Had a new Stairlift fitted at elderly mothers house in March 2021. Cost £4000 for a straight run with a small turn to the left at the top to deposit her on the landing. Well known company beginning with A. Fitter turned up 8am and was very good but wanted to fit the rail supports on top of the existing carpet. Is this standard practice ? We asked him to fit it direct to stairs and cut the carpet easiest way as we are renewing it. Fitter finished install by 10.30am. Now we are ready for a new carpet, the major stores say they use contractors who do not fit around stairlifts and it has to be temporary removed for them to do so. We offered to pay more for the extra carpet fitting work but were refused. Not going to remove stairlift. Have found an independent shop who will oblige carpet fitting. Stairlift company have now emailed us a maintenance plan at a cost of £1300 for three years cover. Why not one year cover ? How reliable are these lifts and is it worthwhile just calling on an independent as and when a fault occurs ? I understand the battery usually need replacing after about 18 months.