Last verified: October 1, 2026
A standby generator is only as good as its installation and the dealer who services it. These questions help you compare installers on the things that matter, spot weak quotes and avoid the most common surprises. Ask them on the site visit and get the key answers in writing.
About the company
- Are you licensed and insured in my state, and can I see the license number? Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician; gas work may need a separate license.
- Are you an authorized dealer for this brand? Many manufacturers require authorized installation or registration for full warranty coverage.
- How many of these units have you installed in the last year? Experience with the specific brand matters for setup and troubleshooting.
- Who will do the work: your employees or subcontractors?
- Can you give me two or three local references for installations at least a year old? You want to hear how service went after the installation, not only the installation itself.
About sizing
- How did you calculate the size you recommend? Ask to see the load calculation. A good answer mentions your largest motor loads, especially the AC.
- What output does this unit give on my fuel? Natural gas ratings are lower than propane ratings.
- Would a soft starter or load management let me use a smaller unit? Compare their answer with our central air sizing guide.
About the installation
- Where exactly will the generator go, and does that meet the manufacturer’s clearances and local code? Ask for a sketch.
- Have you checked my gas meter and pipe capacity? Is any upgrade included in the price, and who coordinates with the utility?
- What type and size of transfer switch is included, and does my panel need changes?
- Who pulls the permits and attends the inspection? Are fees included? See Do You Need a Permit?
- How long will it take from signing to a working generator? Including permits, utility work and equipment availability.
- What is not included in this quote? Pad, trenching, landscaping repair, tank, Wi-Fi setup, startup and registration are common gaps.
About service after installation
- What does annual maintenance cost, and what does it include? Get it in writing.
- What does the warranty cover: parts, labor, travel? For how long? And what do I need to do to keep it valid?
- After a hurricane or major storm, how do you prioritize service calls? Ask whether maintenance-plan customers come first.
- Do you monitor units remotely? Some dealers watch for alerts and contact you before a problem becomes a failure.
- Will you walk me through the controller, exercise schedule and manual shutdown when you’re done?
Compare quotes side by side
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generator model and kW (NG / LP) | |||
| Transfer switch type and amps | |||
| Pad, gas line, meter check | |||
| Electrical work and panel changes | |||
| Permits and inspection | |||
| Warranty (parts / labor / travel) | |||
| Annual maintenance price | |||
| Total price |
How to read the answers
| Question | Good answer | Worrying answer |
|---|---|---|
| How did you size it? | “We listed your large loads, checked the AC data plate and did a load calculation.” | “Most houses your size get a 22.” |
| What about the gas meter? | “We’ll check capacity with the utility before we schedule.” | “It’ll be fine.” |
| Who pulls permits? | “We do; fees are in the quote; we attend inspections.” | “You don’t really need one.” |
| After a storm, how fast can you come? | A clear priority policy, especially for maintenance-plan customers | No answer, or “it depends” |
| What’s not included? | A specific list (trenching, landscaping, Wi-Fi setup…) | “Everything’s included” with no detail |
A short example
A homeowner gets three quotes for a 22 kW unit. Quote A is the cheapest but lists only “generator and installation”. Quote B is in the middle and itemizes the 200 A switch, pad, 30 feet of gas line, permits and a meter check. Quote C is the most expensive but includes a two-year maintenance plan with priority storm service. Once the missing items in Quote A are added (gas line, permits, a possible meter upgrade), it’s no longer the cheapest. Quote B is the best value for a homeowner happy to maintain the unit themselves; Quote C makes sense for someone who wants guaranteed service after storms. The point is to compare like with like.
Paperwork to keep after installation
- The signed contract and final itemized invoice.
- Permit numbers and inspection approvals.
- Warranty registration or activation confirmation.
- Model and serial numbers of the generator and transfer switch.
- A photo of the controller’s settings (exercise day and time) and the installer’s emergency contact.
Frequently asked questions
How many quotes should I get?
Three is a good number: enough to see the range of prices and approaches, not so many that comparing them becomes a chore. Give every installer the same information about your loads and fuel.
Should I choose the installer or the brand first?
For most homeowners, the installer. A good local dealer with strong service makes any mainstream brand work well; a weak one can make the best brand frustrating. Shortlist two or three well-reviewed dealers, then compare the brands they carry.
Is it normal to pay a deposit?
Many installers ask for a deposit to order the equipment. Be cautious about paying the full amount upfront, especially before permits are approved, and get the payment schedule in writing.
Warning signs
- A size recommended over the phone, without a site visit.
- No written, itemized quote.
- “We don’t need a permit for this.”
- A large deposit demanded right after a storm, with pressure to sign today.
- Vague answers about who services the unit after installation.
For typical price ranges to compare against, see Whole House Generator Cost and Hidden Generator Installation Costs.