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Once you've decided you need a stairlift or a vertical platform lift, there's a second decision that matters just as much: do you install it yourself, or have someone do it for you? Neither answer is right for everyone. Here's how to think through it honestly.
Self-Install Makes Sense If...
You're comfortable with basic tools. Installing the Atlas 500, Mini Vista, or Nano means working with a drill, a level, and a socket set. Nothing exotic, but you should be someone who's comfortable following a printed, step-by-step guide without needing someone to walk you through it.
You want it done on your timeline, not someone else's. Self-install units ship directly to your door. Once it arrives, installation typically runs anywhere from about 5 hours (Atlas 500) to 10 hours (Nano), spread across a day or a weekend, entirely on your schedule. No waiting on a crew's availability.
Budget matters, and you're willing to trade time for savings. Self-install pricing starts well below professional installation, since you're doing the labor yourself. If the cost difference matters more than having someone else handle it, this is the deciding factor.
Your staircase or rise is straightforward. The Atlas 500 is built for straight staircases. The Mini Vista and Nano cover rises up to 30 and 64 inches. If your situation fits cleanly into what these products are designed for, self-install is a realistic option.
Professional Install Makes Sense If...
You'd rather not deal with tools, period. There's no wrong answer here. Plenty of people would simply rather pay for the convenience of having someone else handle the entire process, start to finish.
Your staircase has a landing, a turn, or anything non-standard. The Atlas 500 covers straight staircases only. Curved stairs, mid-flight landings, or unusual layouts typically call for a custom, professionally installed solution.
You need it installed quickly and don't want to manage the process yourself. A professional crew handles everything, ordering, delivery coordination, the install itself, and a final walkthrough, without it becoming a project you have to run.
You want everything handled under one roof. Professional installs are typically bundled with in-person consultation, site assessment, and support that goes beyond what a self-install kit includes.
A Side-by-Side Look
| Self-Install | Professional Install | |
|---|---|---|
| Who does the work | You (or a handy friend) | Our installation team |
| Timeline | Ships direct, install in 5 to 10 hours | Site visit, then scheduled install |
| Best for | Straight staircases, standard rises | Landings, turns, or custom situations |
| Cost | Lower, since labor is on you | Higher, includes full-service install |
| Support | Instructions included, phone support available | In-person consultation and hands-on install |
It's Not All or Nothing
If you're not sure which category you fall into, that's normal, and it's not a decision you have to make alone. Reach out to us and we can walk through your specific staircase or entryway together. Sometimes the answer is obvious once someone looks at the actual space. Sometimes it comes down to personal preference, and either path gets you to the same result: safe, reliable access in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start with self-install and switch to professional if I get stuck?
Yes. Phone support comes with every self-install unit, and if you decide partway through that you'd rather have it finished professionally, reach out and we'll help you figure out next steps.
Is a self-installed lift less safe than a professionally installed one?
No. The units themselves meet the same safety standards regardless of who installs them. The difference is who does the labor, not the safety of the finished product.
Does self-install cost less because the product is lower quality?
No, the cost difference reflects labor, not the lift itself. You're getting the same hardware either way, self-install products are simply designed so a homeowner can do the physical install without a trained crew.
The Bottom Line
If you're comfortable with basic tools, have a straightforward staircase or rise, and want to save on labor cost, self-install is a solid option. If your situation is more complex, or you'd simply rather not take it on yourself, professional installation gets the same result without the DIY step. Either way, you end up with the same safe, reliable lift. Contact us if you want help figuring out which path fits your home.
