As accessibility becomes a growing priority for homeowners in Vancouver, choosing the right accessibility solution is essential for maintaining independence and comfort. Whether you’re planning ahead for aging in place or responding to a current mobility challenge, both stair lifts and home elevators offer valuable solutions—but which is the best fit for your home and lifestyle?


At Cairo Contracting, we specialize in helping homeowners find the perfect accessibility upgrade, including Stairlifts and Pollock Residential Elevators, to meet their unique needs.

Understanding the Basics

Stair Lifts

A stair lift is a mechanical chair that glides along a rail mounted to your staircase. It’s typically installed quickly and is an ideal solution for individuals who need help navigating stairs but don’t require full vertical transportation within the home.

Pros:

  • Fast installation (usually within a day)
  • Cost-effective
  • No major renovations required
  • Suitable for straight or curved staircases

Cons:

  • Only helps with stair access
  • Not suitable for wheelchair users
  • Can be visually intrusive

Home Elevators

A residential elevator, including shaftless elevator models like the Pollock Residential Elevator, offers a more comprehensive accessibility solution. These elevators can travel between floors and accommodate wheelchairs or walking aids.

Pros:

  • Full vertical mobility throughout the home
  • Adds long-term value to your property
  • Elegant, modern design options
  • Shaftless models require minimal space and construction

Cons:

  • Higher initial investment
  • Longer installation time
  • May require electrical or structural modifications

Factors to Consider

1. Mobility Needs

If you or a loved one uses a wheelchair or has significant mobility limitations, a home elevator is usually the better option. For individuals who can still walk short distances, a stair lift may be sufficient.

2. Home Layout

For multi-story homes with narrow or curved staircases, a shaftless elevator might be a smarter fit than retrofitting a complex stairlift system.

3. Budget

Stair lifts are typically less expensive upfront. However, for those looking for a long-term solution or planning for future accessibility, investing in a residential elevator can be more cost-effective over time.

4. Aesthetics & Property Value

A Pollock Residential Elevator can enhance your home’s design and even increase its market value, especially in Vancouver’s competitive real estate market.

Why Choose Cairo Contracting?

Based in Vancouver, Cairo Contracting offers personalized, high-quality accessibility solutions designed to fit your home and lifestyle. We provide professional installation and support for both Stairlifts and home elevators, including Pollock’s innovative shaftless elevator models.

Our team of professionals are committed to recommending you with the best available and cost-effective accessibility solution to ensure your safety, comfort and independence in and around your home. 

Still Not Sure?

Let us help. Contact Cairo Contracting today to schedule a free home consultation and explore the best mobility and accessibility upgrades for your needs.

With the rising number of Canadians choosing to age in the comfort of their own homes, the demand for smart, space-saving accessibility solutions is increasing—especially in cities like Vancouver. One of the most transformative solutions for maintaining independence in the home is the installation of a home elevator. 

Why Consider a Home Elevator?

Home elevators are no longer considered a luxury—they’re a practical, forward-thinking investment. Whether you’re navigating mobility challenges or simply future-proofing your home, installing a residential elevator offers peace of mind, comfort, and long-term value.

Our clients frequently come to us seeking ways to make their homes more accessible without sacrificing space or design. That’s where the Pollock Residential Elevator comes in.

Meet the Pollock Residential Elevator

The Pollock Residential Elevator is a shaftless elevator—which means it doesn’t require a bulky hoistway or extensive structural modifications. Its compact design makes it ideal for Vancouver’s diverse range of home styles, from modern townhouses to heritage homes.

Key features include:

  • Space-saving installation with minimal footprint
  • Whisper-quiet operation
  • Stylish design that blends seamlessly with any decor
  • Safety features for peace of mind
  • Quick and clean installation process

Whether you’re planning a new build or retrofitting an existing property, this elevator provides exceptional flexibility.

Accessibility That Adapts to Your Life

At Cairo Contracting, we understand the importance of mobility and accessibility—not just as building requirements, but as quality-of-life essentials. That’s why we offer personalized consultations and full-service installation to ensure your elevator solution fits your unique space and lifestyle.

Our home elevator systems allow you to move between floors easily, reducing the risk of injury and supporting ageing in place with dignity and ease.

Vancouver’s Trusted Partner in Accessibility

Cairo Contracting is proud to be a leader in accessibility solutions across the Vancouver area. With a focus on our engineering skills, craftsmanship, technology and compassionate service, we work towards helping families stay safe, mobile, and independent in their own sweet homes. Contact Cairo Contracting today @ 6040849-3903 to schedule a free consultation and discover how a compact, shaftless elevator can transform your space—and your life.

Curved stairlifts—like the Handicare Freecurve, offered by Cairo Contracting—are generally more expensive than straight stairlifts for several important reasons, especially when considering mobility and accessibility solutions for ageing in place. Here’s a breakdown using your keywords:

Discover why curved stairlifts cost more than straight ones. Learn about design complexity, customization, and installation challenges.

Why Curved Stairlifts Cost More Than Straight Stairlifts

  1. Custom Rails for Unique Staircases
     Curved stairlifts require custom-designed rails to match the exact dimensions, turns, and landings of a staircase. Unlike straight stairlifts, which use standardized rail sections, each curved rail is a one-of-a-kind product, increasing both production and installation costs.
  2. Precision Engineering and Design
     Brands like Handicare Freecurve use advanced 3D measurements and CAD modeling to ensure a perfect fit on winding or spiral staircases. This level of engineering precision comes at a premium.
  3. Extended Installation Time
     Installing a curved stairlift takes longer and is more complex due to its tailored nature. Technicians must carefully align the lift to the custom rail, which adds to labor costs.
  4. Bespoke Manufacturing
     Since each curved stairlift is built to order, production cannot start until after the stairway is surveyed. This contrasts with straight lifts, which are often pre-manufactured and stocked—making them more cost-effective.
  5. Enhanced Features and Flexibility
     Many curved models like the Handicare Freecurve offer space-saving options such as tight turning radii, powered swivel seats, and various color finishes—features that enhance accessibility but also contribute to the higher price.

    Value Despite the Cost

While curved stairlifts carry a higher upfront investment, they provide:

  • Seamless access to multi-landing or spiral staircases
  • Safe and reliable mobility for seniors or individuals with disabilities
  • Long-term support for ageing in place, avoiding costly home renovations or relocations

Cairo Contracting’s Role

As a provider of mobility and accessibility solutions, Cairo Contracting ensures that even the most complex staircases can be fitted with high-quality lifts like the Handicare Freecurve. We work closely with clients to deliver cost-effective yet highly personalized solutions tailored to their needs.

Here’s a clear comparison table between Curved Stairlifts and Straight Stairlifts: 

Curved vs. ➖ Straight Stairlifts: A Comparison

Feature/Aspect Curved Stairlift (e.g., Handicare Freecurve) Straight Stairlift
Staircase Type Curved, spiral, multi-landing Straight only
Rail Design Custom rails, uniquely manufactured Pre-fabricated, standard rails
Installation Time Longer (due to customization) Shorter (often same-day)
Engineering Precision 3D measurements, tailored fit Simple measurements
Cost 💲💲💲 Higher 💲 Lower
Flexibility Tight curves, narrow stairs, various finishes Limited adjustments
Mobility & Accessibility High – ideal for complex layouts High – for straight paths only
Ageing in Place Benefits Enables access across difficult staircases Effective for single-flight stairs
Space-Saving Features Yes (e.g., powered swivel seat, folding rail) Limited
Availability via Cairo Contracting ✔️ Available (Handicare Freecurve) ✔️ Available
Cost-Effective Over Time Yes – avoids home remodeling or moving Yes – in suitable homes

While curved stairlifts like the Handicare Freecurve cost more initially, they provide custom accessibility solutions that are often the only viable option for complex stair layouts. With Cairo Contracting, you get expert guidance and installation, ensuring mobility, safety, and independence for years to come.

Finding Freedom: When a Vertical Platform Lift Can Change Your Life” is the title of a powerful story about the transformative potential of vertical platforms—whether we’re talking about mobility aids like stairlifts, elevators, or lifts for those with limited mobility, or perhaps metaphorically, about opportunities that elevate a person in a significant way. The idea of freedom in this context refers to overcoming physical, social, or financial barriers through innovative technology or systems that enhance one’s independence.

Discover Freedom with Vertical Platform Lifts - Cairo Contracting

1. The Desire for Independence

  • Vertical Platform Lifts or Porch Lifts play a crucial role in gaining mobility and accessibility, which is central to independence and freedom in a person’s life. 
  • Most common barriers to mobility, such as stairs, tall buildings, and difficult terrain, can limit people’s ability to live fully. We at Cairo Contracting understand this and thus offer the most cost-effective and easily available solutions to its customers.

2. Vertical Platforms: The Game-Changer

  • The concept of vertical platforms— or devices like elevators, stairlifts, and platform lifts is to allow people to move vertically with ease, giving them access to spaces that were once out of reach. 
  • These platform lifts can serve as life-changing tools for people with disabilities or elderly individuals who may struggle with stairs.

3. Real-Life Impact

  • Keryn Todd shared how Cairo Contracting helped her by installing a vertical platform.

She says, “We needed a platform lift to replace the very steep stairs in our newly purchased home. The stairs went from the ground floor down to our basement. The team assessed our needs and suggested a product that would suit us. We accepted their suggestion and the team installed the platform lift. It was one of the best decisions we made as we can now move things safely up and down to and from our basement. Thank you everyone, we are thrilled with the results!!”

  • Allan Brisson emphasized on the emotional and psychological benefits with the Porch Lift installation for his scooter. It helped in gaining freedom, avoiding dependence on others, and feeling more connected to family or community.

4. More Than Just Mobility

  • These vertical platform lifts or porch lifts aren’t just about physical movement—they also represent emotional and social freedom as well. Gaining your independence of moving freely in and around the house is what we all wish for as we grow old. These accessibility solutions are meant for such independence and safety. 
  • These technology based innovations allow people to participate more fully in daily life, from work to social gatherings, and improve overall quality of life.

5. Innovation Meets Accessibility

  • Thanks to the modern vertical platform technologies, which are evolving everyday to become more affordable, efficient, and discreet. Smart homes and intuitive designs are making these solutions more accessible to a wider range of people. 
  • Vertical platform lifts or porch lifts play a significant role in advancing universal design and accessibility, as they help create environments that are inclusive, adaptable, and usable by people of all abilities, regardless of age, size, or physical limitations. Universal design aims to make buildings, products, and services accessible to as many people as possible, without the need for specialized adaptations or retrofits.

6. Challenges and Future Outlook

  • While vertical platform lifts (VPLs) offer significant benefits in terms of accessibility, independence, and universal design, there are several challenges related to their cost, maintenance, and installation. These factors can influence whether they are a viable solution for individuals or businesses looking to improve accessibility.
    • The price can vary depending on the model, weight capacity & building modifications (e.g., enclosed or open, indoor or outdoor).
    • These platform lifts require regular maintenance to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. This includes checking electrical systems, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring that safety features (such as brakes, sensors, and barriers) are functioning properly.
    • Vertical platform lifts or Porch lifts should always be installed by certified professionals like Cairo Contracting who are trained in the complexities of these systems. If not installed correctly, issues such as improper weight distribution, mechanical failures, or safety hazards could arise.

In nutshell, finding freedom often starts with access—access to spaces, to people, and to life itself. Vertical platform Lifts or Porch lifts are tools of independence and freedom, offering a chance to live life without limits. We at Cairo Contracting are here to offer you new perspectives on the possibilities for independence and accessibility. Does that sound like the direction you were thinking, or would you like to explore it from a different angle?

When choosing between custom rails and prefabricated rail sections for a curved stairlift, several key factors can influence the decision. Below are the advantages of choosing custom rails over prefabricated ones:

Why Choose Custom Rails For Curved Stairlift Vs Prefabricated Rail Section

1. Perfect Fit for Curved Stairs

  • Custom Rails: Curved staircases vary in shape, and a custom rail is designed to precisely follow the unique contours of the stairs. This ensures a seamless and smooth ride, enhancing both comfort and safety. Handicare Freecurve from Savaria is one of the best products available in the market for custom rails. 
  • Prefabricated Rails: These are typically designed for straight staircases, and while some manufacturers offer curved sections, they may not perfectly match every curve. The fit might be less precise, resulting in a less smooth ride and possible safety concerns.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

  • Custom Rails: A custom rail system is tailored to blend well with the interior design of the home. It can be made from various materials, finishes, and colors, giving homeowners the flexibility to match their décor perfectly. Handicare Freecurve provides you with the option of choosing from 3 chair and rail colors to match the interior of your home. 
  • Prefabricated Rails: These often come in a standard finish and may not offer the same level of aesthetic customization. The rail might stand out in a way that detracts from the overall look of the home.

3. Design Flexibility

  • Custom Rails: With custom rails, you have complete control over the design, allowing for multiple turns, spirals, or other complex curves that are unique to your home’s staircase.
  • Prefabricated Rails: These are often limited in their ability to handle complex curves, especially if the staircase has multiple twists or sharp angles. The prefabricated design might not accommodate the full layout of the staircase.

4. Long-Term Reliability

  • Custom Rails: Since they are specifically built for the exact dimensions of your staircase, custom rails tend to offer more stability, durability, and reliability over time. Cairo Contracting provides its customers with an extensive warranty option alongwith a phone call away technicians for service. 
  • Prefabricated Rails: While prefabricated rails are mass-produced, they may not provide the same level of quality or durability when installed on an unusually shaped staircase. They may wear down faster or experience operational issues.

5. Improved Performance

  • Custom Rails: The stairlift will operate more smoothly and efficiently on custom rails that perfectly fit the stairs. The system will follow the curves naturally, reducing the risk of misalignment or jerking movements. Handicare Freecurve by Savaria has established credibility over years for its world class ride up & down the curved staircases.
  • Prefabricated Rails: These may cause issues if the pre-manufactured sections don’t perfectly align with the stairs. This misalignment could lead to a rougher ride and additional wear on the stairlift components.

6. Enhanced Safety

  • Custom Rails: With the precision fit of custom rails, the Handicare Freecurve stairlift is more secure and safe for the user, reducing the chances of accidents or malfunctions.
  • Prefabricated Rails: A less-than-perfect fit could potentially lead to safety issues, such as the lift operating in an unstable manner, increasing the risk of falls or system failures.

7. Tailored Functionality

  • Custom Rails: Custom stairlift like Handicare Freecurve rails can be designed to accommodate additional features, such as narrower spaces or obstacles that prefabricated rails may not be able to handle efficiently.
  • Prefabricated Rails: Standard prefabricated sections may not have the versatility to handle specific functional needs, especially in older homes or those with non-standard stairs.

8. Higher Initial Cost but Greater Value

  • Custom Rails: While they tend to have a higher upfront cost, custom rails offer a long-term solution that improves user experience and home aesthetics. The investment is often worth the benefits of a perfect fit, enhanced safety, and long-term reliability.
  • Prefabricated Rails: Prefabricated options tend to be less expensive initially but may require future adjustments or lead to higher maintenance costs due to a less precise fit.

Choosing custom rails for a curved stairlift like Handicare Free curve provides a more personalized, precise, and reliable solution, especially for complex staircases. Though it requires a higher investment, it offers better performance, aesthetics, and safety in the long run. Prefabricated rails, on the other hand, may be a more budget-friendly option but may not provide the same level of quality, particularly for curved stairs. Cairo Contracting is known for providing the best cost effective custom rail solutions for curved stairlifts. Get in touch today for a free quote!