Multi-level spiral stairlift – a specialist stairlift case study
Another day starts in the Kudos Stairlifts head office; the Client Focus Team are ensuring everything is in order, the installers are collecting their stairlift stock for their bookings, the Managing Director is (for some reason) making everyone the first coffee of the morning. The phone rings and it’s our favourite type of enquiry – along the lines of:
“Hello, my mum has been struggling with the stairs for a while now but really wants to stay in her home – she’s been there for decades. Thing is, the staircase is not just narrow – it covers 3 floors and it’s a spiral. I had a look online and apparently you’re the people that can fit a stairlift where others can’t?”
Our team member confirms that they’ve contacted the right people, this is what we specialise in – with our clients’ needs and wishes being at the forefront of every service we deliver. An assessment with one of our qualified surveyors – not a commission-based salesperson – is arranged at a convenient time, when both the stairlift user and any supporting family members or loved ones can be present.
1. ASSESSMENT APPOINTMENT
After the initial introductions, conversation turns to exactly what the stairlift user requires to ensure their home remains fully accessible to them. User measurements are taken, such as the back-to-knee and back-to-toe dimensions, to then compare with the minimum width of the narrow spiral staircase and assess which curved stairlift model could be viable – in this case, the most suitable option is the Flow X.
Various staircase measurements and photos are taken, including using the Flow X seat mat to show the clients how far the stairlift would protrude in its parked positions. Our surveyor gives a full explanation of the features of this stairlift model and how it would work on their multi-floor spiral staircase, along with a detailed official quotation for the exact stairlift configuration.
2. FLOW X STAIRLIFT
With it’s patented auto-swivelling and levelling (ASL) technology, the Flow X curved stairlift is the only stairlift on the market which is capable of automatically rotating the seat during the journey both up and down your staircase. This unique feature makes the Flow X a specialist stairlift capable of fitting even the narrowest of staircases – straight, curved around corners or even multi-level spiral stairs like this one. Kudos Stairlifts are proud to be working with Access BDD – a TK Elevator company who are a Which? Recommended Provider for stairlifts – as their trusted Approved Dealer in south-east England.
3. DIGITAL SURVEY
The client is thrilled that there is a solution and has confirmed their stairlift order, so the next step is a highly technically-skilled digital survey of the staircase – with a range of specific markers laid out accurately and a series of photographs taken with a specialist camera. Our digital surveyor then runs these photographs through the necessary specialist software to create an accurate, digital 3D drawing of the staircase – ready to send to the manufacturer so they can design the bespoke rail configuration, as well as the programmed travel angles for the seat & carriage to ensure that the stairlift will work for the user.
It is agreed with the client that they are arranging to have some wooden plinths attached to each step of the metal staircase, ensuring there is a suitable surface to fix the stairlift rail legs and feet to at the point of installation. Once completed, our surveyor returns to take the exact dimensions of the plinths so these can be factored into the rail design.
4. TECHNICAL DRAWING
Access BDD, the manufacturer of the Flow X curved stairlift, send the technical drawing of the precise rail configuration and stairlift travel for this spiral staircase to our Client Focus Team. All key measurements are checked against the original digital survey files and 3D staircase drawing, as well as the plinth alteration measurements. All configuration details, including the ‘on and off’ points and parking stations, as well as clearances such as knee-to-wall and head-to-bulkhead are thoroughly checked and confirmed with the client, to ensure they are happy before the rail is moved into production. At this point the choice of rail and upholstery colours are also re-confirmed, as the client has now had more time to consider their options and decide what will best suit their home.
5. STAIRLIFT INSTALLATION
The stock has been fully checked over and prepared for installation day and is loaded safely into the installer’s van, ready to travel and arrive at the client’s home at the agreed time. The Flow X curved stairlift is expertly installed on this multi-floor spiral staircase throughout the day, with extra care taken to ensure everything is kept clean and tidy.
After our specialist installer has completed the programming of the carriage, checking each specific angle is as it needs to be, a final test journey is completed before the demonstration & handover with the stairlift user and their loved ones who are present. The hand-held remote-control brackets are mounted at the points requested by the client – and the stairlift user finally gets to go upstairs in their home without struggle or discomfort, with the ability to get on and off on the ground floor, the first floor and the second floor.
6. FOLLOW-UP & AFTERCARE
A few days after the installation, our Client Focus Team calls the client to see how they are getting on and check if they have any questions or required adjustments. All is well and everyone is over the moon that a solution has been found – maintaining the independence of the stairlift user in their home and the quality of life for everyone involved, despite the narrow spiral stairs.
There is also complete peace of mind knowing that every stairlift we supply comes with a warranty, with various aftercare packages available including annual servicing and maintenance of the stairlift itself. Another case of complete customer satisfaction, another staircase challenge overcome by Kudos Stairlifts – an all-round success.
At Kudos we specialise in providing stairlifts that suit our customers’ requirements for their home and making this a reality for them, including where others have said a stairlift is not possible. With solutions for 99% of staircases, our spiral stairlifts can help you and your family, once again, have full use of the home you love.
Our carefully selected range of enduring stairlifts allows us to offer choice in adaptability, whether now or in the future, to suit our customers’ needs and conditions. No matter what configuration of staircase your home has, including multi-level and spiral staircases as narrow as 61cm, or whether your home is classic or contemporary, we are confident that you will find a suitable stairlift from our range.
You can rest assured that with Kudos Stairlifts you will benefit from years of experience and dedication providing our customers with a first-class service, as demonstrated on our Which? Trusted Trader profile.
Contact our Client Focus Team today to discuss how a stairlift can improve and protect the quality of life for you and your family.
Choose from a range of industry-leading curved or straight stairlifts, suitable for almost any staircase and expertly installed by our own engineers.
Call us now on 0800 1522400 to arrange your free, no obligation survey and quote, or to ask any questions you may have.
