Expert Stairlift Installation in Mount Lebanon, PA

Most straight-rail installs in Mount Lebanon take about three hours from arrival to demo. Curved rails, because the rail was already factory-bent from the earlier laser measurement, add about an hour. The process: Luis and the team arrive, lay down drop cloths, bolt the rail to the stair treads (never the wall), mount the chair, run the power to the nearest outlet along the baseboard, test the lift, and walk you through the controls. No drywall work, no repainting, no construction debris.

No. The rail bolts directly into the stair treads — not into the wall, not into the banister, not into the wainscoting. The mounting brackets are narrow and sit flush against the tread surface. On the 1920s oak staircases in Virginia Manor and Sunset Hills, the bolt holes are small enough that if you ever remove the lift, a bit of wood filler makes them invisible. The original newel posts, handrails, and wall trim stay untouched.

Yes. The seat and armrests fold up when not in use, leaving about 16 to 18 inches of clear walking width on the stairs — enough for anyone to pass. For stairs narrower than 28 inches across, we spec a slim-rail model that hugs the wall even tighter. Mount Lebanon's 1920s-era center-hall colonials often have staircases right at the 30-to-32-inch mark, which is no problem for a standard install.

No. Stairlifts are classified as temporary home modifications in Pennsylvania, not structural alterations. They bolt to the treads and plug into a standard wall outlet — no electrical permit, no building permit, no zoning variance. The entire install is reversible, which is why the township doesn't regulate it. If your HOA has rules about exterior modifications and you're considering an outdoor unit, we can provide spec sheets for architectural review.

Yes — through the HISA (Home Improvements and Structural Alterations) grant. Service-connected veterans can receive up to $6,800; non-service-connected veterans can receive up to $2,000. The grant is one-time, tax-free, and never needs to be repaid. The nearest VA facility that processes HISA applications is the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive Campus in Oakland (about 7 miles from Mount Lebanon). Luis has helped dozens of local veterans with the two-page HISA application — the key document is the medical-necessity statement from your VA primary care provider.

Yes — through the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver, administered by Pennsylvania's Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL). The CHC waiver covers home adaptations, including stairlifts, for Medicaid-eligible adults who meet the nursing-facility level of care. You must be enrolled in a CHC managed care plan (UPMC Community HealthChoices, AmeriHealth Caritas, or PA Health & Wellness). The process starts with an assessment through the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging at 412-350-4234.

The Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging (2100 Wharton Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203) administers the OPTIONS program for residents 60 and older who want to stay in their homes. OPTIONS is state-funded — not Medicaid — and may cover home modifications including stairlifts based on assessed need. Income limits apply, but they're higher than Medicaid thresholds. Start with SeniorLine at 412-350-5460 to request an in-home assessment. Additionally, the county's Whole-Home Repairs Program, run through ACTION-Housing, offers grants for disability-related home modifications to qualifying homeowners.

We offer in-house financing starting at $79 a month with approved credit — no down payment required. The terms are simple: fixed rate, no prepayment penalty, no balloon payment at the end. Many Mount Lebanon families combine financing with other funding sources — for example, using a VA HISA grant for part of the cost and financing the remainder. Luis walks through every option at the free assessment so you know exactly what you'd pay each month before making any commitment.