Outdoor stairlift for front steps and garden flights

Outdoor models have weather-resistant finishes, sealed controls and a waterproof cover for the chair when parked. The rail and carriage are designed for water, frost and temperature changes, and the seat material has to cope with sun and rain. Straight and curved versions exist; curved outdoor rails are made to fit the route, like indoor ones.

The route matters more outside. Steps are often uneven, cracked or built of different materials over the years. The rail is usually fixed into the steps or into posts, so the surveyor checks that the steps are sound enough. Repairs to loose or crumbling steps may be needed first, and they are not usually part of the lift installer's work.

The lift charges from a mains supply, usually at one end of the rail. Outside, that means an outdoor socket or connection suitable for the conditions. If a new circuit from the consumer unit is needed, that is notifiable electrical work in England, to be done by a registered electrician who can certify it or notified to Building Control. Ask the installer whether the price includes the supply or whether you need your own electrician.

• the model and its weather protection, including the cover
• rail route and how it is fixed to steps, walls or posts
• any repairs needed to the steps beforehand, and by whom
• parking positions at the top and bottom, and gate or door clearance
• power supply position and who installs it
• servicing interval and what the warranty excludes outdoors

If the steps belong to a building with flats, or are shared with neighbours, you will need the consent of the freeholder or the other owners before anything is fixed to them. Tenants need their landlord's written agreement. Leaseholders should check the lease, because external alterations are often controlled.

A rail on the front steps is visible from the street. If the house is listed, alterations that affect its character need listed building consent, so ask the council first. In a conservation area, it is worth checking with the council's planning team too. An installer who works outdoors regularly should be used to these questions.

A Disabled Facilities Grant can cover improving access into the home and to the garden, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, if the council agrees the work is necessary and appropriate. Apply to the council and wait for approval before any work starts.

VAT relief under Notice 701/7 applies to stairlifts supplied to a chronically sick or disabled person for their own use, outdoors as well as indoors, with a signed declaration. For people aged 60 or over who do not qualify on those grounds, the reduced rate of VAT applies when a stairlift is supplied and installed in their home.

Outdoor lifts need their cover used and the rail kept clear of leaves, grit and snow. Ask what servicing interval the manufacturer recommends outdoors, what the warranty excludes, and how breakdowns are attended in winter. Ramps are sometimes an alternative for a small number of steps; an occupational therapist can advise on what suits the person.

Tell us how many steps there are, whether they are straight or turn, who owns them and where the nearest power is, and confirm your phone number and email address. Installers in your area see the request without your contact details, and exactly one installer can buy it; then it leaves our list. We email you the installer's name, address and phone number before your details are shared. The service is free for you, no installer has to take it, and unsold requests are withdrawn after 21 days. Offrano checks registration, not products or service.