Stairlifts and home lifts: choosing, funding and fitting in Malta

A straight stairlift runs on a rail along a single straight flight. It is usually the quickest to supply and fit, and straight rails can often be reused or bought refurbished. A curved stairlift follows landings, bends and half-landings on a rail made to fit that particular staircase, which is why it costs more and takes longer to arrive.

Outdoor stairlifts are built for garden steps or a flight up to the front door, with weather-resistant parts and covers. Platform lifts carry a wheelchair user without transferring to a seat, either on an inclined rail along the stairs or as a vertical lift over a few steps.

Stairlifts and inclined platform lifts are made to the European standard BS EN 81-40. Most modern stairlifts run on batteries that charge from the mains, so they can keep working for a while in a power cut.

The occupational therapist looks at how the person moves around the home and may suggest a stairlift, a different type of lift, grab rails, a bed downstairs, or other changes.

An installer's surveyor then checks the staircase itself: its width, the space at the top and bottom, where the rail can be fixed, whether a door or radiator is in the way, and where the charging point goes. Ask for a written quote that names the model, lists the options such as a powered swivel seat or a folding rail, and states the warranty.

Rental suits short-term needs, for example after an operation or where someone's needs are likely to change. Check what the rental includes: installation, servicing, breakdown call-outs and removal at the end. Reconditioned stairlifts can cost less, especially straight ones, but ask how old the unit is, what has been replaced and which warranty applies.

Whichever you choose, ask about servicing: how often it is recommended, the cost after the warranty, how fast breakdowns are attended, and whether there is a buy-back if the lift is no longer needed.

If you agree a contract during a visit at home, you normally have a cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. Goods made to your specifications, such as a curved rail built for your staircase, can be excluded from it, so take time before you sign.

• straight or curved stairs, and any landings or turns
• whether the lift is for indoor stairs, outside steps or between floors
• whether a seat, a standing platform or a wheelchair platform is needed
• whether you own or rent the home, and if the landlord has agreed
• buying new, reconditioned or rental
• the best times and who should be present for the survey

Whether the work needs a development permit from the Planning Authority depends on what is built and where; in apartment blocks, the rules of the condominium also apply. Ask before you commit, and let the business tell you which documents it needs from you.

Electrical installation work is carried out by licensed electricians; ask to see the licence and the certificate for the finished installation. Maltese businesses are registered with the Malta Business Registry, so ask for the company registration and VAT numbers, and check whether the quote includes VAT.

Source: mbr.mt

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