Stairlift Buying Checklist — 25 Items, Printable (2026)

Print this page. Use Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac). Check off each item as you complete it. If you are comparing two or more installers, print one copy per installer and compare side-by-side.

Before You Call (Items 1-5)

• 1. Know your staircase type. Straight ($2,500-$5,500) / Curved ($9,000-$15,000) / Outdoor ($3,500-$7,500) / Not sure.
• 2. Know the rider's weight (fully dressed). Over 275 lb = 400 lb model needed (+$300-$600). Over 400 lb = specialty bariatric unit.
• 3. Check your funding eligibility. Veteran? VA HISA: up to $6,800. Medicaid? HCBS waivers in 47 states. Itemize taxes? Full cost deductible under Pub 502.
• 4. Locate the nearest electrical outlet. Grounded 120V within 6 feet of staircase base? Yes = no electrical work. No = budget for electrician.
• 5. Commit to at least two quotes. Written, itemized, with 30-day price holds. Not verbal estimates.

During the Assessment (Items 6-10)

• 6. Ask for the state contractor license number. Right: a specific number you can verify online. Wrong: "We don't need one for this type of work."
• 7. Ask for proof of $1M+ general liability insurance. Right: "I'll send you a Certificate of Insurance." Wrong: "We're covered, don't worry about it."
• 8. Ask if they carry workers' compensation. Right: "Yes, it's on the COI." Wrong: "Our guys are subcontractors." Without WC, installer injury in your home is your liability.
• 9. Ask if they are an authorized dealer for the brand quoted. Right: "Yes, here's the dealer number." Wrong: "We install all brands" without specifying authorization.
• 10. Ask who answers the phone at 2am on a Sunday. Right: "24/7 emergency dispatch." Wrong: "Call our office Monday." Monday is not acceptable when the rider is stranded.

About the Equipment (Items 11-15)

• 11. Confirm exact make and model. "Bruno Elite SRE-2010" is specific. "A quality stairlift" is a red flag.
• 12. Confirm weight capacity. Rated capacity should exceed rider's dressed weight by at least 25 lb.
• 13. Confirm battery backup with DC drive. Every 2026 unit should have dual 12V batteries. AC-only = obsolete.
• 14. Ask about rail warranty. Bruno, Handicare, Stannah, Harmar all offer lifetime. Less than lifetime = secondary or unbranded rail.
• 15. Ask what safety sensors are included. Standard 2026: seat-present, footrest obstacle (both sides), soft-start/stop, emergency stop, top and bottom remotes.

About the Price (Items 16-20)

• 16. Get a written, itemized quote. Must break out: equipment, rail, labor, electrical, total. Single lump number = pricing red flag.
• 17. Confirm no hidden fees. Ask explicitly: travel fee? Assessment fee? Permit fee? Training fee? Service plan? All should be no.
• 18. Confirm price hold of at least 30 days. 48-hour or "this week only" = high-pressure sales, not fair pricing.
• 19. Ask about financing terms separately. Cash price AND financed price as two numbers. APR, term, total paid. "$79/month" means nothing without APR and term.
• 20. Compare against fair price ranges. Straight: $2,500-$5,500. Curved: $9,000-$15,000. Outdoor: +10-25%. Outside these ranges = get a second opinion.

After Install (Items 21-25)

• 21. Get all warranty documents in writing. Manufacturer warranty card, installer labor warranty terms, emergency phone number. All before signing completion form.
• 22. Watch the full safety test. Seat-present sensor, footrest obstacle sensor, soft-start, soft-stop, emergency stop, remote-call from both ends. If they skip it, make them do it.
• 23. Complete hands-on training. The rider (not just family) rides up and down at least 3 times unassisted with installer watching.
• 24. Keep the invoice for tax purposes. Full cost is a qualified medical expense under IRS Publication 502. Keep physician prescription too.
• 25. Schedule first maintenance check. Mark calendar for 12 months. Battery check, rail wipe, swivel test -- 20 minutes extends life by years.

Frequently Asked Questions