Tips For Preparing To Install A Stair Chair Lift In Your Home
Investing in a home stair lift is a wise decision if someone in your family has a physical challenge and cannot go up and down stairs easily. If the chair lift is recommended by a doctor, Medicare will even help to cover the cost of the device. However, before you install the chair lift, you need to perform a few pre-installation tasks.
Check to See if You Need a Permit
Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a permit before you can install a chair stair lift in your home. Contact your state government to find out if homeowners need to apply for a stair lift permit.
In addition, the permit issued to you may have an expiration date. For example, in Washington State, your permit is only valid for one year. You will have to renew your permit on an annual basis.
Install Appropriate Electrical Outlets
Stair chair lifts run on electricity and require a grounded outlet. If you do not have an appropriate outlet near the bottom of your staircase for the power source of the lift, you need to hire an electrician to install one for you.
Makes sure to provide the electrician with the make and model of the chair lift you plan to install. This will help them determine the proper type of socket and voltage for the outlet.
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools
When you order a residential stair chair lift, the device will arrive as a kit that you can put together and install yourself if you have the right tools. So, if you enjoy DIY projects, you do not have to hire a contractor to install the lift for you.
However, you need to make sure that you have the right tools to install the device before you begin assembling the pieces. You need the following tools to install the stair lift.
- Standard open-ended wrench
- Allen wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Electric Drill
A dolly is also helpful in order to move the boxes of unassembled pieces to your staircase area safely. The stair lift will come with detailed instructions on how to install the device properly.
Remove Any Obstacles at the Top of the Stairs
The track for the chair stair lift will end several inches beyond the top step. This enables the person using the lift to have enough space to get out of the chair safely. However, if you have furniture, fixtures or other obstacles at the top of the stairs, you will need to move them before you install the lift.
For more information, contact All-Star Lifts or a similar company.