Getting a stair lift installed is an exciting step toward safer, more comfortable living at home. Before our team arrives to do the work, though, a little preparation on your end can make the whole process go more smoothly and help you feel confident from day one. Here is a practical walkthrough of what to think about in each part of your home before installation day.
Start With the Staircase Itself
This is the heart of the project, so give it some attention first. Walk your stairs and look for anything that might be in the way: loose carpet edges, decorative items on the steps, or objects stored on any of the treads. Clear everything off completely. If you have a stair runner held down by rods, let us know ahead of time so we can talk through whether any adjustments are needed.
Also take a look at the wall beside the staircase. The rail for a stair lift is mounted to the stairs themselves rather than the wall, but our installers will need clear working room on both sides. A good rule of thumb is to make sure there is nothing leaning against the wall or sitting at the base of the stairs that could get in the way.
Prepare the Top and Bottom Landings
The areas where the stair lift begins and ends matter just as much as the steps in between. At the bottom of the stairs, clear a few feet of floor space so you can get on and off the unit comfortably and so our technicians have room to work. The same goes for the top landing. If there is a door at either end that swings toward the stairs, let us know during your consultation so we can account for it.
Many of our customers in places like Springfield, Ohio, and Lancaster, Ohio, live in older homes with narrower hallways at the top of the stairs. If that sounds familiar, just give the space an honest look and flag any tight spots when you talk with us.
Think About the Electrical Setup
Most stair lifts run on standard household current and charge through a plug near the base of the rail. Before installation day, confirm that there is an accessible outlet near the bottom of your stairs. If there is not one, or if the nearest outlet is behind furniture, it is worth having an electrician take a look in advance. We can point you in the right direction if you are not sure what to look for.
Clear a Path Through Your Home
Our installers will be carrying equipment in and moving between floors. A clear path from your front door to the staircase saves time and prevents accidental bumps along the way. Move any rugs that tend to bunch or slip, shift furniture that narrows a hallway, and make sure pets are safely out of the work area for the day. Customers in Anderson, Indiana, Muncie, Indiana, and Lexington, Kentucky, as well as those in surrounding areas, often tell us this simple step made the whole visit feel much less disruptive.
A Few Last Things to Have Ready
It helps to have someone home who can answer questions and, if needed, make small decisions on the spot. Know where your electrical panel is in case a breaker needs to be identified. And if there are any special considerations about your home, such as a curved staircase, a very steep pitch, or a landing that opens directly into a living area, jot those down so you can share them with our team.
If you have not already had a consultation, this is also a great time to think about where you want the controls positioned and whether you would prefer a folding seat or any other options. The more we know ahead of time, the more smoothly installation day goes.
We Are Here to Help Every Step of the Way
At Custom Home Elevator, we have helped people throughout most of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana find the right stair lift and get it installed without stress. We offer free quotes, carry a wide selection of respected brands, and our team handles service and maintenance long after installation day is behind you. Whether you are in Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, or anywhere in between, we want this to be a simple, positive experience.
If you have questions about getting ready for your installation, or if you are just starting to explore your options, please give us a call or drop us an email. We are glad to help.
