Start with the two numbers that shape everything: how far the lift needs to travel and how much it needs to hold. In our experience, most Richmond homes need a lift for a modest rise, like a raised front entry or a step up from an attached garage, rather than a full storey. Have the installer measure the exact travel height and confirm the weight capacity covers the wheelchair plus the person plus a little room to spare. This is the part people underestimate.
Next, decide indoor or outdoor. Richmond sits low and flat near the Fraser, and our winters are damp more than deep-freeze. If the lift lives outside at a front porch or side entry, insist on a weather-rated unit with proper drainage and corrosion-resistant finishes. An indoor lift, say near a garage-to-mudroom step in a Terra Nova or Thompson home, can be a simpler build. Older Steveston houses and split-levels sometimes need a small structural pad poured first, so ask early.
Prioritize installers with genuine seniors and accessibility experience, not just general handypersons. Ask for proof of licensing and insurance, a clear warranty on both the equipment and the labour, and a realistic service-response time. Coastal weather means outdoor lifts need occasional attention, so a local company that can come back quickly beats a distant one that's cheaper up front. Make sure safety gates, intuitive controls a senior can use with cold or arthritic hands, and battery backup for power outages are all included, not add-ons.
Our recommendation: go with the established local accessibility specialist over the lowest bid, especially for outdoor installs facing Richmond's rain. The trade-off is a higher initial cost, but you're paying for a unit that keeps working through wet winters and a team that answers when something needs adjusting. If your rise is small and space allows, a well-built ramp can be cheaper and worth pricing first.
