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Stiltz is the UK-based manufacturer and installer of the elegant and compact Stiltz Duo and Stiltz Trio Homelifts. The products are ideal for getting around your home if stairs are becoming a challenge; the Trio+ will accommodate a full-sized wheelchair if needed. So whether you need a little extra help now, or are future-proofing and planning for the coming years, make your life easier with a Stiltz Homelift.
Reviews 520
Stephen Ashworth
Oct 08,2020I wrote a critical review on 24 Sep about my problems with the lift. I received a concerned reply from Stiltz and they requested that their chief engineer visit to discuss matters. This took place today. I wish to go on record that the visit was most helpful and in no way defensive and remedies for most of my concerns were suggested. STILTZ are now taking these in hand. Thank you. Stephen Ashworth
Mr. Stokes
Oct 03,2020Did not fit it in the advertised time. Failed on the first day and had to be rescued by the local Fire Brigade. Difficult to use if the person has arthritis.
JOP Goh
Aug 14,2020I have arthritis on both knees so I invested in a Stiltz lift. I like the product itself is great. The installation went more or less OK. It was in August last year so no problems with COVID etc. The lift broke down once this year. It jammed and I was trapped inside. The phone provided did not work. The simcard was faulty. I don't blame Stiltz for that since the simcard was my responsibility. However this exposed a very dangerous flaw for people like myself who live alone and could literally die of thirst being trapped in the lift. I managed by bending down and squating to launch myself through the opening over the door lip. It was quite frightening as going over I had to use my hands to stop my fall which I did. I am in my 60s and arm fractures would have been quite debilitating. There are two design flaws that could be easily fixed.: (1) Install a power cutoff switch from within the lift. This should be behind a marked panel so that it is not accidentally triggered. Once power is cutoff pressing the emergency button brings the lift safely to the ground floor and the door can be open. (2) Install a transparent flip-open cover the emergency switch. A few minutes ago while exiting the lift my right knee buckled and I accidentally hit the emergency button. It's the middle of the night and in the middle of COVID. The lift now continuously emits an irritating whine. Probably a safety feature that assumes you don't live alone. The thing cannot the turned off without accessing the panel above the lift. Something which I will need Stiltz for. All this avoidable just by installing the transparent cover.
Simon Town
Aug 13,2020Avoid like smallpox. Unfortunately I can't give a zero star review. We live in an old 1800's cottage with low ceilings. On the salesman advice we chose the Lifton Duo+, which was meant to be "the dogs doodahs". After accepting the quotation, we paid a third deposit. After all the surveys- we had to have 2 for some reason - we were pushed to pay yet another third (they got this figure wrong by adding VAT). We were then called 5 days before the installation was due to commence by Stiltz, to be "reminded" that the final balance was due upon completion. Once again this figure was wrong. I assume their abacus was on a sloping desk and the beads kept moving. Later that day, we had another phone call from Stiltz saying they couldn't fit the lift we had chosen some months before, but could offer something else. After waiting all this time I blew a fuse. Why had it taken them so long to discover that they couldn't fit the lift. I cancelled the order and asked for a refund. Not a problem they said, it'll take about 10 days. With online banking there is no reason for this. We got our money back 2 days later.
Customer
May 19,2020I am giving 4 stars and it could so easily have been five. It started well and then went a bit pear-shaped on the sales side due to Covid-19 and a bit of mis-communication. We had to wait longer than initially indicated - and there was an attempt to push that further back - however, I can't say enough good things about the two gents that came to do the installation and the product itself looks excellent and is quieter than expected. This wasn't an easy, thru the floor/ceiling, job, this was in an uneven, 200 year old part of our home and up a stairwell. These chaps were the tidiest, the nicest, the most respectful (of both us and our property) and they clearly cared about what they did and did it beautifully, good humouredly and finished a day early. Thank you.
Linda
Apr 28,2020I tried to edit my review of these jokers yesterday but was unable too,how ridiculous to try and blame th current situation on your unforgivably poor customer service,I and the rest of your customers pay you cowboys good money to install one of your lifts,yet my lift is less than a year old and already breaking down,leaving me stuck inside for 3 hours,you may think this is acceptable but I your customer do not,you have a duty and responsibility to make sure you have enough people on call to reach your customers in a reasonable time frame,you should not be leaving a lady in a wheelchair with a serious brain injury for 3 hours with all the stress that caused ,I have never recommended stiltz to anyone and never will after this latest debacle.you are a truly terrible company,quick to take our money but fail miserably when actually needed .
J Lloyd
Feb 04,2020Quick and flawless installation. Excellent sales and after care. Friendly and helpful staff. I have absolutely nothing to complain about with this company.
MR M SMITH
Jan 31,2020The lift was fitted in three days and the installers were very pleasant and cleaned up very well at the end of each day. The work was very good quality and we were very pleased. There were some teething problems within the first week but after two visits from engineers the problems were resolved to our satisfaction. The lift has worked very well for the last month and my 97 year old mother-in-law certainly enjoys the travelling experience. Various neighbours and friends have been very impressed with the neatness, compactness and quality.
Peter
Jan 31,2020Does what we expected. Installation was on time and very tidy. A few post-installation niggles sorted promptly.
Ken M
Jan 07,2020Below is my complaint sent to Stiltz nearly 6 months ago, I have not received a response or any action in this connection, though Stiltz have said they take these matter seriously. They have also asked twice if they have responded to me! Stiltz Lift (Trio Classic) This lift was required for a wheelchair user, Stiltz lift was selected as it appeared to provide the most efficient use of space with minimum intrusion by lift equipment. Extensive building alterations were necessary to allow the lift installation. The Stiltz brochures are lacking in detailed information, I assumed detail of door widths, step height, ramp arrangements, and/or pit dimensions (if required) would be readily available, but even at the building construction stage this information proved very difficult, if not impossible to get. This was exacerbated by the first survey by Stiltz being done for the wrong lift. The Glossy brochures are missing vital information the picture of the lift we chose does not represent the actual situation, which could be described as grossly misleading (see below for detail). The lift has been installed, the process to get to this stage proved extremely challenging, fundamentally due to a lack of technical information from Stiltz. The purpose of the lift was to make our domestic situation easier, but the poor performance of the supplier (Stiltz) caused difficulty and delay with the building work and lift installation process. The installed lift is in most respects a very good product, but is severely let down by the capacity of the UK supplier (Stiltz) to provide essential information and support for the product. It appears the same lift is also supplied by another UK company/franchise; Lifton, some of the supplied components for our lift came in Lifton packaging. It would be interesting find if the situation is any better with that supplier. Detail of issues experienced • the brochures provide lift "footprint" dimensions, but no information on the lift internal sizes. • No information of lift door access widths. This information was difficult to get. • No detail of wheelchair access arrangements with regards to the step-up height (100mm), the arrangement of the ramp that may be provided is not shown anywhere; what would be the ramp gradient, depth, weight, is it manually placed, or does it somehow attach to the lift and swing down into place? • Difficult to make comparisons between models; e.g Trio Classic & Trio Plus, as the Footprint dimensions obviously intended to be on the diagram in the brochure for the Trio Plus are not present. These dimensions are not given elsewhere. • No other drawings available that give comprehensive dimension data. e.g. any drawing giving door access widths was ever provided, despite requests. • The picture of the Trio Classic lift in the brochure (opposite the "Technical Specification" page), shows the Trio lift, apparently almost level with the floor, without a lift pit, implying a low floor height, but the below floor equipment pad is not shown fitted, the represents a further 100mm approx depth. This picture is therefore a gross misrepresentation of the actual lift, with no information to give the real situation.Initial Survey • For the initial survey the Stiltz representative came with wrong information and surveyed for a Trio Plus lift, rather than the intended Trio Classic. He left a template for the Trio Plus. This error did not become apparent until after the event. I still have the Trio Plus template. • This initial survey was just before our builder came to do his survey and estimate, so I was unable to give the builder any detailed information, other than to show him an indicative (Trio Plus) template. The detailed drawings (Building Manual) arrived on the 29th March, the builder was due to start work on 25th March. • The detailed Building Manual is very much like the glossy brochures; with nice presentation, but very lacking in useful detail, there are many illustrations to show that services (wiring and plumbing) that may be in the area of the lift hole must be diverted, which is blindingly obvious, but only one a half page drawing applicable to making the first floor aperture for a Trio Plus in a timber floor. This drawing does not have all the detail needed. The building work • The first floor hole liner was delivered to us on the same day the Stiltz technical surveyor came (Wed 10 April), this was 10 days into the building works that were necessary to facilitate the fitting of the lift. The surveyor discussed the work with the builder & the client (myself). It was at this point we were advise that my builder was expected to cut and fit the lift hole liner and trim piece. This was not part of the builders originally specified work or included in his price, nor was this defined or agreed with the lift supplier at the contract stage. • While the technical surveyor was present the subject of the ground floor lift pit was discussed and we requested a drawing to show the details of the lift pit. It was stated that the pit should be 20mm bigger "all around" than the hole for the first floor aperture. In theory the marked up template was left with us for reference, but from that point forward this template was missing, we never saw it again, but as this problem was immediately apparent I requested a replacement from Morgan Ellis/Stiltz. This was not forthcoming within any reasonable time. • When the first floor aperture is formed as per this one drawing, our expectation was that when the aperture hole liner was dropped in to place it would fit precisely, but in fact it only did so at the front and back, there remained an approximate 20mm gap on either side. Numerous Requests for an explanation as to why the first floor aperture was too big for the lift hole liner were not responded to. • There is no drawing in the pack which correctly shows the interface between the hole liner and the aperture! Nor, despite numerous requests was such a drawing, or a reasonable verbal explanation ever supplied. We were had to assume that the sides of the hole liner are to be supported only by overlapping floorboards; and this assumption proved to be the case. • The pit was eventually formed to dimensions provided in a TEXT message from Stilz, a drawing for the pit was not provided. • By this stage my builder had lost all confidence in Stiltz and declined to cut and fit the first floor liner, even at additional cost, because he did not want to accept the risk of doing so, given the poor design and construction information available from Stiltz. This I considered reasonable for the reasons he stated. • The drawings page 16 to 21 show how to cut the lift hole through the floorboards for a Duo Plus lift, but if this were followed it would be incorrect for a Trio Plus, as the Trio Plus does not have the "Guide Rail Profile Ears" referred to on Page 19. We only found this information at installation when the Stiltz lift installers explained this detail. • when contacted about the cutting and fitting the lift hole liner and trim piece, Stiltz advised this would be at additional cost and that the installation would be further delayed. • In order to prevent further delay to the installation, I personally removed the insert (it's clumsy and heavy!), took it outside, cut it to size with an angle grinder and then fitted it with the underside finishing piece as required. I had effectively been forced to do this or accept a possible further lengthy delay. • Lift installation went ahead, the installers were very good, did a good job and there were no issues at time. Post Installation First Floor • The installation guide suggests the floor surface finish (in this case carpet) should be fitted prior to lift installation. In this case the carpet was not fitted prior, but has subsequently been fitted. The weight of the carpet on the first floor plug insert causes the lift to stall as it appears to be detected as an obstruction. So the carpet has for the moment been taken of the floor plug to allow the lift to operate. Ground Floor • In contrast to the apparent need to finish the first floor surfaces, on the ground floor situation is the complete opposite to that for the floor above, floor finishes cannot be done as we are left with an approximate 30 mm gap at the front which needs to be in-filled. 30mm is easily enough to lose a wheelchair front castor wheel into should it turn sideways while manoeuvring. So post installation further building work is essential. Given that Stiltz were fully aware of the wheelchair requirement, this is a most unsatisfactory way to leave the interface between the floor and the lift. Council Occupational Therapist concerns • The OT has expressed concern about the risk of the wheelchair user falling in to the lift pit in a wheelchair if the lift is not in place on the ground floor. Additional measures to overcome this are being considered.
Mark
Jan 02,2020Excellent product installed by polite and very competent tradesmen. Fits perfectly into my home. Made a huge difference to my ability to live independently.
Buyer in West London
Dec 10,2019My Stiltz lift has transformed my life. I have extreme Rheumatoid Arthritis and Interstitial Lung Disease, so there are days when pain and/or breathlessness would make it impossible, or at best very dangerous, to use the stairs. I continue to use the stairs when I can, but never carry anything, as I need to keep both hands free for holding the handrail and maintaining my balance. I have customised my lift with miniature bunting. birds and butterflies, and artificial grass on the floor. On the metal section between the two floors, I display photos with tiny magnets. So, my trips are quite a joyous experience. Technically, my experience has not been 100% positive. Because my first floor room has a dropped ceiling, the lift had to be shortened, but I was alarmed when they said that the internal height would only be 5’6”. That’s tall enough for me, but it would have been claustrophobic and reduced the functionality. At this stage, I involved an architect and builder and between them they found a way of cutting into the joist and reinforcing with steel. The end result is excellent, both practically and aesthetically. I did have a serious problem when the light screen failed. This was taken very seriously at a senior level and customer service was excellent. It appears to have been a freak incident, and once the sensors were replaced, I had no further concern about the safety. Another small point; Stiltz say that the lifts are “whisper quiet”. They may be a lot quieter than others using similar technology, but they are certainly not at ‘whisper’ level. I think they would do themselves a favour by removing the claim. It just raises expectations. Despite the set-backs, I’m still giving Stiltz Five Stars. The lift is truly life-changing. Thank you Stiltz.
Betty
Nov 27,2019I was buying a lift for my disabled daughter from Stiltz, gave a £2000.00 deposit, then found the lift was not going to fit the space. I let them know and they told me my deposit would be refunded, that was at the later part of Oct 2019, I have made phone calls, they have been ignored, requested call backs, they never call. I was then told by a person with no name that the monies have been put back into my A/C and that too was a lie. These people know my circumstances I am a pensioner with a 50 year old Daughter with Cerebral/Palsy unable to walk talk needs 24 hour care, then my Mother of 95 who is also 24/7 care and I can't have our lift fitted because they won't return my deposit which I need to pay the £6000.00 for my Daughters new lift. What kind of people are they, no compassion, just money grabbing vile people. Do not buy anything until you have checked them out. They have made me so ill. B.Simkins.
Elaine Mitchell
Nov 22,2019I don’t know why it has taken me months to write the review on ‘Scotty’ - what better name for the ‘beam me up’ service I now have provided by my wonderful Stiltz Duo. Perhaps it is the time has been taken showing him off to friends and neighbours who all want a ride. I wish now I had collected for a worthy charity! Having had many trades people in the house over the years, I would say that this process, from the salesman (who definitely did NOT give the impression that he was working for commission), surveyor and installation teams were one of the best. If we have one thing that bugs us it has to be the dangling plugged in wire. Very Heath Robinson! Surely in the 21st Century someone could have found a more design appropriate way of providing the electrical current. When you find the solution, please change ours and then we can say that we are 100% satisfied clients.
Frances Bird
Sep 02,2019What a difference this lift has made to us. So glad we decided to invest in this rather than moving out of the home we love. The Stiltz guys were so helpful with their advice and made the installation so easy for us. Apart from the lift being there you would never know they had been! Great job all round.
hs swanton
Aug 19,2019The overarching point about this lift is that it works and does everything that was ever promised. It is so good to have an electric lift, rather than a hydrolic lift with all the associated complications. A few detailed points: 1. The sales process was ok but I always felt I was dealing with a salesman with commission at the back of his mind. 2. The installation was great and they instilled confidence as they clearly like their product. They were professional, wanted to do a good job and explained what they were doing thoughout the 3 days. 3. The lift design has a couple of weaknesses: a. The power connection is a cable plugged into a socket. The cable descends with the lift, and looks a bit like my DIY jobs. Primitive but it seems to work. b. When the lift is down, there is a top which closes off the room above, leaving a complete floor. However when the lift is up the shaft does not close completely; there is a gap around the list so things can fall through and a draft can flow between floors. c. Two remote control boxes are supplied. Very useful. It would have been so simple to also supply two wall holders for these, so that they would have obvious 'homes' rather than being left hanging about. 4. I changed my order mid process from the Duo+ to the Duo Classic. The confusion that this caused was alarming and I was concerned that the wrong lift would be delivered. I'm not confident with their admin processes although it all worked out in the end. I think that the overall influence in the company is from the engineers and as a result the lists are practical and reliable.
keith berry
Jul 02,2019I ordered the lift great, told where it could fit great. Waited sometime for a fitting date. Stuart and John arrived to prepare the site (they were great) told I could not have it where I expected due to pipes they started work but could not carry on as there were no plumbers or electricians available, finished early. Next day they came back two it was raining two plumbers arrived they went in every room without covering there outside footwear, electrician arrived, there was a lot of work to do as the surveyor had not found a lot of the problems they encountered We had to go out in the evening but they had not finished, as the fitters were booked for the next day I had to leave them with a key (not ideal). Day three the fitters arrived they were excellent at the end of fitting, they told me the battery was dead and the charger wasn't working, I was told they would last a couple of day's then someone would arrive to fit new one's, I called customer service the next day (they could do with further training) they gave me a call out date eight hence, I protested and someone came the next day. Throughout the process the customer service was problematic they sent me invoices twice for £950 more than agreed, one the second request I was asked who had notified me of the lower figure I told him he had, it was duly resolved. When people ask me about the lift I tell them the lift is great,the fitters are excellent but the customer service leave a lot to be desired, so two star's for customer service and five star's for fitting. Keith
Jack Cooper
Jun 04,2019When things work it is of course great! When they don’t it creates a tremendous amount of anguish especially when your partner could be stuck between floors. Thank goodness it isn’t my partner but me who is now stuck between floors after testing the lift after my partner complained about the lift juddering. My partner is due in to have a pacemaker fitted within the next 10 days so again thank goodness it is me who is waiting for the engineer to arrive to release me. Oh! Just remembered! Must now ring to cancel his physiotherapy appointment as we will not be able to make it.
Brian Thurling
May 02,2019The lift has made a world of difference to the lives of my wife and I. We are both in our 80s and my wife has a mobility problem coupled with copd which meant that stairways were a no go area for her. Now she has a new lease on life, thanks to Stiltz. We had an excellent team of workmen fitting the lift and the product itself is just perfect and is far from being intrusive. I would encourage anyone thinking about a stairlift to look at the possibilty of having a real lift first, preferably a Stiltz lift.
Building E, Prime Point, Dandy Bank Road, Pensnett Estate, DY6 7TD, Kingswinford, GB
http://www.stiltz.co.uk
customer John Cresswell
Oct 26,2020I made the order in June. After several delays the fitters made the ceiling apperture without checking for obstructions. Replumbing a radiator solved this. When the lift was declared ready it was not. Weeks later, I got stuck in the lift and luckily at 85years old I managed to climb out. An engineer came and pointed out three things that had not been done. It is October and now working. Contact with the engineers is so difficult