There are many ways to improve your home that can also increase its future resale value. Renovations to the kitchen and bathrooms are popular options, but far fewer people think to improve the accessibility of their home in exchange for an increase in resale value. For those who are beginning to struggle with mobility, especially on their home’s staircase, installing a stairlift can be a way to provide priceless independence and improved accessibility. And, in the end, straight stairlift installation can also increase the resale value of your home. Keep reading to learn more.
A straight stairlift turns a multi story home into a more accessible space for anyone who struggles with decreasing mobility. This improvement isn’t just beneficial for those with physical handicaps, but also to elderly individuals who may be experiencing a decline in their strength and endurance. By improving the accessibility and functionality of your home, it becomes a more attractive option to a broader range of buyers, which can increase its market value.
As we stated above, installing a stairlift broadens the spectrum of potential buyers. Not only does a home with accessibility features appeal to those with existing mobility needs, but also to those who are planning for the future and considering their ability to age in place in their new home. Aging in place is becoming more and more popular these days, so these are exactly the kinds of features that aging buyers are looking for. This can increase the demand for your property, which gives you a competitive edge in the real estate market and a better bargaining position when an offer is made.
Once upon a time, the buyer pool for homes was made up almost entirely of young families and newlyweds searching for their first homes. Nowadays, as the population of the United States continues to age, the demand for accessible homes is increasing. By installing a stairlift, you’re positioning your home to meet this growing buyer market. Homes that cater to the needs of all of your potential buyers are likely to see increased interest, because buyers won’t have to make these modifications themselves.
When most people think of a stairlift, they likely think of a device that is very medical in appearance. You might worry that something like this will make your home look outdated. However, modern stairlifts are designed with aesthetics in mind, and can blend beautifully with many modern interior design styles. Most stairlift companies will allow you to customize your stairlift, selecting the exact materials for your rail, seat upholstery, and more. This allows you to create a stairlift that fits with your home’s style so it can be an asset to your design rather than a detractor.
Should you decide that you don’t want to leave your stairlift in the home when you resell it—or if the buyer you contract with doesn’t wish to have a stairlift in the home—the good news is that it can easily be removed. Stairlifts are mounted to the stairs themselves and not to the walls. This means that they can be disassembled and taken down without leaving visible damage to the staircase. So, even if your buyer doesn’t see your straight stairlift as an excellent buying point, it won’t hinder your sale in any way. You can either agree to remove the stairlift yourself prior to closing on the home, or the buyer can opt to remove themselves at any time.
With all this talk of increasing the resale value of your home, you might be wondering if the increase in resale value is capable of offsetting that initial investment. Unfortunately, as with most home improvements, the return you receive on the renovation is somewhat less than the initial investment. However, it’s always important to consider the amount of use, enjoyment, and accessibility you’ll receive prior to reselling your home.
If you’re already struggling with your stairs and considering installing a straight stairlift, then keep in mind that you’ll get some of that cost back if and when you sell your home. Contact a company that has stairlifts for sale near me to learn more about the kinds of stairlifts available in your area and what the total cost will be to install one. You’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of your stairlift for as long as you remain in your home, along with the confidence that you’ll get a portion of that investment back if and when you decide to move again.
