Stair-lift install: Advice, recommendations welcome

[PaddyMac]

Long story short: DH fell off a ladder recently and broke his left leg. After surgery last week, he has 9 weeks to go before he can even start to put weight on it, then it will be months more before he will be back to strength.

We have a two-story house. We live on the ground floor and our offices and studios are downstairs. I need to install a stair lift so that he can go up and down easily to his studio.

Our stairs are in two parts: 7 steps, a double-wide landing that turns 180 degrees, and 7 more steps. There is power at both ends. The stairs are carpeted, and there is tile at both ends.

I have a company coming out tomorrow to measure and quote on installing a stair lift, either a curved single track or two straight tracks. I'm not sure what brand they will recommend. They said the chairs themselves are on back order (supply issues due to COVID etc.), but that supply is improving.

I asked another company about renting two straight tracks, and am waiting to hear back.

With everything going on, I need to crowd source for advice re. what to look out for, reputable brands, and things I wouldn't think to think of!

I obviously need a fairly quick install as I can't wait months for something custom. I'm not against buying the track and then storing the chair in the garage for future use (we are both 60 and plan to stay in this house).

The cost is not a big concern. We've been saving in our HSA for just such a medical emergency and I can use the HSA to cover the cost.

Short story short: Stay off ladders, or get someone to hold it for you...

 

[Sunset]

My FIL bought one last year, an acorn chair. it had 3 turns , which were both 90 degrees and then at the bottom it wrapped around out of the way (mostly).

It cost $10,000 installed.

I've seen using 2 chairs on straight rails, and switching chairs between flights of stairs.
It's about $3,500 per flight installed.

Know that you basically have a hard time to sell them, might get 20% back as everyone that buys one needs it immediately (like you) and are often old and unsure of the installation.

You are also going to need wheel chairs because he cannot hop all day without falling down.

 

[Sunset]

One thing to watch out for, when they install it , drive it yourself end to end and see that it actually stops on the charging strips.

My FIL , his stops 1 inch below the charging strips and so it meant constantly listening to beeping or backing up 1 inch. I don't know how they tricked him about that, or maybe he didn't hear the beeping.

 

[PaddyMac]

Thanks Sunset, very helpful advice to check and make sure it's working before they leave.

Upstairs he has a wheelchair and two walkers, so we will add another wheelchair and walker downstairs.

If we do buy, we wouldn't try to resell. (My hip is sometimes so bad between my chiro visits that I would love a lift up the stairs at times!)