1. Will you measure my staircase in person before quoting?
The only honest quote follows an in-home measurement. A company that prices over the phone is guessing — and the guess always seems to grow once they see your stairs. Free in-home assessment with real measurements is the industry standard for reputable dealers. Accept nothing less.
2. What exactly does the warranty cover, and for how long?
"Warranty included" means nothing until you know the details: how many years, what parts are covered, whether labor is included, and who performs warranty service. A warranty honored by a local technician you can call is worth far more than a longer warranty administered by a distant call center. Get it in writing.
3. Who services the lift after installation?
This is the question that separates real stairlift companies from box-movers. When your lift beeps at 8pm on a Tuesday, who comes? A local company with its own technicians, or a national outfit dispatching whoever is available? Ask for the service number and the typical response time — then judge whether you believe the answer.
4. Is installation included in the quoted price?
It should be, and the quote should say so explicitly. "Plus installation" is where surprise fees breed. Also ask what installation involves for your stairs specifically: how long it takes, whether they protect your floors, and what happens to the packaging and old parts.
5. What happens if the lift needs repairs in a year?
Beyond warranty: what does a service visit cost? Are parts readily available for this model, or is it an import with a six-week parts pipeline? Do they offer a maintenance plan? The answers tell you what ownership really looks like after the excitement of installation day fades.
6. Can I see the lift operate before I decide?
You should be able to see and preferably try the actual model — its seat comfort, its noise level, how the swivel feels. A company confident in its product welcomes this. Evasiveness here is a red flag.
7. What is your removal policy?
Even if you never need it, the answer reveals character. A company that removes lifts cleanly and restores stairs — and can quote you that service — is a company that stands behind the full lifecycle, not just the sale. Ours does; ask us about stairlift removal.
Ask us all seven. We will answer every one plainly — call (301) 679-9193.