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Stair Lifts

Stair Lifts

A stair lift is the fastest, most affordable way to keep every level of your home usable when the stairs become difficult. Ocel Builders has installed straight, curved, and outdoor stair lifts across Minnesota for more than 30 years — and we handle everything from the free assessment to the final inspection.

Every level of your home, within reach again

When climbing the stairs starts to feel unsafe, most people assume the only options are moving or living on one floor. A stair lift changes that. It carries you smoothly and safely up and down your existing staircase at the push of a button — no remodeling, no moving, and usually installed in a single day.

Ocel Builders is a Minnesota-licensed accessibility contractor, not a call center. We measure your stairs, recommend the right lift for your home and body, install it to code, and stand behind it with service and warranty support.

Types of stair lifts we install

How to choose the right stair lift

The right lift depends on three things: the shape of your staircase (straight vs. curved), whether it’s indoor or outdoor, and the rider’s needs — weight capacity, seat width, standing vs. seated, and how easily you can swivel at the top. During our free in-home visit we measure the staircase and walk through each of these with you, then quote the exact model that fits.

Stair lift vs. home elevator vs. ramp

A stair lift is almost always the quickest and least expensive solution for getting between floors. If you use a wheelchair full-time and can’t transfer to a seat, a vertical platform lift or home elevator may be a better fit. If the barrier is just a few steps at the entrance, a wheelchair ramp may be all you need. We’ll tell you honestly which one makes sense — even if it’s the least expensive.

Brands we install and service

We install and service major stair lift brands including Bruno, Harmar, and Handicare. Because we’re independent, we recommend the lift that’s right for your home and budget rather than pushing a single manufacturer.

Licensed, insured, and waiver-savvy

Ocel Builders holds a Minnesota Elevator License and a Minnesota Builders License, and we’re a certified Aging-in-Place (CAPS) provider. As a registered Minnesota Medicaid provider (NPI and UMPI), we bill DHS waiver programs directly and coordinate with your county case manager — so cost is rarely the barrier people expect. Learn more on our funding page.

Frequently asked

Questions about stair lifts

How much does a stair lift cost in Minnesota?

A straight stair lift typically runs $3,000–$5,000 installed, while curved stair lifts are custom-built to your staircase and usually start around $10,000. Outdoor and heavy-duty models vary. Many Minnesota families pay little or nothing out of pocket through DHS waivers or VA grants — see our funding page.

Will a stair lift fit my staircase?

Almost always. Straight lifts fit the vast majority of standard staircases, and curved lifts are manufactured to the exact shape of your stairs, including landings, turns, and spiral flights. We confirm the fit during a free in-home measurement.

Do stair lifts work when the power goes out?

Yes. Modern stair lifts run on rechargeable batteries that keep charging at parking points on the rail, so they keep working during a power outage and glide quietly without being plugged in mid-ride.

Can you install a stair lift on narrow stairs?

Usually yes. Today's stair lifts have slim, fold-away seats, footrests, and arms that leave the staircase clear for others to walk. On very tight staircases we can recommend the most compact models.