By Mace Laith
As you begin to age, you may start to lose mobility. Once this occurs, it can be frustrating and emotional. You may feel like you lack independence. Your adult children may suggest you move into an assisted facility because it is safer. However, you do not have to move. You can install a home elevator or stairlift to increase your mobility to different floors in your home. But how do you choose? What are the benefits to a home elevator or a stairlift? Which option is less expensive? There are many pros and cons to both home elevators and stairlifts. You will regain your independence without moving out of your home.
The Pros and Cons of Home Elevators
Home elevators have grown in popularity for those with and without mobility issues. There are different types of home elevators that offer various benefits. The best type of home elevators do not require a separate machine room like traction elevators. Pneumatic elevators take up the least space. This is extremely beneficial for smaller homes. Pneumatic elevators are also aesthetically pleasing. They are sleek and go with many different styled houses. Home elevators increase the value of your home. If and when you decide to sell your home, you can advertise your home as handicap accessible.
Purchasing and installing a home elevator is expensive. It requires a significant amount of labour and engineering. You will have to hire contracting professionals to remodel your home to fit the elevator. Home elevators are also more expensive to maintain than stairlifts.
The Pros and Cons of Stairlifts
Stairlifts are less expensive to install than home elevators. Stairlifts come in a wide range of designs and styles. This is extremely beneficial for you because you will not have to renovate your home. Stairlift companies in Cheltenham will send a specialised consultant to your home to take measurements of your stairs. They will help you determine what type of stairlift you require. For example, if you have a spiral staircase, you will require a curved stairlift. Stairlifts are affordable. You can finance one through many stairlift companies by making monthly payments. Like home elevators, it increases the value of your home.
Stairlift rentals are expensive. If you are renting a stairlift for a long period of time, you will find the cost greatly exceeds purchasing a stairlift. Stairlifts also require a lot of electricity to run properly. If you are constantly using your stairlift, you may find your electric bill will increase. You should also ask the home consultant about the availability of parts for your stairlift. If your stairlift breaks down, it is extremely frustrating if the parts are no longer manufactured or they are rare. You should purchase a stairlift from a manufacturer that is also well stocked in available parts.
