Stairlift.

If you're buying a second-hand stairlift, I'd be inclined to have a stairlift specialist look at it rather than just calling a general electrician.

The main thing is making sure the lift is actually suitable for your staircase, as the rail, measurements and space at the top and bottom all matter. A used lift can be a very sensible way to keep the cost down, but I'd want someone to check the condition of the unit, fit it properly and make sure parts and servicing are still available for that model.

If possible, I'd also ask about a warranty or maintenance cover. Saving money on the initial purchase is useful, but it can quickly become expensive if something goes wrong and nobody locally can service it.

So I wouldn't rule out second-hand at all — I'd just be more careful about where it comes from and who installs it.

I will do, thanks for the advice everyone. I will decide when I get my dad's money. I am sure that he would like me to spend it on helping my health and not a Farrari!

I agree with everyone, check with your housing association. Ours has a disability team and have been helpful. We have a lift that goes through the floor as our stairs are much too small for a stair lift.

We took out a 5 year maintenance agreement with Acorn. At £545 it seemed a lot, but for that we get an annual service, plus attendance within 24 hours callout if things go wrong. 2 years ago, ours had to have a new motor fitted, the engineer told us that if we`d been paying for it, it would have cost us about £460, so the maintenance contract has paid for itself really, and was worthwhile. It runs out next May, but because of our ages, we`ll take out a 2 or 3 year one next time.

Ruby you will have to get permission from your council, I do not think that you can go ahead without it.

If it does get fitted, please take out insurance because it costs a fortune to repair. Good luck.

As I said before Ruby, Acorn say they can fit a stairlift anywhere, and our staircase is very narrow.

Thanks ladies, yes, I will phone the companies who make them and see if they have any second hand ones and get someone out for a look anyway as it may be a no go as my stairs are very narrow also. The toilet downstairs will be a godsend so I will do that first and see how I go.

It is social housing but it is a beautiful little house, enchanting cottage style but with big rooms and not overlooked by anyone in the garden. Plus I want to stay while my son is at university and then he has somewhere to come home to for his 4 years away. After that, I might either get a lodger or move or get married. Who knows? I did meet a very nice gentleman today and we are going out for lunch next week so you never know.

On the subject of being disabled though, I tried my mobility scooter out today around the neighbourhood. I was on it, my svelte self (not!), the weight of the scooter and up front, acting like one of Santa's reindeers galloping away, was my teeny tiny little dog, looking like she was pulling the load behind her! The thought of what we must have looked like made me really giggle earlier. I'll have to get my son to take a pic and then show you all. Needlesstosay she has slept all night!

I agree with sherish all of the major companies also sell reconditioned ones. I am almost certain that Galen bought a reconditioned one but she is cruising on the high seas at present so may miss this thread.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201606/medium-619297-001.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201606/medium-843508-002.jpg

Sorry, meant to post a couple of pics showing how narrow the space is, but they coped with it.

Jenty, our stairs are very narrow we had 3 companies come to give us a quote, but 2 of them took one look and said definitely not, the staircase was far too narrow, but the Acorn man said they could fit one anywhere, and they did! There isn`t a lot of knee room, they almost brush the wall, but it`s been a godsend.

do make sure you get written permission to have a stair lift if you are in council property/ housing association or rented property...A lady I know ordered a stair lift and it had to be made to fit her staircase...she put a hefty deposit down as it was a made to measure stair lift....she did all this before getting written permission / planning from the council ...she was refused the stairlift installation by the council due to firesafety and because the stair lift was made to measure she lost her deposit!

also be careful buying a second hand stair lift as it comes with no guarantee you would be better off buying a used one from a reputable company and get them to put it in...
In my last place I couldnt get a stair lift to fit my stairs as there was no room on the top or bottom landing and the stairs had a sharp bend so I had to move as I couldnt climb the stairs...

I think the well known companies who sell stair lifts also sell used ones. My husband sold one that belonged to his Aunt back to Stannah. It may be worth checking with them as they will almost certainly fit it too.

First of all Ruby, are you absolutely sure it will fit your stairs? We bought new from Acorn, but they do sell reconditioned ones, but measure up properly before fitting it.

Just wondering if you have had any advice regarding your stair lift? They are so expensive new, a second hand one sounds a good idea.
Have you moved from the council house you used to be in then? If not, I am sure the council should be the people to arrange installation (and, hopefully pay for it)

Alea Sorry, I forgot what I was going to say.

I am not sure, if it is your own house, but I had sort of got the impression you lived in a housing association property. Would they not arrange it, if so?