What Happens During a Stairlift Home Survey?

Yes, for virtually every reputable stairlift supplier. A home survey should always be free and without obligation. If a company asks you to pay for a survey, treat that as a warning sign - all established UK stairlift companies include this as standard.

The survey usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour. You do not need to make any decisions on the day, and you should not be pressured to sign anything. If a surveyor gives you a verbal quote and then suggests the price will go up if you do not sign immediately, that is a sales tactic rather than a genuine offer.

The main job of the survey is to measure your staircase accurately enough to specify the right lift and - for curved stairlifts - to manufacture a bespoke rail. The surveyor will typically measure:

• The length of the staircase and the height of each step
• The width of the staircase at the narrowest point
• The angle of incline
• The position and number of any bends, turns, or landings
• The location of any obstructions - radiators, doors, light switches, pipework - that might affect the rail route or where the lift parks at the top and bottom

Some companies now use 3D scanning technology rather than manual tape measures. Handicare, for example, uses a PhotoSurvey 3D system to produce accurate digital measurements. Either approach should produce the same result - a specification accurate enough to manufacture the right rail without surprises on installation day.

A good surveyor does not just measure the stairs. They also need to understand who will be using the lift and how. Expect questions like:

• Can you bend your knees comfortably when sitting down? This determines whether a standard seat or a perch seat is more suitable.
• Do you use a walking frame or stick? This affects how much space is needed at the top and bottom of the stairs.
• Will anyone else in the house use the lift? If so, remote controls at both ends become more useful.
• Are you able to operate the lift independently, or will you need assistance?
• Do you have any conditions affecting grip, vision, or balance that might influence which controls work best for you?

The surveyor may ask you to sit in a standard chair so they can take measurements from your seated position - leg length, seated height, and posture. This helps them confirm which seat and carriage size is the right fit.

Based on the staircase measurements and your needs, the surveyor will recommend either a straight or curved stairlift, a specific seat type, and a set of features. They should explain the reasoning behind each recommendation rather than just presenting a product.

A few things to listen for:

• Why they are recommending a particular model over others
• Whether there are any constraints on your staircase that limit the options
• What happens at the top and bottom of the stairs - where the lift parks, how you dismount safely
• Whether a powered swivel seat is recommended and why

If the surveyor cannot explain why they are recommending a specific model, that is worth noting. A good surveyor will be able to discuss alternatives and help you understand the trade-offs.

Most surveyors give a verbal quote at the end of the visit, with a written version to follow by email or post. Before they leave, ask:

• Is installation included in this price?
• What does the warranty cover and for how long?
• Are there any additional costs not included here?
• How long is this quote valid for?
• What is the expected timeline from order to installation?

When the written quote arrives, check that it matches what was discussed. The quote should list the model, any optional extras, the warranty terms, and the installation date or timeline. If the written quote is different from the verbal one, ask why before proceeding.

Most stairlift surveys are straightforward, but there are a few patterns worth knowing about:

• Pressure to sign on the day. A reputable company will give you time to think. Phrases like "this price is only available today" are sales tactics.
• No company ID on arrival. The surveyor should introduce themselves and show identification. If they do not offer it, ask.
• No written quote. Any serious supplier will follow up in writing. A verbal quote alone is not enough to compare properly.
• No mention of VAT relief. If you have a chronic illness or disability, you should not be charged VAT on a stairlift. A good surveyor will flag this automatically. If they do not, ask.
• A quote that seems unusually low. Occasionally a low initial quote excludes installation or uses a basic model that is then upgraded during the sales process.

You do not need to do much preparation - that is the point of the survey. A few things make the visit go more smoothly:

• Clear the staircase of any items stored on the stairs or landing before the surveyor arrives
• Have a list of questions ready - write them down beforehand so you do not forget anything under pressure
• Know whether you are looking to buy, rent, or compare both options
• Have a rough budget in mind, so the surveyor can focus recommendations accordingly
• If you are arranging the survey on behalf of someone else, it helps if the person who will use the lift is present for the user assessment part of the visit