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Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for answers about stairlifts, home lifts or platform lifts? Our FAQs cover everything from costs and installation times to servicing, warranties and accessibility.
Choosing the right lift can seem daunting, especially if it's your first time buying one. We've put together this collection of frequently asked questions to explain the different lift options available, what to expect during installation, and how we support you long after your lift has been fitted. If your question isn't answered below, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Have a question? Call us on 0333 666 4247
General FAQs
Many stairlifts qualify for VAT exemption if they are being supplied to someone with a long-term illness or disability. We'll provide the necessary declaration form to complete if you're eligible. In some cases, people over a certain age may also qualify for a reduced rate of VAT, even if they are not disabled, and we're happy to advise on your options.
Yes. We provide 24-hour emergency breakdown cover, 365 days a year, so help is available whenever you need it. We also offer proactive maintenance contracts to help keep your stairlift running safely and reliably.
Yes. We offer free, no-obligation home surveys carried out by an experienced engineer, not a salesperson. Our surveyor also installs stairlifts, giving you practical, expert advice based on real installation experience rather than a sales pitch.
Yes. We regularly supply high-quality reconditioned stairlifts, subject to availability. Every reconditioned lift is fully inspected, serviced and tested before installation to ensure reliability and safety.
Yes. We offer rental on selected straight stairlifts, subject to availability. This can be a cost-effective solution for short-term needs or temporary mobility requirements. Please visit our Rental Stairlifts page for more information.
Yes. Our experienced engineers can repair and service stairlifts and other mobility lifts, even if they were originally installed by another company. Contact us with the make and model, and we'll do our best to help.
We supply and install a wide range of mobility solutions, including stairlifts, platform lifts, through-floor lifts and stair risers. We'll recommend the most suitable option based on your home, needs and budget.
New stairlifts include the manufacturer's warranty, which may be 12, 24 or 36 months depending on the model. Our reconditioned stairlifts come with a 6-month no-quibble guarantee for added peace of mind.
We provide lift supply, installation, servicing and repairs throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, West Dorset and Bristol. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, simply get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Stairlift FAQs
Yes. We offer rental on selected straight stairlifts, subject to availability. Renting can be an ideal option if you only need a stairlift for a short period following an injury, operation or temporary mobility issue.
Yes. Curved stairlifts are specifically designed to travel around corners, bends and intermediate landings using a custom-made rail that follows the exact layout of your staircase.
Not really. 'Stairlift' is the correct term, but many people refer to them as chairlifts because they consist of a chair that travels up and down the stairs. Both terms generally describe the same product.
Yes. New stairlifts are supplied with a manufacturer's warranty of either 12, 24 or 36 months, depending on the model. All of our reconditioned stairlifts include a 6-month no-quibble guarantee for added peace of mind.
Stairlifts are fixed directly to the staircase, not the wall. This means the wall does not need to be strong enough to support the lift, making installation suitable for most types of property.
No. Stairlifts are securely fixed to the staircase, but when they are removed they usually leave only a few small fixing holes. These can normally be filled and repaired easily, leaving very little evidence that a stairlift was ever installed.
Yes. We regularly service and repair stairlifts installed by other manufacturers and installers. Contact us with the make and model of your stairlift, and we'll be happy to help.
Stairlift batteries typically last between 3 and 5 years before they need replacing, although this depends on usage. They recharge automatically whenever the lift is parked on its charging point using a low-voltage mains supply.
A straight stairlift can usually be installed in just a couple of hours. Curved stairlifts require a custom-made rail, which typically takes around 4–6 weeks to manufacture. Once the rail is ready, installation is normally completed within a few hours.
The cost depends on the type of stairlift you need. Straight stairlifts are the most affordable, with new installations typically starting from around £1,750. Curved stairlifts cost more because they require a bespoke rail made specifically for your staircase. We also offer reconditioned stairlifts at a lower cost, as well as rental options for selected straight stairlifts.
Yes. When the stairlift is not in use, the seat, footrest and armrests fold neatly away, helping to keep the staircase as clear as possible for other members of the household.
Your stairlift will continue to operate using its rechargeable battery if the mains power fails. A fully charged battery will typically provide more than 10 return journeys on a standard straight staircase, giving you plenty of time until power is restored.
Yes, in many cases. We can install curved stairlifts on some spiral staircases using a specially manufactured rail designed to match the shape of the stairs. A home survey is essential to assess whether installation is possible.
Yes. We supply and install curved stairlifts with bespoke rails designed to follow the exact shape of your staircase. We'll carry out a free home survey to take accurate measurements and recommend the best solution.
In most cases, yes. Stairlifts are designed with folding seats, armrests and footrests so they take up minimal space when not in use. Most models require a staircase width of around 28–29 inches (approximately 710–740mm). A free survey will confirm whether your staircase is suitable.
No. Modern stairlifts are designed to operate quietly using smooth, battery-powered DC motors, making them suitable for use at any time of day without causing disruption.
Yes. We recommend having your stairlift serviced annually to keep it operating safely and reliably. We offer proactive maintenance contracts, and our engineers carry a range of common spare parts to resolve many issues during a single visit.
Home Lift FAQs
A home lift can add value to a property by making it more accessible and future-proof. As the population ages and demand for accessible homes continues to grow, properties with well-designed mobility solutions may be more attractive to a wider range of buyers.
Yes. We supply home lifts that are specifically designed to accommodate wheelchair users, providing safe, comfortable and independent access between floors. During your free survey, we'll recommend the most suitable model based on your mobility needs and available space.
In most private homes, planning permission is not required to install a home lift. However, if you rent your property, you'll usually need permission from your landlord or local authority before installation can go ahead.
Most home lift installations are completed within around one week, although this can vary depending on the type of lift and any building work required. We'll explain the installation process and expected timescales during your survey.
Home lifts are designed to be energy efficient, with very low running costs. In normal day-to-day use, they typically add only a small amount to your annual electricity bill, making them an economical long-term mobility solution.
The amount of space required depends on the make and model of the lift, as different manufacturers have slightly different dimensions and installation requirements. During your free home survey, we'll assess your property and recommend the most suitable lift for the available space while keeping structural alterations to a minimum.
Regular servicing is important to keep your home lift operating safely and reliably. We recommend at least one service every year, although twice-yearly servicing is ideal. More frequent servicing allows components such as hydraulic oil levels to be checked and topped up where required, helping to maximise the lift's lifespan and reliability.
Our Terry's hydraulic home lifts are designed with safety in mind. In the event of a power cut, the lift can be safely lowered to the ground floor using the emergency release valve on the hydraulic system, allowing the passenger to exit safely.
A home lift is a compact domestic lift designed to provide safe and convenient access between floors within your home. It offers a practical alternative to a stairlift, particularly for wheelchair users or those who prefer to travel in an enclosed lift. Unlike a traditional passenger lift, a home lift has a much smaller footprint and is designed specifically for residential properties. For a home lift to be considered fully accessible under the Equality Act 2010, the recommended minimum platform size is 1100mm wide by 1400mm deep.
A home lift features an enclosed cabin that travels between floors through a floor aperture, offering a discreet, comfortable and stylish solution for domestic use. A platform lift, by comparison, has an open platform rather than an enclosed cabin and is particularly well suited to wheelchair users. Platform lifts are typically used for shorter vertical travel, such as between one or two floors, and are often installed where space is limited.
Platform Lift FAQs
Yes. We supply platform lifts that are specifically designed for external use and built to withstand the UK's changing weather conditions. We can also provide models suitable for coastal locations, using materials and finishes designed to offer increased resistance to corrosion from salt air and harsh environments.
Yes. Many platform lifts can serve multiple levels, with models available to travel up to four floors. This is more than sufficient for the majority of commercial buildings, schools and public premises throughout the South West.
In most cases, no. Internal platform lift installations are generally considered minor internal alterations and do not require planning permission. However, permission may be required if the building is listed, located within a conservation area, or if the project involves constructing an external lift shaft. If you're unsure, we'll be happy to advise.
Platform lifts are generally much quicker to install than traditional passenger lifts because they require fewer structural alterations and simpler electrical works. Some installations can be completed in as little as 2–3 days, although a typical installation takes around 7–10 days depending on the model, travel distance and site requirements.
The cost of a platform lift depends on several factors, including the lift specification, size, load capacity and the distance it needs to travel. Following a site survey, we'll provide a detailed quotation based on your accessibility requirements and the layout of your building.
The space required depends on the lift model, its load capacity and the height it needs to travel. Most modern platform lifts do not require a separate machine room or a deep lift pit, helping to minimise building work. We'll carry out a site survey to determine the most suitable lift for your building and available space.
Regular servicing is essential to ensure your platform lift remains safe, reliable and compliant. We recommend servicing every six months, allowing our engineers to inspect key components, carry out preventative maintenance and minimise the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
A platform lift is a vertical lift designed to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. They are commonly installed in public, commercial and educational buildings, as well as some domestic properties. Platform lifts can be supplied as either open or enclosed models and are suitable for both internal and external installation, depending on the application.
The platform lifts we supply are available with load capacities ranging from 250kg to 500kg. This allows us to provide solutions suitable for individual users, wheelchair users and applications where additional carrying capacity is required.
Commercial FAQs
Yes. Lifts can often be installed in listed and heritage buildings, although the design and installation require careful planning to protect the character of the property. Platform lifts are frequently the preferred solution because they require minimal structural alterations and generally do not need extensive supporting steelwork or large lift pits. We'll work with you, your architect and, where necessary, the local conservation officer to find the most appropriate accessibility solution.
The most suitable lift depends on the building and how it will be used, but platform lifts are a popular choice for schools and colleges. They provide safe, step-free access for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, helping educational buildings meet accessibility requirements under the Equality Act 2010 and current Building Regulations. Following a site survey, we'll recommend the most practical and cost-effective solution for your premises.
The right lift for a care home depends on the number of residents, how frequently it will be used and whether it needs to carry wheelchairs, beds or equipment. For lifts that are in constant daily use by multiple residents and staff, a commercial passenger lift is generally the most suitable option. Hydraulic home lifts are typically better suited to lower-frequency use or for a single dedicated user rather than serving the demands of a busy care home. We'll assess your requirements and recommend the most reliable, cost-effective solution for your building.
Healthcare settings need safe, reliable and accessible access for all visitors. Platform lifts are often the ideal solution for GP surgeries, dental practices and other medical facilities, providing step-free access for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users and patients with reduced mobility. We can recommend a lift that suits your building while helping you meet accessibility legislation and provide a welcoming environment for everyone.
Commercial lift owners have a responsibility to keep accurate maintenance and servicing records. When we install a new lift, we'll provide a lift log book where all servicing, repairs, inspections and maintenance visits can be recorded. Keeping this information up to date helps demonstrate compliance with maintenance requirements, supports LOLER inspections and provides a complete service history throughout the lift's life.
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