So, what’s involved in a stair lift fitting? A stairlift fitting begins with a stairlift survey. An engineer will call to your home and measure up for the fitting. This can sometimes be done over the phone with a straight stairlift, but we will always do a survey for a curved stairlift. So depending on your stairlift type – (straight or curved), we will usually need to arrange to call round.
During the survey an engineer will take a number of measurements of your staircase. Then they will determine what kind of stairlift you need and arrange for manufacture of the rail if you proceed.
Stair Lift Fitting – Lead Time
With a curved stairlift, the rail needs to be customised specifically to your staircase. Whereas with a straight staircase, you can use an “off-the-shelf” rail. This means a straight stairlift can be installed much quicker than a curved one, and is usually much cheaper too. The lead time for a curved stairlift can vary from 7 days to within a few weeks, whereas a straight stairlift can be installed within 24 hours if the lift is in stock.
If you’re in a hurry to get a stairlift installed, it’s worth thinking about getting a reconditioned stairlift, as these are usually waiting in stock. A new stairlift must be ordered from the manufacturers which means it will take much longer to arrive.
Stair Lift Fitting – Day Of Installation
On the day of installation, your stairlift engineer will arrive and install your stairlift within a few hours. Again, the time depends on the complexity of your stairlift. With a straight stairlift, it’s generally a much faster job. A curved stairlift is more complex both in manufacture and installation.
Certain stairlifts too require more programming than others. For example, a Stannah 260 curved stairlift is stabilised with a two rail system. Here are the Stannah 260 and the Flow X side by side. They are both used for curved stairs but the Flow X is a more complicated stairlift, requiring programming electronically to pivot and swivel simultaneously while travelling.
A straight stairlift can usually be fitted within a couple or hours, and a curved stairlift will generally take a little longer. It really depends on the length and complexity of your staircase, and whether a specialist stairlift (e.g. the Flow X) is needed or not.
Stair Lift Fitting – Demo
Once your stairlift has been fitted and tested, the engineer will give you a demonstration so that you are familiar with the controls. The stairlift has a control device on the stairlift arm and there is also a remote control device.
Remote controls are placed both at the top and bottom of the staircase. This allows both the user and other household members to operate the stairlift remotely from both the top and bottom of the stairs.
Once you’re happy with the operation of the stairlift, that’s it! Your stairlift is ready to go. We are always on the end of the phone should you need any follow up assistance. Our reconditioned stairlifts come with 2 years full warranty and brand new stairlifts have a 3 year warranty.
We pride ourselves on our after care service! We’re always quick to respond to any issues or problems. Whether you are ready to invest in a stairlift, have a faulty stairlift or are looking to sell/remove a stairlift, give us a call on 0800 046 3438 for more information or leave us a message here.
You can also visit our YouTube channel here and watch some of our fittings!