Stairlifts – Buyers Checklist
This Checklist should cover most of if not all the steps you need to take to make the best decisions. If you don’t manage to complete all the information don’t worry – it should at least serve as a guide to help you in the process. You can also find a more in-depth exploration of Stairlifts in our Stairlifts – Buyers Guide.
1 Arrange a Needs Assessment with an Occupational Therapist
Your Local Authority can help – click here or find an Occupational Therapist directly yourself in our Directory of Occupational Therapists Near Me. Alternatively, try to get a family member or friend over to your home to help you think through the best solution for your needs. Ask them or your Occupational Therapist to help you complete as much of this Checklist as possible.
| Home Visit Date: |
| Home Visit Completed: |
2 Circle which Type of Stairlift you’ll need
| Straight | Curved | Perch | Sit & Stand | Heavy Duty (Bariatric) | Outdoor |
3 Measure Up your Staircase
Find a tape measure (at least 5 metres in length) and complete the information below:
| Specification | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best side of the Staircase to install Stairlift: | |
| Obstructions needing removal or alteration: | |
| Number of Curves: | |
| Total Number of Steps: | |
| Number of mid-Staircase Landings: | |
| Narrowest Width of Staircase: | |
| Length of Staircase: | |
| Length – Bottom Step to Nearest Obstruction: | |
| Length – Top Step to Nearest Obstruction: |
4 Circle which Features & Specifications are Key to Meet Your Needs
| Features 1 | Features 2 | Features 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Controls | Safety Sensors | Folding Footrest |
| Seat Folding Arms | Adjustable Backrest | Adjustable Arms |
| Adjustable Seat | Seatbelt | Seat Colours |
| Seat Upholstery | Joystick/Toggle (Up/Down) | Swivel Seating |
| Barrier Arm | Telescopic Seat Post | Hinged Rail/Drop Nose |
| Stairlift Lock | Chair Dimensions | Speed Controller |
5 Get an idea of the Stairlift Starting Prices
Read Section 8 of the IMG Buyers Guide and review Our Table of Stairlift Models here and note your budget below:
| Your Budget | £ |
6 Research the Stairlift Models in the Wider Market
Read Section 4 of the IMG Buyers Guide and see Our Table of Stairlift Models here
Note down some of your preferred Stairlift models below:
| Stairlift Model Preferences | Pricing Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Model Preference 1: | £ | |
| Model Preference 2: | £ | |
| Model Preference 3: | £ | |
| Model Preference 4: | £ | |
| Model Preference 5: | £ |
7 Identify Who is selling What and How
Read Section on who is selling what and how in the IMG Buyers Guide here
Once you’ve had a Needs Assessment from an Occupational Therapist or made an assessment yourself (with a family member or friend) you should roughly be clear about what type of Stairlift you need, your budget and what’s available out there.
8 Identify Local Stairlift companies
Enter your postcode to find Stairlift companies local to you in our Directory of Stairlift Companies Near Me. You can note some of them down below:
| Stairlift Company Name | Location / Town | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | ||||
| 2. | ||||
| 3. | ||||
| 4. | ||||
| 5. |
9 Arrange a Home Assessment with at least 3 Stairlift Companies
Check that each Home Assessment is a free visit with no obligation to buy. Note them down below:
| Stairlift Company | Home Assessment Date | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | |||
| 2. | |||
| 3. | |||
| 4. | |||
| 5. |
Decide if you’d like to have a friend or family member with you during the Home Assessment to help out and make the appropriate arrangements.
10 Home Assessment
Firstly, explain your needs and level of mobility fully with the sales representative from the Stairlift company. They should ask to measure the length of your leg when sitting to ensure there’s no risk of your knees knocking against anything as your travel on the Stairlift. If there’s a low ceiling, they might ask to measure your height. This is all useful in deciding upon the right Stairlift and it is quite standard to ask these types of questions.
Explain that you’ll be having some questions. A good, reputable Stairlift company and sales representative will have no problem at all with this and they should never put you under any pressure.
Show them your staircase and allow them to measure up.
Allow them to recommend the Stairlift which they think is the best fit for you.
Sample questions to ask the sales representative:
Is your company local to me?
Is the model you recommend still in production?
If the recommended model is no longer in production (i.e. a Legacy Model) how difficult is it to get spare parts?
Could you please circle which Features come as standard below?:
| Features 1 | Features 2 | Features 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Controls | Safety Sensors | Folding Footrest |
| Seat Folding Arms | Adjustable Backrest | Adjustable Arms |
| Adjustable Seat | Seatbelt | Seat Colours |
| Seat Upholstery | Joystick/Toggle (Up/Down) | Swivel Seating |
| Barrier Arm | Telescopic Seat Post | Hinged Rail/Drop Nose |
| Stairlift Lock | Chair Dimensions | Speed Controller |
Note: Ask questions about each Feature and how they work so you are satisfied you understand them fully.
Are there any Features which are offered as optional extras? Is there an added cost?
What are the Dimensions of the Seat?
Is that enough room for me to sit comfortably?
What are the folded and unfolded dimensions of the Stairlift?
How do I get in and out of the Chair?
How do I operate the Stairlift to move up and down and park?
Do I need to charge the Stairlift?
What happens during a power cut?
Is there a choice of colours?
Is there a choice of upholstery?
Is it possible to see and try out the Stairlift locally?
How long is the Warranty?
Does the Warranty cover the Battery, Gear and Motor for parts and labour?
What else is covered in the Warranty?
What is not covered in the Warranty?
Are there any hidden costs or charges in the Warranty?
Is there a 24-hour repair/call-out service?
How long will it take a repair person to arrive?
How much would repairs typically cost?
Is there an Extended Warranty or Maintenance Agreement offered?
Note: Tell the sales representative that you’ve identified your preferred model(s) by using the IMG Buyers Guide. If they have recommended a different model ask them to explain why that one might be a better fit for you than your preferred model(s) and note down the reasons below:
| Stairlift Sales Representative Recommendation |
|---|
| Model Name: |
| Reason for Model Recommendation 1: |
| Reason for Model Recommendation 2: |
| Reason for Model Recommendation 3: |
| Reason for Model Recommendation 4: |
Does the Stairlift conform to current safety standards? Is it BS5776 compliant?
If I decide to order the model you recommend will your company install it?
What is the Price of the Stairlift?
Is there VAT to pay?
What are the running costs and how much would they typically be?
What are the payment terms?
Will I receive a receipt for any payments?
How soon after payment will the installation take place?
How long will installation take?
Is there anything I need to do or prepare before the Installation Date?
Will the installer/engineer show me some verifiable ID at the door before installation?
Will the installer/engineer clear up all the mess and repaint & redecorate where necessary, to my satisfaction? If so, is this in the Terms & Conditions?
Once Installation takes place what kind of paperwork do I get?
If I decide the Stairlift is not for me is there a cooling off period where I can ask you to take it back?
If I send it back within the cooling-off period what will that cost me?
Can I please see the Terms and Conditions before I place an order?
What happens if I no longer need the Stairlift? Would you buy it back?
Once all your questions have been answered to your satisfaction with the help of the Sales Rep take note of:
| Specification | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best side of the Staircase to install Stairlift: | |
| Obstructions needing removal or alteration: | |
| Number of Curves: | |
| Total Number of Steps: | |
| Number of mid-Staircase Landings: | |
| Narrowest Width of Staircase: | |
| Length of Staircase: | |
| Length – Bottom Step to Nearest Obstruction: | |
| Length – Top Step to Nearest Obstruction: |
Compare the above with any notes you might have made before the Home Assessment. Take time to review your notes and raise anything which is not clear or to your satisfaction before the sales representative leaves.
Lastly, ask the sales representative when you can expect to receive a Written Quote and make sure they leave you with any relevant paperwork – including their contact number or business card (so you can call to ask any follow-up questions).
11 Assemble and Review the Quotes and decide the best option for your needs.
You can use the table below to compare your Quotes:
| Stairlift Quote Comparison | Stairlift Co. 1 | Stairlift Co. 2 | Stairlift Co. 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Name: | |||
| Sales Rep Name: | |||
| Tel Number: | |||
| Town (Local / Not Local): | |||
| Recommended Model: | |||
| Price £: | |||
| Pros 1: | |||
| Pros 2: | |||
| Optional Extras 1: | |||
| Optional Extras 2: | |||
| Cons 1: | |||
| Cons 2: | |||
| Warranty Length: | |||
| Proposed Installation Date: | |||
| Your Rating (out of 5): |
12 Contact the Stairlift company which provided your preferred Quote
Go through the terms of the Quote once again. If you’re minded to, you could try to negotiate the price especially as hopefully you’ve obtained a few Quotes.
When you’re happy, agree to an Installation Date and place an Order – don’t forget to tell them about any Optional Extras you’d like. Insert the Installation Date and Key Features of the Order below:
| Installation Date: |
| Key Features of Order | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount Paid £: | Payment Date: | Receipt Received: | ||
| Optional Extras Requested 1: | ||||
| Optional Extras Requested 2: | ||||
| Optional Extras Requested 3: | ||||
| Optional Extras Requested 4: |
13 Installation
Step 1 – Pre-Installation
Prepare and clear the staircase and surrounding space of anything which will be an obstruction to the installer/engineer. Follow the advice given by the sales representative.
Step 2 – Installation
Consider having a friend or family member with you on the Installation Date and make the appropriate arrangements.
Step 3 – Post Installation
Make sure the installer/engineer shows you how to:
- Switch the Chair on and off
- Get in and out of the Chair
- Operate the controls to move up, down, stop and park
- Charge the Batteries
- Use any folding, unfolding and adjustable parts (including any Hinged Rails)
- Lock the Chair (if necessary)
- Use the diagnostic display panel, if a fault occurs
- Operate and use the Stairlift generally
Take a few trial trips up and down with the installer/engineer in attendance until you’re fully satisfied.
Make sure you are left with the Owner’s Manual, any other paperwork and contact details of the Stairlift company.