Can a Stair Lift Work in an Older Home?

Getting around can be difficult for seniors or those who struggle with aches, pains, and injuries. Fortunately, modern technology allows people with mobility concerns to get specialty equipment like in-home stair lifts, making it easy to navigate their living spaces. However, those who live in older homes may wonder if stair lifts can accommodate their spaces. At Williams Lift Company, we provide high-quality stair lifts in New Jersey that can accommodate a variety of home styles, including custom stair lifts. Here, we explore how one of these mobility aids can fit in your space.

What Complications Might an Older Home Present?

Modern homes are built with convenience and space in mind. This means they often are better prepared for alterations than older homes, which were designed and constructed decades earlier. Adding a stair lift to newer homes is typically quick and easy, and homeowners can expect standard options to fit in many cases. Older homes, however, often have distinct layouts and weren’t as beholden to the strict codes and regulations that today’s homes are. As such, they tend to have obstacles that can make it more difficult to install a stair lift, such as:

• Narrow or winding staircases that make the area strenuous to maneuver
• Steep steps that can put users at a higher risk of an accident
• Multiple landings, which are helpful for those who need to rest during the trip up or down, but also make the journey longer

These challenges are not only an inconvenience to residents trying to navigate these spaces, but they also make it more difficult to find a stair lift model that will fit perfectly. The result is often more work for design and installation teams who need to find effective solutions.

How Can Installers Work Around These Issues?

While older homes might not be suited for stock straight or curved stair lifts, experts in the industry can find ways to make custom stair lifts that work for even the most difficult situations. Some of the ways they manage these scenarios include:

Precise Measurements

Because stair lifts are used every day and need to be installed just right to prevent accidents, professionals take the time to measure every angle, so they can fit stair lifts into narrow or twisting staircases. They’ll account for the space needed for users to enter and exit the chair and other important factors that need to be considered.

Customization

One of the most important factors installers rely on for nontraditional stairways is customization and ingenuity. Custom stair lifts are crucial for people with older homes because they allow design teams to make the necessary adjustments. This enables these units to fit in areas standard offerings simply can’t. While custom models feature the same general components as their basic curved or straight stair lift counterparts, their design can navigate any obstacles that older homes present. Keep in mind that you will typically pay more for custom stair lifts than you would for standard designs.

Special Features

Another factor that helps with both the user’s preferences and the house’s limitations is that modern stair lifts can be enhanced with additional features. Things like foldable seats and armrests make it easier for others to move up or down the stairs without the lift chair blocking their path. Height adjustments let you create a seating arrangement that is more comfortable for your narrow stairways. You can even find a feature that lets you get in or out of the seat further from the staircase entrance.

What Stair Lifts Can You Find at Williams Lift Company?

Whether you live in an older home or a newer one, if you’re dealing with mobility issues, turn to the team at Williams Lift Company. Our experts have over 50 years of combined experience, allowing us to take on jobs of all sizes. We provide straight, curved, and custom stair lifts to meet different situations, and we even provide used stair lifts, which we have bought through our buy-back program. These units have gone through a thorough inspection to make sure they’re up to our standards. We carry Harmar, Brooks by Acorn, and Bruno stair lifts, meaning you can trust the quality craftsmanship of our products.

Aside from our reputable installation services, Williams Lift Company can undertake regular maintenance and repairs to help ensure your unit is always ready when you need it. You can even find stair lift rentals available for those who just need a temporary option and don’t want a permanent fixture.

Reach Out to Us Today for Custom Stair Lift Information

Having a stair lift in your home makes everyday tasks that much easier. People in New Jersey can turn to the team at Williams Lift Company to get the job done right. We can provide custom products and reliable services regardless of your layout. Contact us today to get started.