How Much Does a Curved Staircase Chair Lift Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $9,000 - $20,000
The cost for a curved stair chair lift typically ranges from $9,000 to $20,000, with an average of $13,000.
Curved stair chair lifts usually cost $9,000 for basic lifts to $30,000 for lifts with premium features and materials. Most homeowners spend an average of $13,000. The final price you’ll pay depends on several factors, including the length of your staircase and the lift’s features. This guide breaks down costs based on these and other factors so you can budget accordingly for this helpful home update.
- Average
- $13,000
- Low end
- $7,500
- high end
- $30,000
Size of Curved Staircase
The size of your curved staircase affects how much the chair lift will cost. Generally, the longer the staircase, the more costly the lift since longer staircases require more materials, time, and labor to install the lift, driving up the costs.
| Staircase Size (Number of Steps) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-14 steps | $9,000 - $12,000 |
| 15-19 steps | $12,000 - $15,000 |
| 20-24 steps | $15,000 - $18,000 |
| 25-29 steps | $18,000 - $20,000 |
| 30+ steps | $20,000 - $30,000 |
Chair Lift Features
Many curved staircase chair lifts offer customizable features that can influence the overall cost of the installation. These features are often geared toward increasing comfort, usability, and safety, but they come with added costs.
Power Swivel Seat: A power swivel seat helps users easily get in and out of the lift at the top or bottom of the staircase, boosting safety and accessibility. This feature can add between $500 and $1,000 to the total cost.
Custom Rail Design: Since curved staircases vary in shape and size, the rail typically needs to be custom-made. A more complex or longer rail design may increase costs by $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the number of turns and overall length.
Battery Backup: Battery backup ensures the lift operates during a power outage, providing added security. This feature typically adds $200 to $600 to the final price.
Larger Seat or Footrest: For enhanced comfort, you can choose a larger seat or footrest, which may increase the cost by $300 to $500.
Custom Upholstery: In some cases, you may want custom upholstery that aligns with your home’s aesthetic. This addition can add $200 to $800, depending on the fabric and finish.
Chair Lift Installer Pro Costs
There are often multiple pros involved in installing a curved staircase chair lift. At minimum, you’ll need a professional chair lift installer. You may also need to hire an electrician, carpenter, or painter depending on the project.
Electrician Costs
Hiring an electrician is essential to provide power for your curved stair lift. A qualified electrician will ensure that your lift has a safe and reliable electrical connection, preventing problems like power interruptions. Many chair lift installations require the following electrical tasks:
Installing an electrical outlet: $100 – $450
Adding a dedicated circuit: $570 – $1,000
Wiring for lift installation: $50 – $100 per hour
Chair Lift Installer Costs
Chair lift installers specialize in fitting the track and chair to your unique staircase. They’ll ensure that the rail is precisely mounted, which is especially important for curved staircases as they typically require custom solutions.
Curved staircase chair lift installation: $1,000 – $5,000
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Installing a curved stair chair lift often requires additional pros beyond an installer and electrician. For instance, you may need a carpenter to handle structural adjustments to your home, as well as a painter and a drywall repair specialist to address any wall damage that occurs during the installation.
Drywall repair person: $300 – $900
Carpenter: $75 – $125 per hour
Painter: $20 – $50 per hour
Additional Cost Factors
It’s also helpful to consider several additional cost factors that may be involved in a curved staircase chair lift installation, such as demolition and preparation work. In some cases, your quote for the installation will include these costs, but some pros charge for them separately.
Demolition and Prep
In some cases, the installation of a curved stair chair lift may require demolition and prep work, especially if the staircase or surrounding areas need structural adjustments. For instance, if you have an existing handrail or any obstructions on the staircase, they may need to be removed before installation. Additionally, preparation work such as reinforcing the staircase or adjusting wall structures may be necessary.
Stair railing removal: $70 – $150 per hour
Debris removal and disposal: $130 – $400
Permits
Installing a stair lift may require permits, particularly if structural changes or electrical modifications are involved. While the need for permits varies by location, it’s typically the responsibility of the contractor to obtain the necessary permits. However, you should check with your local building department to confirm the requirements.
Electrical work permits: $75 – $200
Building permits for minor structural alterations: $150 – $500
Accessibility
The layout and accessibility of your home can significantly affect the overall cost of the chair lift installation. For example, if the staircase is in a tight or difficult-to-reach location, such as a narrow hallway, the installation may be more complex and labor-intensive, driving up costs.
Additional labor for difficult-to-access staircases: $500 – $1,500
DIY Curved Staircase Chair Lift Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a curved staircase chair lift is a highly specialized project that involves custom fabrication, electrical work, and precise fitting to the unique curvature of your staircase. While the idea of saving on labor costs might seem tempting, DIY installation is generally not recommended due to the project’s complexity, safety risks, and potential for costly mistakes.
Repairing vs. Replacing a Curved Staircase Chair Lift
Whether you should repair or replace a curved stair chair lift depends on several factors, including the lift’s age and the extent of damage.
Lifespan
Curved stair chair lifts typically last 7 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. If your lift is approaching the end of its lifespan and it’s frequently malfunctioning, it might be more cost-effective to replace it to avoid additional costly repairs and ensure the long-term reliability of your lift.
Extent of Damage
For minor issues, such as replacing a worn-out battery or fixing a broken motor, repairs are usually the best option. However, if the lift has major damage, such as significant wear to the custom rail system or repeated motor failures, replacing the unit may be the more practical solution.
Warranty
If your chair lift is still under warranty, repairs are often more cost-effective, as most warranties cover major components for a few years after installation. If the warranty has expired and repair costs are adding up, replacing the lift may be best, especially if future repairs are likely.
The 50% Rule
When repair costs exceed 50% of the replacement cost, replacement is usually the better option. This rule applies especially if your chair lift is older and nearing the end of its useful life. Replacing the lift not only typically provides newer technology and enhanced safety features but also often comes with a new warranty, which can help you avoid future repair expenses.
Tips to Reduce Cost During a Curved Staircase Chair Lift Installation
Adding a curved staircase chair lift is a significant investment, but there are several ways you can potentially decrease the costs of this project without sacrificing safety or quality.
Opt for a basic model: While premium models come with additional features like custom upholstery, power swivel seats, and larger footrests, choosing a basic model that still meets your mobility needs can significantly reduce costs.
Prepare the area yourself: You can save on labor costs by doing some of the preparation work yourself, like removing handrails and clearing obstructions. Just make sure to avoid tackling anything structural without consulting a professional first.
Consolidate installation services: If you need additional electrical or carpentry work done, try to schedule it during the chair lift installation to save on separate labor fees. For example, if an electrician is needed to install an outlet, have them handle other minor electrical updates at the same time to reduce the need for them to come out to your home a second time, which increases costs.
Consider pre-owned or refurbished lifts: Some companies offer refurbished curved stair chair lifts, which can be a more budget-friendly option. These are typically used models that have been reconditioned and are sold at a lower price than new units.
Limit structural changes: When possible, work with the existing layout of your staircase to avoid spending money on major structural changes.
Does a Curved Staircase Chair Lift Increase Home Value?
Installing a curved staircase chair lift is unlikely to increase the general resale value of your home since it appeals to a limited market of buyers who need accessibility features. However, in markets where aging-in-place and accessible living are prioritized, such as communities with a higher concentration of older adults or people with disabilities, a chair lift can enhance your home’s value and make it more competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Installing a curved stair chair lift typically takes one to two days, depending on the complexity of your staircase and any prep work required. However, in many cases, you’ll need custom fabrications to fit the unique curves of your staircase, which may add several weeks to the process before installation begins.
Yes, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance to ensure the safe and smooth operation of your curved stair chair lift. Most manufacturers suggest a yearly inspection to check for wear and tear, lubricate moving parts and ensure that the batteries and electrical components are functioning properly.
Due to their custom-built nature, curved stair chair lifts are not easily transferable to a new home. Each rail is specifically designed to fit the unique curves of the original staircase, making it unlikely to work on a different set of stairs. If you move, you may need to sell or remove the lift and install a new one at your new location.
Curved stair chair lifts are often equipped with several safety features, including seat belts, obstruction sensors that stop the lift if something is in its path, a swivel seat for easy access, and battery backups to ensure the lift operates even during a power outage. However, not all features are included in all models, so make sure the lift you choose includes the safety features that are most important to you.