Stairlift Home Survey: What Happens and What to Ask
Stairlift Home Survey: What Happens and What to Ask
Before a stairlift is quoted for and fitted, someone has to see your stairs. Knowing what the visit involves makes it much less daunting.
Last checked: 6 November 2026.
Is it free?
Which? says the surveyor's feasibility study should be free. Acorn describes its home survey as free, with no obligation, and says it takes about an hour.
What the surveyor checks
According to Which?, the surveyor will check:
whether your stairs are wide enough
for a seated stairlift, whether there's room for your knees
how you manage the controls and seatbelt, physically and mentally
They'll also work out whether you need a straight or curved stairlift. Our guide to straight vs curved stairlifts explains the difference.
Do you also need an occupational therapist?
Which? recommends an occupational therapy (OT) assessment before buying, to check a stairlift will suit you now and later. You need enough mobility to get on and off the seat and enough dexterity to use the controls. You can ask for an OT assessment through your council's social services, or privately via the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. If you're hoping for council help, an assessment is usually the first step: see stairlift grants in Essex.
Questions worth asking
Does the quote include VAT, and has any VAT relief been applied?
What does the price cover: the stairlift, fitting, any wiring and a warranty?
Is any structural work needed, such as an extra power point? Which? says this can add time.
How long until it can be fitted?
What happens if I decide not to go ahead?
After the survey
You should get a written quote you can think about in your own time. It's a good idea to compare it with another, using the same VAT basis, before you decide.
If you'd like a figure for your own stairs, you can request a free stairlift quote and Acorn will contact you to arrange a free home survey. There's no obligation.
Sources
Essex Home Support doesn't fit stairlifts. We've partnered with Acorn Stairlifts and may receive a fee if you go ahead after being referred by us. Prices, rules and grants change, so check the current details with the organisations linked below. This is general information, not advice.
