When Mr and Mrs Bladon first moved to their house in Hale, access wasn’t an issue. Fifty years on, however, the couple decided that the property needed future-proofing and that adding a home lift was the sensible choice.
“I may not be quite ready for a lift yet, but I know I will be one day,” says Mr Bladon. “Our house has been a hive of activity since we moved. It’s always been our home, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. With that in mind, I wanted to make it as future-proof as possible so that if anything happens to me and I can no longer get up the stairs quickly, I’ll have options.
“Another reason for the installation was transporting items up and down the stairs. We have a house in Spain that we frequently visit, and manoeuvring heavy cases up and down the stairs five times a year is a hassle. Installing a lift seemed like the smart choice to make.”
The Bladons had been researching home lifts for some time. Initially, Mrs Bladon was sceptical.
“In the beginning, my wife asked, ‘Why do you want a lift?’ Many people would have the same reaction, but now she loves it,’ explains Mr Bladon. “Even the dog enjoys travelling in it!
“I did consider other lift companies, but Terry Lifts had the most professional setup. In contrast to other lifts I examined, many of which had noticeably noisy drives and lacked the robust construction I sought, the Affinity Home Lift excelled in quality. During our visit to the showroom, I was very impressed. Its reliable, smooth operation significantly reduces noise, which was crucial for us. Moreover, it’s engineered to handle substantial loads…like our suitcases!
“Originally, I had all sorts of fancy ideas about where I wanted to place it, all of which involved construction work. However, when Bob came to visit, he helped us to see how it could fit into our current set-up. All we lost was one wardrobe in the room where the lift comes up and a bookcase downstairs, which has not impacted our lifestyle. Not only that, but the lift looks great. I want people to see it because it is beautiful.
“Bob was extremely helpful during our initial enquiries. When he visited us at home, he really took the time to explain and advise on the best lift for our needs and to answer any questions. I also liked that Terry Lifts manufacture the lifts here in the UK.
“We were very pleased with both what Terry Lifts offered and their approach; we felt very comfortable with the company. Everyone has been incredibly helpful. I felt no pressure, as evidenced by the three-year gap from our initial visit. However, it’s been a great experience working with them. Of course, they’re confident that their product is exceptional. Once you decide to have it installed, you see how easily they set it up. It truly is a great experience.”
When selecting the lift, several factors had to be considered, principally how it would look within the house.
With guidance from Bob, the couple selected the Affinity, a fully-enclosed home lift with space-saving proportions. Similar in design to Terry Lifts’ best-selling Lifestyle Home Lift but with a more compact footprint, this contemporary, ultra-compact lift is designed to serve as a stylish and functional solution for homes with limited space. Its sleek rail guides fit neatly against the wall, while its compact design minimises room layout disruption. It offers smooth and safe transport, whether standing or seated, between two floors in complete comfort and ease.
Says Mr Bladon, “We chose the Terry’s Affinity Home Lift because it was so neat and unobtrusive. Now fitted, it’s a lovely piece of furniture. It’s perfect; it’s a great convenience and a fabulous addition to our home.
“During the survey, we decided to install a pump outside the room on the balcony. This means that not only do we not see it, improving aesthetics, but we don’t hear it, either. In fact, the biggest thing that people say about the lift, aside from its fantastic appearance, is that it’s silent.’
The Affinity Home Lift has a wide selection of optional extras that can be customised to suit the user’s style and requirements. It also boasts one-touch controls, ideal for when Mr and Mrs Bladon are laden down with suitcases.
Says Mr Bladon, “We added some decorative touches to improve the lift’s appearance. As a result, we’ve managed to make it blend in seamlessly; it looks great, and when guests arrive, they are often taken aback and say, ‘Oh my god, I didn’t expect your lift to look like that!’”
FIRE SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT
Fire safety is a critical consideration when installing a home lift. The Affinity Home Lift incorporates several fire safety features, including a 30-minute fire and smoke resistance rating, smoke and heat alarms, and pressure-sensitive surfaces. A dedicated power supply ensures the lift can operate during power outages and emergencies.
Since the lift was installed, the Bladons can’t believe how much easier their lives have become.
“The lift has already had a positive impact; it makes life so much easier. My greatest wish has been to avoid moving into a flat, so having a lift in the house grants me the independence to stay in the home I love. It serves as a safeguard, allowing easy access to the upper floors. In the long run, I also think it’s more cost-effective to remain in my own house with a lift rather than consider the expenses associated with moving. This is an important issue, and at this stage in life, we want to minimise significant stress factors.
“Installing a home lift is one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. I believe it is a valuable addition to any home. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Terry Lifts to others. In fact, I’m happy for people to come round and have a look at it because I’m so proud of it!”
Learn more about Your Simple Journey to Owning a Lift.
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