Installing a stairlift can be genuinely life-changing – more independence, more peace of mind, and a safer home. But it helps to know exactly what the process involves before it starts. Here’s what to expect, from your first survey through to the finished installation.

The Initial Home Survey

The process starts with a professional assessment. One of our team will visit your home to measure your staircase, talk through your needs, and confirm the best type of lift for your situation – straight, curved, narrow, or outdoor.

This visit is free and completely no-obligation, and we can usually arrange it within a few days. It’s the only way to get a genuinely accurate recommendation and quote, rather than a guess over the phone.

Choosing the Right Stairlift

Once the survey’s done, you’ll get a clear recommendation based on your staircase and your budget. The main things that affect your choice are:

Straight vs. curved staircase
Seat style and safety features
New vs. reconditioned
Whether you’d rather buy or rent

On price: at Top Flight, new straight stairlifts start from £2,100, reconditioned from £1,100, and curved from £6,000, since every curved rail is custom-built to your exact staircase. If upfront cost is a concern, rental starts at just £600.

Preparing for Installation

Once you’ve agreed on the model, a straight stairlift is typically ready to fit within a couple of days – a curved rail takes longer to manufacture, since it’s built specifically for your staircase.

Installation itself is a clean, non-invasive process. Most straight installs take under two hours. The rail is fitted to the stair treads, not the wall, so there’s no major structural work and no mess left behind.

The Day of Installation

Our engineer arrives with everything needed to complete the job in one visit. You can expect:

A clear explanation of what’s happening, step by step
Minimal disruption to your home
A full safety check before the stairlift is used
A proper handover, so you’re confident using it before we leave

That handover covers folding and parking the seat, using the remote controls, and operating the seatbelt safely – so nobody’s left guessing afterwards.

Aftercare and Support

A reputable provider doesn’t install a stairlift and disappear. Every new stairlift comes with a minimum 12-month manufacturer’s warranty, and we guarantee to attend within 24 hours if anything goes wrong. An extended warranty beyond that first year, from £215, includes an annual service alongside cover for major breakdowns.

Keeping Costs Manageable

Rental can offer real savings if you only need a stairlift temporarily – during recovery from surgery, for example. It’s also worth checking whether you’re eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant or VAT relief, both of which can bring the cost down further. Many people are surprised to find they qualify for more support than they expected.

Ready to find out what’s involved for your own staircase? Book your free home survey today.