If you’re unsure about what stairlift installation services involve , here’s a few examples of stairlift installations. Here at UKStairlifts we specialise is stairlift installation throughout the UK. We also specialise in reconditioned stairlifts and in stairlifts for narrow/awkward stairs.
During the installation process, you can expect your engineer to arrive with all the gear needed for installation. This will include tools and the stairlift rail in sections. If you don’t have an exact time for arrival, your engineer will usually give you a call to secure a time slot.
In the image below you can see some of the rail sections being laid out outside the house, ready for installation. The number of rail sections will depend on your particular stairs, and the stairlift you have purchased. Some stairlifts only have one rail section, and others can have a few, like in this picture.
Examples Of Some Stairlift Installations – How Long Does It Take?
The rail sections are usually installed onto your staircase a section at a time. With a simple stairlift installation, this may only take a short time. From 10mins to half an hour, for example. With more complex installations, the rail sections must be added one at a time, and this can take a few hours, depending on the complexity of your staircase.
For a long, complex staircase, like the one pictured below left, a stairlift installation can take several hours to install. With a simpler installation, such as the one pictured right, it may only take a couple of hours to install.
A simple straight stairlift, will generally only take between 1 and 3 hours to install. A multi-level stairlift (above left) can take up to 6 hours, depending on the complexity.
Examples Of Stairlift Installations – Disruption/Redecorating
We always aim to cause the least amount of disruption to your home when installing a stairlift. You usually won’t need any decorative work doing once a stairlift has been installed. However, occasionally we will remove a hand rail, if needs be. This will be discussed beforehand to make sure it is the right decision. If a handrail is removed, there may be some cosmetic work to be done once the stairlift engineer has left.
We don’t carry out cosmetic work such as re-plastering or painting. However, we will always be conscious of leaving a clean, tidy staircase once the stairlift has been installed. In the image below you can see some cosmetic work is needed where the bannister rail was removed. With most installations however, this can be avoided if there is room to leave the rail in place.
In some situations a radiator may need to be removed in order to fit the stairlift. This will be discussed prior to installation.
Stairlift Installation – Problems / Hiccups
In some situations a problem might be encountered, although problems are usually discovered during the assessment phase of the installation. This can mean the stairlift doesn’t get installed on the same day but this is always remedied quickly. In one instance, the radiator had to be removed as it caused a problem with the stairlift footplate clashing with the newel post.
Other problems can occur with programming of the stairlift, or some other physical obstruction which has been missed. This is usually remedied within a short time, and often just adds more time on the installation for the engineer.
Occasionally this can mean the engineer has to return with another part, if they cannot remedy the problem on the same day.
Stairlift Installation – Summary
Most stairlift installations go without a hitch. The pre-installation assessment allows the engineer to get a good overview of any potential problems before the installation date. A map is created of the staircase, and for more complicated installations a computer generated photo-survey is used – especially if the installation is an awkward one.
Most straight stairlift installations can be done within a 1-3 hour window, with potential problems pushing it towards the 4 hour timeframe, depending on the complexity of the stairlift and staircase.
More complex stairlift installations will take longer, but most can be done within a single day. Disruption is minimal but occasionally a rail or radiator may need to be removed to make room if it’s an awkward fitting.
For more information or to book a free assessment, call UKStairlifts on 0800 046 3438 or visit our contact page and leave us a message.
Visit our YouTube channel for more examples of stairlift installations.