As a businessman, it is crucial to adhere to the rules that the authorities have established in your area. One of these sets of policies is the DDA or Disability Discrimination Act, which ensures that people with disabilities can have the same access and opportunities to able-bodied people to areas, such as public places. One way to do it is to install a DDA lift in your buildings.
If you don’t know how to buy one for your property, buckle up. In this article, you will learn the important things that you need to consider in buying this essential item.
Types of Stairlifts
The first thing that you should know is you have several options to choose from in the market in terms of DDA lift. While it’s important to find something comfortable, you should also make sure that you select one that has the practical features that will suit your needs. If the user is in a wheelchair, the stairlift should have extra space and the added benefit of offering more leverage when you’re getting up from the seated position. Some wheelchair lifts can also be used by standing users, especially for those who struggle to bend their knees or have back problems.
Stairlift Prices
A stairlift is more affordable than remodelling, moving, or entering an assisted living facility. However, some installation costs may easily eat up your budget. Thus, in choosing the best DDA access lift for your building, consider both stairlift prices and installation costs. The cost of a stairlift is determined by the shape of your stairs and the unique set of options you need, so it’s important to speak to a professional to get pricing for your home.
Visibility
Stairlifts can be bought in many intriguing styles. However, if you want one installed in a listed building, you will have to comply with the law. Some stairlifts can become invisible to many eyes once installed. Find a stairlift that can be hidden from view, such as retracting Stairlifts.
The User
Determining the users of the DDA access lift is a crucial step in choosing the best one for your building. The user’s condition has to be taken into consideration. Are they a standing user? Do they use a wheelchair? It is also possible that it would be better for them to just stand upright while using the lift. In this case, the solution is to install a standing stairlift, perhaps even with a perch seat if the user finds that more comfortable.
Safety
DDA Lift products should be quite safe for their users. If possible, these products should have more than one safety features that will keep the user protected at all times. For example, a stairlift can have sensors that stop everything if an obstacle appears on the stairs, and a safety belt also helps a lot.
It is also best to ensure that your DDA lift meets the European Standard BS EN 81-41 to ensure that your stairlift is safe enough to use. British Standard BS6440:2011 governs the quality of through-the-floor lifts. Finally, you will also want to make sure you are dealing with a company with very high ethical and professional standards and knows about DDA lift compliance. Find a provider that meets all your criteria and will gladly help you find the right way of customising your stairlift to perfection.
Picking the right company
Another important thing that you should look for in a DDA lift provider is their reliability to perform the installation. Look for a company that adheres to DDA lift compliance and offers a free, no-obligation survey. This will ensure that you are dealing with professionals who know what they are doing and aren’t just out for the money. A good stairlift company should specialise in the installation, repairs, servicing, rentals, extended warranties, removals, re-locating, re-fitting and much more. They should have an extensive team of engineers that make you feel comfortable when you speak with them. If possible, have more than one store to choose from so you can compare prices and service options.
Contact your insurance agent
While there are several options that you can choose from in the market, considering how much your out-of-pocket costs are going to be should be taken more seriously. Find out how much of the costs your health insurance will cover as well as if they provide more coverage if you purchase a reconditioned stairlift as opposed to a new one. Ask if they provide extra coverage for a curved stairlift. Most importantly, tell the insurance agent the name of the company you are choosing for the installation and make sure they are compatible.
Owning a DDA lift for your building is indeed crucial for many reasons. It helps your business grow. At the same time, it helps the community. However, even though you can see one in a few establishments, buying one for your building still have things to consider. Nonetheless, with the help of the things that you have learned in this article, you don’t have to deal with the DDA lift providers without any knowledge. You don’t have to play innocent and get blinded by the marketing strategy that may hinder you from getting the best lift for your establishment.