Key Takeaways
- Preparing your home for stairlift installation is simple and usually takes less than 15 minutes.
- You don’t need major home renovations; stairlifts attach to the stairs, not the wall.
- Clearing clutter, ensuring power access, and making space for the engineers are the main tasks.
- Proper preparation helps the installation run smoothly and may reduce installation time.
Short Answer: How do you prepare your home?
Preparing your home mainly involves clearing the staircase and hallway, ensuring easy access to a plug socket, and creating enough space for engineers to work. No structural changes are needed.
Preparing Your Home for Stairlift Installation: Checklist
Installing a stairlift is straightforward, but a few small steps can make the process quicker, safer, and stress-free. This checklist covers everything you need to do beforehand.
1. Clear the Staircase and Hallway
The most important preparation step is ensuring the installation area is free of obstacles.
Remove:
- Shoes
- Bags
- Laundry
- Furniture near the bottom or top of the stairs
- Loose rugs or mats in the hallway
A clear space helps engineers move tools and rail sections safely.
2. Ensure Easy Access to a Power Socket
Stairlifts need a standard plug socket near the top or bottom of the stairs.
Tips:
- You don’t need a new electrical installation in most cases
- If the nearest socket is blocked by furniture, move it beforehand
- If you think you may need an extension point, tell the engineer during the survey
Most providers will advise you during the pre-installation survey if any adjustments are needed.
3. Keep Pets Safely Out of the Way
Pets can be curious around engineers and tools.
Before installation:
- Keep the dogs in another room
- Ensure cats can’t access the stairs
- Make sure small pets (rabbits, tortoises, etc.) are nowhere near the rails or cables
This keeps both the pets and the installers safe.
4. Create Space for Engineers to Work
Engineers need room to carry equipment and rail sections.
Make sure:
- Hallways are clear
- The bottom and top of the staircase have free space
- Any narrow areas are free of clutter
This is especially important for curved rails, which can be longer and more awkward to handle.
5. Move Fragile or Valuable Items
If you have items like:
- Pictures
- Vases
- Glass displays
- Decorative ornaments
- Plant pots
Near the staircase, move them temporarily to avoid accidental bumps.
6. Check for Loose Carpets or Flooring
Loose carpet grips or lifted floor edges can slow installation.
Check:
- The carpet is firmly attached
- No loose boards or protruding nails
- Rugs are removed from the stairs and hallway
If there’s an issue, most installers can work around it, but fixing it in advance speeds up the process.
7. Keep Doors Along the Staircase Clear
If your staircase has doors that open onto the stairs (common in older UK homes):
Check that:
- Doors can open fully
- Nothing blocks the entry
- Engineers have enough room to fit the rail safely
If a handrail or door requires a minor adjustment, the surveyor will advise you in advance.
8. Make Sure You’re Available for Questions
The installer may need to confirm:
- Your preferred chair side (left or right rail)
- Charging point placement
- Stop/start locations
- Seat height
- Remote control positioning
Being present helps ensure the stairlift is installed exactly as you want.
9. Prepare for a Short Safety Demonstration
After installation, the engineer will show you how to:
- Operate the chair
- Use the remote controls
- Fold and unfold the footrest
- Understand safety features
- Recognise warning beeps or error lights
Make sure you have a few minutes available for this demonstration.
10. Don’t Worry About the Technical Side
You don’t need to:
- Drill holes
- Disconnect anything
- Move sockets
- Modify walls
- Remove bannisters (unless advised during survey)
Stairlifts attach to the steps, not the wall, so installation is clean and minimally disruptive.
Printable Checklist
- Clear the staircase and hallway
- Move furniture near the top and bottom of the stairs
- Ensure access to a plug socket
- Keep pets away
- Clear space for engineer access
- Move fragile items
- Secure carpets and flooring
- Keep doors accessible
- Be available for questions
- Allow time for a safety demonstration
Conclusion
Preparing your home for stairlift installation is quick and easy. By clearing space, ensuring power access, and creating a safe working area, you help engineers install your stairlift efficiently, often in just a couple of hours. With minimal preparation, your home will be ready for safe, smooth installation.