What Happens During Your Free Stairlift Assessment
Before the Visit: What to Prepare
The assessment works best when you do three things ahead of time:
- Clear the staircase. Move shoes, bags, runners, or anything stored on the steps. The installer needs unobstructed access to every tread and the wall on both sides.
- Have the primary rider present. The installer needs to evaluate weight, seated height, and mobility range. If the rider is hospitalized, the staircase measurement can be done first and the rider evaluation scheduled separately.
- Gather insurance or benefits information. If the rider is a veteran, has Medicaid, or has Medicare Advantage, bring the relevant card or policy number. This lets the installer check funding eligibility on-site.
The 45-Minute Visit, Phase by Phase
The installer uses a laser measure to record tread depth, riser height, total stair width (wall-to-wall or wall-to-railing), landing dimensions, and clearance at top and bottom. For curved staircases, they also measure turn angles, intermediate landings, and any obstructions (radiators, doorways, railings) that affect rail routing.
This data determines three things: whether the staircase needs a straight or curved rail, which models physically fit, and where the rail will park at top and bottom without blocking doorways or hallways.
The stairlift charging station needs a standard 120V outlet within 6 feet of the rail parking position. The installer checks outlet proximity, grounding status, and circuit availability. If a new outlet is needed, they note the location and estimated cost ($150-$350 for a licensed electrician).
The installer asks the primary rider about their weight, standing and seated height, arm and leg mobility, any conditions affecting balance or transfer (getting on and off the seat), and whether they use a walker, cane, or wheelchair at the top or bottom of the stairs.
This determines weight capacity rating (standard 300 lb, heavy-duty 400 lb, or bariatric 600 lb), whether powered swivel is necessary (it is if the rider cannot twist to face the landing), and seat height adjustment.
The installer reviews available funding options based on the rider's situation:
- Veterans: VA HISA grant (up to $6,800 service-connected, up to $2,000 non-service-connected)
- Medicaid: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver for home modifications
- Medicare Advantage: Some plans cover durable medical equipment including stairlifts
- State programs: State-specific home modification grants for seniors and disabled residents
- IRS deduction: Medical expense deduction if prescribed by a physician (Publication 502)
The installer writes the quote on-site: specific brand and model, rail type and length, capacity, included options, installed price, warranty terms, and estimated installation date. You hold the paper before they leave.
After the Visit: Your Options
The written quote is valid for 30 days. No deposit holds the price. We recommend:
- Get 2-3 quotes from different companies for comparison
- Check funding eligibility with your benefits office
- Discuss the recommendation privately with the primary rider — without the installer present
- Read our buyer's guide to understand what to compare across quotes
We follow up once by phone or email to answer questions. If you do not respond, we close the file. No second calls, no recurring emails, no mailers.
Guarantees
Frequently Asked Questions
45 minutes for a straight staircase, up to 60 minutes for curved staircases with multiple turns or complex configurations. The extra time is spent measuring turn angles and landing dimensions for the custom rail fabrication order.
A licensed installer from our network — not a salesperson. They carry active state contractor licensing, $2M liability insurance, and manufacturer certification. You receive their name, photo, and license number before the appointment.
The staircase measurement can be completed without the rider. However, the model recommendation requires evaluating the rider's weight, height, and mobility directly. If the rider is unavailable (hospitalized, out of town), the installer completes the staircase portion and schedules a brief follow-up for the rider evaluation.
We still recommend the full assessment. Your preferred model may not fit your staircase dimensions, or a different model may be a better fit for reasons you would not know without a professional measurement. The assessment confirms or corrects your choice at no cost.
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Free in-home assessment within 24 hours. No pressure, no obligation.