additional cost. It’s recommended to consult with the manufacturer or a qualified stair lift professional to get accurate and up-to-date information on maintenance costs for a specific stair lift model.
If you have any questions about the purchase of a new or used stair lift or would like information on service or repair for a stair lift then call our Lehigh Valley office at 484-895-1188.