Stairlift removal guide: Sell, Buyback or Recycle?
Everything you need to know about stairlift removal
There are numerous reasons why your stairlift may not be needed anymore.
These can range from a stairlift that’s broken beyond repair, having to move into a care facility, or following a bereavement.
Many people aren’t aware of the different options available when it comes to having a stairlift removed…
But this guide will run you through all the options when it comes to stair lift removal and help you settle on the best one for you.
Please call us on 0800 542 6045 if you’d like one of our friendly team to chat through your options
Which type of stairlift are you looking to remove?
Firstly, let’s talk about the two different types of stairlift you might have, curved or straight. (see below images)
There are different options when it comes to selling or removing these two types of stairlift.
Straight stairlifts
Straight stairlifts consist of a straight track up the staircase, with no curves.
If you have a straight stairlift you may be in luck, as straight stairlifts can be much easier to remove and are often not bespoke, meaning they’re a lot easier to sell on in some cases.
Curved stairlifts
Curved stairlifts are fitted to suit the curves of your staircase exactly using modular tracking, with various bend options including 90-degree and 180-degree angles.
If your stairlift was made to measure, it can be a lot harder to sell as it has been designed to fit your specific staircase.
What are your stairlift removal options?
Stairlift Buy Back Scheme
Some companies offer a buyback service on stairlifts.
To go down this route you will need to know the make, model, and most importantly the age of the stairlift.
As a general guide, if your stairlift is over 4 years old then most companies won’t consider offering you money for your stairlift.
This is due to the general wear and tear of the stairlift over the years and usually, any parts it may need could well have been discontinued.
You also should consider whether it was new or reconditioned when it was fitted, if it was the latter then it’s far less likely to be worth anything.
And your location in the UK will also be a factor as demand for stairlifts varies throughout the country.
Depending on the make and age, we might be able to buy your stairlift and remove it free of charge.
Find out more about our Stairlift Buy Back Programme here.
Call us now on 0800 542 6045 to discuss your options with one of our friendly team
Part Exchange
Many stairlift companies will charge you for removal, this can be up to £500.
However, if you are looking to exchange your stairlift, we will happily remove it free of charge if you are replacing your current one or upgrading it to a new model.
Stairlift Removal Service
Stairlift removal can be a fairly quick and straight-forward task.
One of our expertly trained engineers will arrive at your house at a pre-arranged time to cleanly and swiftly remove the stairlift.
We would strongly advise that you do not try to remove the stairlift yourself as this should only be done by a fully trained professional.
If the stairlift is removed incorrectly it can result in the fittings and fixtures being damaged, rendering the item useless. It is also a very time-consuming task if it is done incorrectly without the correct tools and know-how.
Sell privately
If you have a lot of spare time on your hands and good knowledge of online selling sites, then selling your stairlift privately could be the option for you.
But if you are thinking of doing this, there are a couple of important tips we suggest.
- Ensure your ad listing clearly states that the buyer is to dismantle and collect the stairlift themselves. This is because you don’t want to be liable for any damage made in the removal process which could result in not getting paid for it
- Make sure that all your carpets and wall are appropriately covered and protected to ensure no damage, marks from oil, or grease are left during the removal.
Disposing of your stairlift
If you’ve done your research and you find out that your stairlift isn’t worth any money, then there are a couple of options in terms of disposing of it.
Scrapping
If you are thinking of scrapping your stairlift privately then there are a couple of things you should know.
Due to the manufacturing process of the stairlift, especially in curved stairlifts, there is very little scrap metal value within the stairlift.
When doing your research also make sure you are using a reputable company or person to carry out the stairlift removal and disposal to guarantee they are not disposing of the stairlift illegally.
Fly-tipping is an illegal offence and could land you with a large fine and unwanted stress.
Charity
Because a lot of stairlifts are made to measure and bespoke, many charities do not accept donations of stairlifts.
However, there is a different option If you would like your stairlift to go to good use and benefit someone else or a charity.
We offer a donation service, if your stairlift is under 3 years old and in good working condition (subject to a survey of the stairlift being carried out) we will remove your stairlift for free and make a donation to one of our nominated charities on your behalf.
The stairlift could then be passed on for use by another person.
Recycling
We offer a recycling service for anyone whose stairlift isn’t worth anything due to its age or condition for a small fee, this is to offset the cost charged by Local Authorities for accepting it for recycling at their Waste Management Centre.
Stairlift Removal FAQs
This all depends on the flooring you have on your stairs.
If you have carpet down, then there will most likely be small imprints left from where the feet were once drilled into the floor. This can be rectified with the use of a good carpet cleaner and brush which you can find in most shops and hardware stores.
If you have a wood or stone staircase, there will be holes left in the staircase where the feet were once drilled into, However, this is easily remedied with the use of a suitable wood filler or replacement plaster such as Polyfilla.
If carried out by one of our qualified engineers and all your carpets and walls are appropriately protected before they start work, this usually takes around a couple of hours.