Are there any costs involved for the removal of my stairlift?

Stairlift removal may involve a charge, but there is no standard fee for every installation. The cost depends on the type of stairlift, its condition, the staircase and access to the property, and whether Independent Stairlifts is purchasing the stairlift as part of a collection arrangement. Any removal charge, or any deduction from an agreed purchase offer, should be explained and agreed before work begins.

If you are selling your used stairlift to Independent Stairlifts, removal may be included within the purchase and collection arrangements. This is assessed on an individual basis rather than guaranteed for every stairlift. The value of the equipment, the work required to remove it and the cost of collecting it may all be considered when the offer is prepared.

A separate charge is more likely where you only want the stairlift removed and are not selling it. In this situation, the service may involve:

• Travelling to the property and assessing access requirements
• Disconnecting the stairlift safely from its electrical supply
• Removing the rail, carriage, charging points and other components
• Carrying the equipment from the property
• Loading, transporting or disposing of parts that cannot be reused

The type and layout of the stairlift can also affect the work involved. A straight stairlift is generally more straightforward to remove than a curved stairlift, which may have a made-to-measure rail and additional sections. Outdoor stairlifts can require extra care because of their exposure to weather and the condition of their fixings. Restricted access, multiple floors, difficult parking or a stairlift that has been unused for a long period may also affect the assessment.

The condition of the stairlift is relevant as well. If the equipment is complete, accessible and suitable for resale, its value may help offset the removal and collection work. If it is damaged, incomplete, heavily worn or an obsolete model, removal may still be possible but a purchase offer may not be available. In some cases, the cost of removing the equipment can exceed its resale value.

Removal normally covers taking out the stairlift and its associated fittings. It does not necessarily include repairing or redecorating the staircase afterwards. Fixing holes, touching up paint, replacing carpet or carrying out other cosmetic work should be discussed separately, as these items may not form part of the removal service.

For safety reasons, you should not attempt to uninstall the stairlift yourself or ask an unqualified person to do so. A stairlift is connected to an electrical supply and can be heavy or awkward to handle, particularly on a narrow staircase. Professional removal also reduces the risk of damage to the equipment, walls, stairs and flooring.

Before arranging the work, provide details of the stairlift, its location, its condition and whether it is a straight, curved or outdoor model. Photographs can help with an initial assessment, although an accurate decision may require further information or an inspection. Before accepting the arrangements, confirm whether removal is included, whether transport or disposal is covered, and whether any additional work could result in a charge.

Independent Stairlifts will explain the proposed arrangements before removal takes place, so you can make an informed decision about selling, collecting or simply removing your stairlift.