How long does it take to install a stairlift? A typical stairlift installation can take anywhere from between 2 hours and 6 hours+ depending on the complexity of the staircase. With a straight stairlift installation it’s much quicker.
There’s also the lead time to be considered, meaning there’s measurements to take and paper work to be done before a stairlift can be installed.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Stair Lift? – Assessment
A stairlift installation starts with a phone call to us (call 0800 046 3438). We will then arrange an assessment (if needed). On a curved stairlift installation an assessment is always needed to ensure correct fitting of the rail. However, if you have a straight staircase, we can assess the configuration based on photos without an on-site assessment, so this is quicker.
Usually a stairlift assessment can be arranged within a day or two or through a scheduled appointment. We will thoroughly assess the staircase layout and take measurements. Then we will be able to recommend a stairlift type based on your staircase layout and budget. We do a no obligation site-assessment.
Confirmation Of Order
It is usually 10 working days for a reconditioned stairlift or 3-4 weeks for a new stairlift installation, from confirmation of order.
Therefore to sum up, from the initial phone call enquiry, it can take from 10 days to 3-4 weeks to get your stairlift installed, depending on your staircase configuration. With a reconditioned stairlift, and with straight staircase layout it can be considerably faster.
Reconditioned stairlifts are faster because they are ready in stock. With a straight stairlift, it can be faster still because rails can be used “off the shelf”, whereas a curved rail must be manufactured to specifications.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Stair Lift? – Fitting Day
A straight stairlift is also considerably quicker to install than a curved stairlift. Not only do curved stairlifts take longer to fit, but the manufacturing process is more complex as rails must be manufactured to specification. Whereas with a straight stairlift, rails can be used “off-shelf”.
Here’s a video of a straight stairlift fitting which took around 2-3 hours:
A stairlift fitting is done in three main parts:
- First the rail is fitted and wired into the mains. This takes longer for a curved staircase than a straight one.
- Second the chair is added to the rail.
- The chair is prepped, (so it knows how to move correctly on the rail). It should slow down for any corners and at the start and finish. With a complicated stairlift, corners need to be carefully programmed so the stairlift can pass a difficult obstacle without collision.
Here’s a more complicated fitting on a curved staircase which took a little longer – between 3 and 4 hours:
How Long Does A Stairlift Take To Install? Problems
Should there be any problems when fitting a stairlift, as there sometimes is, it can take a little longer. Stairlifts are complicated devices and sometimes there are technical problems which need to be overcome. For example, if the chair isn’t powering up for any reason, this can delay things.
There can be a number of reasons for this, such as a faulty circuitboard, or a missing piece of equipment.
Programming a stairlift can take some time too. With the Flow X stairlift, for example, tight turns need to be programmed into the chair.
The rail installation itself can take up a good amount of time – depending on the rail complexity.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Stairlift – Multiple Floors
With multiple floors it’s obviously going to take longer to install a stairlift than with a more simple fitting. One of our case studies shows a stairlift installation we did on a 3 level floor. This was a Flow X stairlift and it needed to be programmed to park on each floor – as each floor was in use.
This installation took over 4 hours to fit due to the length of the rail and complexity of the job.
However with most stairlift installations (on a single flight of straight stairs), it should only take a couple of hours. There can however always be an issue or curveball which means it can take a little longer than intended.
Summary
Most stairlifts will take between 2 and 6 hours to install. If you have a straight staircase of one floor it’s considerable quicker. With more complex staircases and if you have a curve or a bend somewhere, this can add to the installation time. If you have multiple floors, it can take a lot longer, especially if you’re using a more complicated stairlift.
Stairlifts have to be programmed once they are fitted too. They need to know where they are parked and where to slow down and speed up. This can take a hour or so in itself, even without any problems arising. The remote controls also need to be synchronised with the chair, so you can call the stairlift from the remote.
Once everything is done, the user should test drive the stairlift out. Problems can arise here too. If the weight of the user affects the stairlift configuration, it might need to be altered, for example. So it’s always worth testing out your stairlift before the engineer has left!
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