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Stairlift Estimate Checklist: Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Stairlift Estimate Checklist: How to Prepare and What to Ask

Buying a stairlift is a big decision, and a little preparation helps you get an accurate quote and compare companies with confidence. Use this checklist before your estimate, whether you’re meeting with Bedco Mobility or anyone else.

Download Printable Checklist (PDF)

The printable version includes a side-by-side grid for comparing two companies, plus room for notes.

1. About the Person Who Will Use the Stairlift

  • Approximate height and weight (some models are rated for up to 400 lbs.)
  • Can they sit and stand without help, or would a power swivel seat make getting on and off easier?
  • Do they use a cane, walker, or rollator? Is one needed at the top and bottom of the stairs?
  • Any hip, knee, or back limitations that affect how they sit or bend?
  • Any hand or grip limitations that affect the controls (joystick, button, or remote)?
  • Will anyone else in the home use the stairs or the stairlift?
  • Is this a long-term need, or short-term (for example, after surgery)?

2. About Your Stairs and Home

  • Is the staircase straight, or does it have a turn, landing, or curve?
  • Is there an electrical outlet near the top or bottom of the stairs?
  • If there’s no outlet near the stairs, plan for an electrician to add one. It’s a common, simple job, and we’ll let you know at your estimate if it’s needed.
  • Where should the chair park when it’s not in use, so others can use the stairs?
  • Are there doorways, hallways, or furniture at the top or bottom landing?
  • Is there a second staircase (basement, split-level) or outdoor steps that may also need a lift?
  • Take photos of the staircase from the bottom and from the top. This helps with virtual estimates.

3. Questions to Ask Any Stairlift Company

Not all stairlift companies are the same. These questions help you compare quotes fairly.

  • Who will install it? Your own employees, or subcontractors?
  • Are your technicians factory-certified on the brand you’re selling?
  • Are you licensed to install stairlifts in my state?
  • How long have you been in business in this area?
  • How long have your sales and service staff been with the company?
  • Is installation included in the price, or is it extra?
  • Which brands do you sell, and why?
  • What’s the warranty on the motor, rail, and parts? Is labor covered, and is there a travel charge for service calls?
  • Who handles service if something goes wrong, and how fast do you respond?
  • Are maintenance plans or extended warranties available?
  • Do you have a local office and showroom where I can try a stairlift?
  • Do I pay in full up front, or only a deposit until it’s installed?
  • Do you offer used, rental, or financing options?
  • How soon can you install, and how long does installation take?
  • If I move or no longer need it, can you remove or relocate the stairlift, or buy it back?
  • What do your reviews say? Check Google and the BBB, not just testimonials on the company’s own website.
  • Are you a member of industry associations such as AEMA (Accessibility Equipment Manufacturers Association), which keeps members current on safety codes?

How Bedco Mobility answers these questions:

  • Every stairlift is installed by our own factory-certified employees. We never use subcontractors.
  • We’re licensed in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, and we’ve been a family-operated local company since 1912, now in our third generation.
  • Many of our team members have been with Bedco for years. You’ll work with experienced people, not new hires reading a script.
  • Installation is always included in your stairlift price.
  • We sell only Stannah and Bruno. We’re a Stannah Triple Diamond dealer and Maryland’s oldest continuous Bruno dealer.
  • New stairlifts come with a lifetime motor warranty, and curved Stannah models add a lifetime rail warranty. Every new installation includes 2 years of labor coverage, including the travel charge.
  • Our GPS-tracked service vehicles usually respond within one business day, and maintenance plans are available.
  • Try six working stairlifts at our Baltimore showroom. Walk-ins are welcome.
  • Straight stairlifts need only a small deposit. Curved stairlifts are custom-built, so they require a larger deposit. On every stairlift, you pay the balance after installation.
  • Reconditioned stairlifts, rentals, and no-interest financing are available.
  • Straight stairlifts are often installed within the same week as your estimate.
  • We buy back stairlifts, and we relocate them if you move or if you sell or donate yours to a friend or family member.
  • We’re rated 4.7 stars from 65 Google reviews. Read what your neighbors say.
  • We’re proud members of AEMA, NAEC, and NMEDA (QAP accredited), and HomeAdvisor Top Rated.

4. Budget and Payment Questions

  • What’s my comfortable budget range?
  • Would a certified reconditioned stairlift work for my stairs?
  • Does a rental make more sense for a short-term need?
  • Is no-interest financing available?
  • Am I a veteran who may qualify for VA home modification grants?
  • Does my long-term care insurance cover home modifications?
  • Can the company provide documentation for reimbursement?

Note: Standard Medicare does not cover stairlifts. See our guide on Medicare and stairlifts.

5. Before You Sign

  • Is the quote itemized in writing, with installation included?
  • Do I know whether I’ll need any other work, such as an outlet near the stairs?
  • Do I understand the warranty terms, including labor coverage?
  • Do I know the deposit amount and when the balance is due?
  • Do I know the installation date and how long it will take?
  • Will the installer demonstrate the lift and train me before leaving?
  • Do I have the phone number to call for service?
  • Have I tried a working stairlift in person?

Download Printable Checklist (PDF)

Ready for Your Free Estimate?

Our in-home estimates take 30–45 minutes, and virtual appointments are available. There’s no cost, no obligation, and no pressure.

Schedule My Free Estimate
Call (410) 825-1440

Bedco Mobility · Showroom: 1510 Serpentine Rd., Baltimore, MD 21209 · Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm · Walk-ins welcome
Baltimore (410) 825-1440 · Washington (301) 585-0700 · N. Virginia (703) 998-0178