Frequently asked questions
On this page you’ll find the answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked. If you have a question, which isn’t covered here, please telephone 0800 019 2210 or email@1stchoicestairlifts.com. Alternatively you can use the simple ‘ask a question’ form in the contact box on this page and we’ll publish the answer to your question here.
- Is my wall strong enough to support the stairlift?
- My staircase is too steep/narrow/curved/has a doorway right at the bottom of the stairs, can a stairlift be installed?
- What if my house is a grade listed building, can a stairlift be fitted?
- Does someone need to come out and measure my stairs?
- How much does a stairlift cost?
- How much does a stairlift cost to run?
- Will the stairlift take up most of my stairs and how will other people get upstairs past it?
- What is the delivery time for a stairlift?
- What guarantee do I get with my stairlift, do you offer warranties or service contracts?
- My stairlift was fitted by another company, do you look after maintenance on these lifts?
- Why choose 1st Choice Stairlifts?
- When choosing a stairlift , how can I be sure that I’m making the right decision?
- Why shouldn’t I buy a second hand stairlift through a newspaper or on the internet and get it installed by a friend/relative?
- Will the cheapest stairlift installer give me the best value for money?
- How do I avoid getting a stairlift installed which isn’t suitable for my needs?
Is my wall strong enough to support a stairlift?
This is one of the most common questions we’re asked. All stairlifts actually fit to the steps, not the wall, so cause no damage to your walls or decoration. The stairlift brackets, or legs, are screwed into the steps, so stairlifts can be installed in homes with plasterboard and non-supporting walls.
My staircase is too steep/narrow/curved/has a doorway right at the bottom of the stairs, can a stairlift be installed?
Today’s stairlifts are very versatile and slimline in design, so they can fit on the majority of staircases – even spiral ones! There are many makes of stairlift, with different models and options which enable a stairlift to be fitted almost anywhere. We provide a wide range of stairlifts to choose from, so we can accommodate most stairs. We can visit you in-home and assess your stairs free of charge if you’re not sure whether a stairlift will fit.
What if my house is a grade listed building, can a stairlift be fitted?
We have installed stairlifts in listed buildings but this depends on the exact listing and planning approval. We are experienced in this field and will provide all the technical information you will need to apply for permission. If you want someone else to take care of the planning application for you, we know an expert planner who we can put you in touch with to assist with your application
Does someone need to come out and measure my stairs?
Yes, we do need to measure your stairs and assess your particular requirements to make sure that your stairlift fits your stairs and meets your needs. Our assessments are no-obligation and free of charge. They usually take no longer than an hour, depending on the staircase. We adhere to the British Healthcare Trades Associations Code of Practice and abide by their code of ethics, which means there is no high pressure sales, just expert friendly advice.
How much does a stairlift cost?
This varies depending on the configuration of your stairs, the model you choose and what associated works are necessary to enable the stairlift installation, for example the installation of a powerpoint. As a general guide, reconditioned straight stairlifts range from £950 and curved stairlifts from £3,500, with new models ranging from approximately £1,500 and £4,250 respectively. We are unable to provide you with an exact price for a stairlift until we have completed our no-obligation, free of charge in-home assessment service and determined the stairlift that’s right for you and your home.
How much does a stairlift cost to run?
Stairlifts are very economical and environmentally friendly. They only cost pennies a year to run.
Will the stairlift take up most of my stairs and how will other people get upstairs past it?
Stairlifts today are very slimline. When folded they usually take up around 300mm depending on the model. This leaves plenty of space for non-stairlift users to walk the stairs as normal.
What is the delivery time?
Depending on the stairlift model you choose, delivery times can vary from around next day to two weeks for straight stairs, and from one to six weeks for curved stairs.
What guarantee do I get with my stairlift? Do you offer warranties or service contracts?
All our stairlifts (both new and reconditioned) have a standard 2 year warranty on our new stairlifts that can be extended to a total of three or five years. You’ll find more details of our stairlift service package on the Servicing & Support page, or contact us on 08000 19 22 10 for further details.
My stairlift was fitted by another company. Do you look after maintenance on these lifts?
Yes, in fact we receive numerous calls of this nature from clients who are not satisfied with their original installer or are unable to get aftercare support from them and would prefer to have us look after their stairlift maintenance. You’ll find more details of our stairlift service packages on the Servicing & Support page, or contact us on 08000 19 22 10 for further details.
Why choose 1st Choice Stairlifts?
We offer an extensive range of excellent products and pride ourselves in providing exceptional levels of customer service. Our expert team includes fully qualified engineers who are courteous and professional at all times. We’re also a local, independent stairlift company, in fact the only one based in Wiltshire, however we also cover surrounding areas of Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, West Hampshire and Berkshire.
When choosing a stairlift , how can I be sure that I’m making the right decision?
Having a stairlift installed is a life changing decision and it can be expensive, but compared to the cost of moving home or going into care, it is the most cost effective solution to remaining in your home and having the freedom to access all areas of your house.
Why shouldn’t I buy a second-hand stairlift through a newspaper or on the internet and get it installed by a friend/relative?
Stairlifts are bespokely made to each individual staircase and each customer’s requirements. We’ve had customers who have bought a stairlift from a newspaper or over the internet. Unfortunately, they often find that the stairlift does not fit their stairs. Stairlifts are very technical pieces of machinery and should only be installed by a qualified and experienced stairlift engineer. We have seen stairlifts installed by non-qualified persons that are dangerous and compromise everyones safety. Always make sure that you buy a stairlift from a reputable company that has qualified installers.
Will the cheapest stairlift installer give me the best value for money?
Sometimes it is true in life that you get what you pay for and the cheapest price may not necessarily be the best overall value for money. When comparing prices always make sure that you receive a written quotation that details the stairlift you’ve chosen, the installation, warranty period, what that warranty includes and the exact price you will pay, to ensure that you can compare on a like for like basis. Make sure you know what aftercare the company will provide if you should ever have a problem with your stairlift and how local the engineer is to you. When choosing a reputable company to install your stairlift look out for the BHTA logo. All BHTA members sign up to a Code of Practice approved by the Office of Fair Trading www.bhta.net
How do I avoid getting a stairlift installed which isn’t suitable for my needs?
We sometimes come across stairlifts that have been installed but aren’t inappropriate for a customer’s specific needs. Always make sure that the stairlift company comes to visit your house, measures your stairs and measures you sitting in a chair to check whether a stairlift will fit your staircase. A reputable company should also ask you questions about your disability/mobility and your future prognosis to make sure your needs will be fully met. If possible, try a stairlift in a showroom near you to make sure that it will meet your expectations. For details of one of our showrooms near you call 08000 19 22 10.
