How To Prepare Yourself For A Vertical Wheelchair Lift Consultation

The on-site consultation is the most important part of any wheelchair lift purchase. Even the most descriptive phone calls are no match for getting out there and surveying the site and talking one-on-one with the buyer. If you want to make the most of your consultation, use this guide to prepare yourself for some of the questions your lift consultant will ask you – and to prepare a list of questions to ask your consultant.

• Take Some Preliminary Measurements

Every wheelchair lift is different. Manual wheelchairs and light power wheelchairs are often universally compatible with modern lifts, but larger power chairs and mobility scooters sometimes need a little more room to operate. Start compiling a list of the weight and dimensions of the equipment you use, and factor in any accessories or cargo that you'll need to fit on board in the future. This list will come in handy when choosing a lift model and will help the service provider create a more complete list of landscape or structural modifications needed to complete the project. If you have ever browsed through the installation manual to a wheelchair lift, you know there is a whole lot of guidelines and constraints regarding the foundation and clearance measurements. The good news is that a thorough knowledge of these requirements will help you hire outside contractors or best friends to prepare the site, a simple way to reduce the number of labor hours your lift installation contractor will bill you. Your on-site consultation will clear up most of these issues so don't worry if you cannot pre-measure everything, but the more you do know about the lifts on your market, the better you'll be able to communicate with the installation team later on.

• Decide On a Long Term Budget Plan

It is difficult enough to budget for the installation and purchase of the equipment but it's important to think about maintenance costs, as well. Know what you are willing to pay for maintenance. Your lift consultant will provide you with a variety of coating and material options – some upgrades will improve longevity and value, others only improve aesthetics. Be prepared to ask numerous questions as each company uses different terms and branded coatings. Some of those pricey additions are actually great investments. Look through the brochures provided by your favorite supplier and consider a wheelchair lift with value-added options like a backup power supply, safety sensors, an extended warranty, and a locking system for security. These features are priceless and increase the longevity and usefulness of your machine. Any upgrade that improves your experience is worth the investment, as long as the convenience doesn't add excessive maintenance demands. Be wary of excessive automation – ask the consultant if there are manual safety controls for things like automated ramps or lifting mechanisms. No matter how trained and capable a lift installation consultant may be, they can't address your needs and desires unless you make them known. A wheelchair lift is an important investment and deserves a thorough consultation with a knowledgeable lift installation professional, and being prepared to initiate a rigorous interview is a great way to make sure your project gets the customized approach it deserves.