If you’re a DIY enthusiast, it can be tempting to try to tackle as many jobs around the house as possible by yourself. It’s not a good idea to attempt to install your own stairlift, however. While you can find used straight stairlifts for sale online, and buying one of them could save you a lot of money, it’s worth paying for a professional installation service purely for safety reasons.

Experts Advise Against Self-Installation

The Accessibility Equipment Manufacturer’s Association strongly advises homeowners against attempting to self-install stairlifts. The AEMA warns that most homeowners lack the expertise to ensure the lift is installed correctly and to confirm the equipment itself is safe and has been properly serviced.

While modern stairlifts don’t require as much maintenance as early models, they do still require annual servicing. Paying a professional to install and service a used stairlift gives the new owner peace of mind that the lift is safe to use.

In addition, while straight stairlifts can usually be shortened or adjusted quite easily, they’re made with a staircase of a specific size and configuration in mind. Attempting to install a right-handed stairlift on the wrong side of your staircase or installing a lift that’s too long for your stairs could cause serious safety issues. A professional installer can identify potential problems more quickly than a layperson and can offer advice about whether a used lift is worth buying in the first place.

Make Sure Your Stairlift Complies With Building Regulations

In some jurisdictions, installing a stairlift counts as a home modification that must be performed by a licensed technician. The rules vary across the country, and depending on the size and type of the lift, there may be requirements, such as:

  • Clearance around the lift
  • Proper anchoring
  • Electrical wiring safety

An incorrectly installed lift could put the user at risk while it’s in operation. Unsafe electrical wiring can present a fire hazard. Having a professional install the lift not only ensures it’s safe to use, it also protects homeowners from potential issues should they wish to sell the property in the future.