Introduction
A home lift is one of the largest purchases most homeowners make. The market includes excellent products from reputable companies — and some that are overpriced, poorly specified, or inadequately supported after installation. Working through this checklist before committing to any supplier protects you from the pitfalls and ensures the lift you buy actually suits your home and your long-term needs.
1. Get a Free Survey Before Any Commitment
No accurate quote is possible without a home survey. The installation cost depends on the specific location within the property, the floor structure (joists, services, finishes), access for the installation team, and the structural condition of the floor. Any supplier who quotes a firm price without visiting the property is guessing. Get at least two or three survey-based quotes from reputable companies before making any decision.
3. Ask About Drive System Options
Different drive systems have different implications for space requirements, maintenance, noise, and cost. Rack-and-pinion (Stiltz, Aritco) requires no machine room. Hydraulic requires a machine room but offers a smooth ride. Screw-and-nut is compact and battery-capable. Pneumatic vacuum is distinctive but premium-priced. Ask specifically which drive type is being proposed and why it is recommended for your property.
4. Confirm Safety Standard Compliance
The lift must comply with BS 5900 (the British Standard for domestic lifts) and the UK Machinery Safety Regulations. Ask the supplier for documentation confirming compliance. Any supplier who cannot provide this should not be used. LOLER (ongoing inspection) requirements apply regardless of which product is chosen — confirm the supplier offers or can arrange LOLER-compliant inspection.
5. Check Warranty Terms in Writing
Ask for the warranty document before signing. Confirm: how many years it covers, whether parts and labour are both included, whether the motor and control board are specifically covered, what service obligations are required to maintain validity, and whether warranty claims require an approved engineer. A verbal warranty summary is not sufficient.
6. Understand Aftercare and Response Times
A home lift used daily is essential mobility infrastructure. What happens when it breaks down? Is there a 24-hour emergency call-out? How quickly will an engineer attend? Is emergency call-out covered under the service plan or charged separately? The answer to these questions matters more in practice than almost anything else about aftercare quality.
7. Check VAT Exemption Eligibility
If you or anyone in your household has a qualifying chronic illness or disability, the purchase and installation of a home lift qualifies for zero VAT under HMRC Notice 701/7. On a £20,000 installation, this saves £4,000. This is not applied automatically — you must declare eligibility at the time of purchase. Check with every supplier before a quote is finalised.
8. Ask About the DFG
If you have not already explored the Disabled Facilities Grant, do so before purchasing. The DFG can cover up to £30,000 of installation costs for qualifying applicants. Even if you need the lift urgently and cannot wait for the DFG process, it is worth applying — some councils offer retrospective grants. An OT assessment is the starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key checks: get survey-based quotes from at least three suppliers, confirm platform dimensions match your needs (including wheelchair requirements), verify BS 5900 compliance and LOLER provision, read the warranty document (not just a verbal summary), confirm 24-hour breakdown cover, check VAT exemption eligibility, and explore DFG funding before self-funding.
At least three, all based on a physical home survey. Home lift installation prices vary substantially between suppliers for the same type of installation — sometimes by £3,000 to £8,000 for comparable products. Getting three quotes takes time but creates genuine competitive pressure and gives a realistic sense of market price for your specific property.
Zero VAT applies to the purchase and installation of a home lift for a person with a qualifying chronic illness or disability under HMRC Notice 701/7. This is a self-declared exemption — no medical evidence is required, but you must inform the supplier before the quote is finalised. On a £20,000 installation, this saves £4,000.
Yes. The DFG specifically covers medically necessary home adaptations including home lifts. The maximum grant in England is £30,000. An occupational therapist assessment is required to confirm medical need and specify the appropriate adaptation. Apply through your local council.
Compare on total installed cost (not product price only), warranty terms (parts and labour both included?), drive system type, platform dimensions, service plan cost, LOLER compliance provision, and response time for breakdowns. A lower headline price that excludes VAT, building work, or LOLER is not comparable to a higher all-inclusive quote. Ask each supplier to itemise what is and is not included.
Conclusion
The home lift market rewards prepared buyers. Working through this checklist — survey-based quotes, platform dimensions, safety compliance, warranty terms, aftercare quality, VAT exemption, and DFG eligibility — takes a few hours and prevents the costly mistakes that come from selecting a supplier on price alone.
Written by Home Lift Quotes · Content Team