When two quotes for the same staircase come back far apart, the difference is usually in the parts of the job the quote describes in small print. Learn what drives the price before you ask anyone for one, and you will read every number with more confidence.
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Measure the run
The length of the rail is one of the first drivers. A straight run from top to bottom costs differently from a run with a bend. Measure along the stair nose, not the wall, and note where the stairs start and finish. Ask each installer to measure the same way so the quotes match.
Count the curves and landings
Curved rail, a turn at a landing, or a half-landing where the chair must pivot all add parts and time. Mark each turn and landing on a sketch. Ask whether the quote covers the full path or only a straight section.
Check the power
Most stair lifts run on a charged battery and need a power point at the bottom or top for charging. Find out where the nearest outlet is, whether it is on a shared circuit, and whether a new outlet must be added. Adding wiring is a question for a licensed electrician, and the quote should say who does it and what it costs to include.
Choose the seat and the footrest
A wider seat, a swivel seat, or a longer footrest can change the price. Sit on a chair of the same height to test whether the seat clears the stairs and whether she can get on and off with support. Ask what is standard and what is an option.
Ask about buying, renting, and removal
Some companies rent, some sell, and some offer both. Ask what happens to the unit if she no longer needs it, who removes it, and whether the rail can be taken down without damaging the wall. These answers belong in the total, not in a footnote.
Compare on the same page
Ask each company for a written breakdown that lists the rail, the seat, the installation, the wiring, the service schedule, and the removal. Put the breakdowns side by side. If one quote leaves out a line the others include, ask why before you decide.