If you are considering a stairlift for your home, you are likely looking at your staircase and wondering how it will all fit. A common question we hear at Carelift Services is: "Will my existing extra handrail need to be removed to make room for the lift?"

As a local, Norfolk-based company serving the Norwich area and beyond, we understand that every home from Victorian terraces in the Golden Triangle to modern builds in Wymondham is unique. The answer to this is fully subject to your individual survey, but there are several factors we consider to ensure your home remains both functional and safe.

Understanding the Survey Process

Before any equipment is ordered, one of our expert engineers will visit your home to conduct a thorough survey. During this visit, we don't just measure the length of the stairs; we measure the width, the "nose" of the treads, and any obstructions,including handrails.

In many cases, the handrail is removed before the stairlift is fitted. While this might sound like a significant change, it is often the most practical choice for several reasons:

• Maximising Space: Staircases can be narrow. Removing a bulky handrail can free up vital extra inches, ensuring the stairlift carriage has plenty of clearance and that there is still room for other family members to walk up and down the stairs safely.
• Safety and Redundancy: Once your lift is installed, the lift itself acts as your primary support while moving between floors. With secure armrests and a seatbelt, the old handrail often becomes redundant.
• A Tidy Finish: A staircase can look cluttered with both a handrail and a stairlift rail. Removing the old rail often results in a much cleaner, more stylish finish for your hallway.

Our Priority: Your Safety and Support

While removal is often the most efficient solution for space, we understand that many of our customers still value the security of a physical grip when they aren't using the lift.

Key Point: Where at all possible, we will always ensure there is a handrail provision in place.

If your staircase is wide enough, we may be able to install the lift on the opposite side to your current rail. If removal is necessary for the lift to function, we can often discuss alternative solutions or slimline rail options to ensure you always have a firm grip where you need it most.

Tailored Solutions: From Handicare to Access BDD

At Carelift Services, we pride ourselves on offering a range of products that can be customised to fit your specific needs and the layout of your Norfolk home.

Straight Handicare Models

For a standard, straight flight of stairs, we often utilise Handicare models. These are renowned for being robust and reliable. Because these rails are slimline, they sometimes allow for an existing handrail to remain, provided the staircase width meets British safety requirements.

Access BDD Curved Products (The Stylish Choice)

If your staircase has a turn, a landing, or is particularly narrow, we often recommend Access BDD curved products. These are some of the most stylish and technologically advanced lifts on the market.

• Custom-Built Rails: The rails are designed specifically for your staircase's geometry.
• Tight Bends: Their ability to navigate tight corners often means we can position the rail in a way that minimises the need to move existing fixtures.

Why Choose a Local Norwich Expert?

Choosing Carelift Services means you aren't just getting a piece of machinery; you're getting a bespoke service from a local team. We understand local architecture and the specific needs of our Norfolk neighbours. We will talk you through the pros and cons of keeping or removing your handrail during the survey, ensuring you are fully happy with the plan before we begin.

Our goal is to leave you with a staircase that is safer, more accessible, and perfectly suited to your home.