What to Expect from Ceiling Lift Installation

Influencer Daily Staff

For those who rely on a wheelchair for mobility, safely moving from the chair to other surfaces—the bed, the sofa, the toilet, the tub, and so on—is incredibly important. For many, a ceiling lift is the finest way to ensure these transfers are safe and easy. However, adding a ceiling lift to a home is far from a standard upgrade, so finding information on what to expect from the process can be difficult. Keep reading to understand how a standard ceiling lift installation will go.

Initial Assessment and Planning

The process will begin with a thorough home evaluation. A contractor will assess the structural integrity of your ceiling to ensure it can support the lift and the user’s weight. They will also measure the area to determine the possible placement and layout for the track system within your space. Based on this initial evaluation, they’ll make a customized plan to meet your needs, including helping you select the right lift model, choosing the track length, and deciding on any additional features.

Permits and Approvals

In some areas, installing a ceiling lift might require permits or approvals from local authorities. For the most part, the homeowner doesn’t need to worry about this; the installation company should handle it for you. Just be aware that requesting and receiving these permits can take a little time, so have patience as the contractor waits to get the necessary approval before beginning construction.

Preparing for Installation

Once installation is approved, it’s time to prep the area. This begins by clearing away any furniture and other obstacles, making it easier for the team to work and ensuring that your personal possessions aren’t damaged. They’ll then mark the precise points on the ceiling where the tracks and mounting hardware will be attached; this guides them during drilling to ensure the tracks are properly aligned.

Lift Installation

Now the real construction begins. The installers will securely fasten the tracks to the ceiling using heavy-duty anchors and brackets. Precision and using the right materials is essential to ensure the track can support the weight and movement of the lift.

With the tracks in place, they’ll then assemble the motor and lift components. The motor is mounted to the track and the lift mechanism is then attached. A licensed electrician will then handle the electrical connections for the motor and control systems to ensure all wiring is safely installed and compliant with electrical codes.

Testing and Training

At this point, your ceiling lift will be complete. The installer will test that everything is functioning properly, then train you on how to safely use the device. All ceiling lifts for wheelchair users should be installed in this manner to ensure safety and ease of use.