Things to Consider Before Installing a Home Stairlift or Through the Floor Lift
A stairlift or through the floor lift can make a significant difference to safety, confidence and independence for anyone who finds the stairs difficult because of mobility, balance, pain, fatigue or a long-term health condition. Because every staircase, home and individual is different, it is worth thinking through the points below before choosing and fitting a stairlift. This sheet is for guidance only and does not replace a face-to-face assessment.
| Before you start If the person you are buying for has a recent diagnosis, a falls history, or fluctuating symptoms, it is worth asking your healthcare professional whether a stairlift is appropriate before purchase. An Occupational Therapy (OT) referral via your local Integrated Care Board may also open the door to funding support. We also offer a free home assessment from our qualified team of trusted assessors. Call us on 01926624432 or email info@wenmanhealthcare.co.uk |
1. The Person’s Needs
- Mobility and transfers: can they get on and off a stairlift seat safely, and stand again at the top and bottom? Some users need a perch or standing stairlift rather than a seated one.
- Weight and build: standard stairlifts typically have a maximum user weight of around 19–20 stone (120–127 kg); heavier-duty models are available where needed.
- Strength, grip and dexterity: consider whether they can operate a joystick or toggle control, and whether they need a key-switch to stop others using the lift unsupervised.
- Vision, hearing and cognition: clear, simple controls and verbal or visual prompts may be needed for some users.
- Carer or family involvement: will someone need to assist with transfers, or operate a second handset from another floor?
2. The Staircase Itself
- Straight or curved: straight staircases take an off-the-shelf rail; curved, spiral or staircases with half-landings need a bespoke rail, which costs more and takes longer to manufacture and fit.
- Width: most stairlifts need a minimum clear width of around 26–28 inches (66–71 cm) once the rail is fitted, so there is still room for others to use the stairs safely.
- Headroom: check there is enough height at the top of the stairs, particularly under sloped ceilings, doorways or low beams along the route.
- Obstructions: door swings, radiators, low windowsills or stairlift-adjacent furniture may need to be altered.
- If there are too many obstacles re a stairwell consider a through the floor lift these will need the space to fit the lift (down and upstairs), a power supply and can be expensive but offer a stylish simple alternative to cluttering up the stairwell.
- Outdoor stairlifts: a weatherproof model is available for external steps, such as those leading to a front door or garden.
3. Safety Features to Look For
- Seatbelt and sensors that stop the lift if an obstruction is detected on the stairs.
- Swivel seat at the top of the stairs, so the user can dismount facing away from the staircase.
- Soft start/stop mechanism for a smooth, gentle ride.
- Battery back-up so the lift still works during a power cut.
- Folding rail, footrest and arms where space at the top or bottom of the stairs is limited.
- Remote call/send controls, so the lift can be summoned from either end of the staircase.
4. Buying, Renting or Funding
Purchase routes
- New: comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty, typically 1–2 years as standard, with extended cover available.
- Reconditioned: a lower-cost option, usually with a shorter warranty; ask what has been refurbished and what guarantee is offered.
- Rental: useful for short-term or trial use, for example during recovery from surgery, or where needs may change.
Funding and financial support
- VAT relief: stairlifts are usually VAT-exempt for people with a long-term illness or disability, with no need for a doctor’s letter, only a simple supplier declaration.
- NHS Personal Wheelchair Budget and OT-led adaptations: ask your OT or local Integrated Care Board whether a stairlift falls within any equipment or adaptation budget available.
- Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG): means-tested grant via your local council for home adaptations, including stairlifts, for eligible homeowners and tenants.
- Charitable grants: organisations such as the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre and condition-specific charities can sometimes help with funding or guidance.
5. Installation and Property Considerations
- Listed buildings, leasehold flats or rented properties: check whether landlord, freeholder or planning consent is needed before fitting a rail.
- Power supply: most stairlifts need a standard nearby socket; an electrician may be needed if none is available.
- Installation time: a straight stairlift can often be fitted in half a day; curved or bespoke rails take longer to manufacture and install.
- Reinstatement: ask what is involved (and what it costs) if the stairlift is removed later, particularly in a rented or leasehold property.
- Resale or part-exchange: ask whether the supplier offers a buy-back, part-exchange or removal service if needs change in future.
6. Choosing an Installer
- Look for membership of trade associations, which require installers to meet a code of practice and offer an independent complaints process.
- Ask whether the company carries out its own installations and servicing, or subcontracts this work.
- Request a free, in-home assessment before committing, so the staircase, access and your needs can be properly measured and discussed.
- Check what is included in the price: survey, installation, demonstration, the warranty period, and ongoing servicing.
- Ask about response times for repairs, and what happens if the stairlift breaks down outside office hours.
7. Ongoing Use and Maintenance
- Annual servicing helps keep the stairlift safe and reliable, and may be required to keep the warranty valid.
- Ask for a demonstration for everyone who will use the stairlift, including any family carers.
- Keep the stairs and rail free of clutter, and report any unusual noises, jolts or slow running promptly.
- Review needs periodically: if mobility changes significantly, a different model or additional equipment, such as a hoist or through-floor lift, may need to be considered.
Quick Checklist
Use this checklist as a starting point when comparing options or preparing for a home assessment.
| ✓ | Consideration |
| ☐ | Staircase shape confirmed (straight, curved, with landings) and measured |
| ☐ | Minimum width and headroom checked along the full route |
| ☐ | User’s weight, mobility and transfer ability considered |
| ☐ | Power socket available near the top or bottom of the stairs |
| ☐ | VAT exemption and any grant or NHS funding routes explored |
| ☐ | Quotes obtained from at least one BHTA-accredited installer |
| ☐ | Warranty length and servicing arrangements confirmed |
| ☐ | Reinstatement or removal costs understood (rented/leasehold properties) |
| ☐ | Free home assessment booked before final decision |