Depending on the size and type of backup generator, the cost of labor in your area, and additional costs like permits or inspections, the cost of installation by a Generac generator contractor will vary. Factors like the generator’s size affect installation costs. Installation costs will be higher for larger generators. It is also important to consider the type of generator. Different types of generators have different installation requirements.
Also, don’t forget to factor in labor costs as well. Labor costs will vary based on the location and rates of your Generac technician. You may also have to pay for permits, inspections, or fuel tanks, depending on your situation.
What to Know About a Generac Generator Contractor
Ensure you understand the quote or estimate you receive when hiring a Generac generator contractor to install your backup home generator. Make sure the local generator service is licensed and insured, as well as the contractor’s license and insurance.
Find out if they have any experience. What is the number of generators they have installed to date? How much experience do they have with your type of generator? All of these questions are excellent.
Additionally, obtain a written copy of everything. Prices, scopes of work, and warranties are all included here. The certified Generac expert should also be familiar with the local codes. In your area, generator installation may be subject to specific requirements.
Also, if you don’t know anyone who has a Generac generator, it’s good to ask friends, relatives, and neighbors for recommendations. Take a look at online reviews.
Questions to Ask Your Generac Technician
A Generac generator contractor should be able to answer the following questions:
- What is the length of time you have been installing Generac generators?
- What is the number of generators you have installed?
- In what types of generators do you specialize?
- What local codes apply to the installation of generators?
- Is it possible to get references from past clients from you?
- How do you handle warranties?
- Can you tell me how you install generators?
- When will you complete the installation.
- How much does installation cost?
You should also inquire about the contractor’s experience with your particular type of generator. The contractor should have experience installing natural gas generators, for example, if you are considering one. Additionally, you may want to inquire about the certifications and training of the contractor.
Before hiring a certified Generac expert, make sure you understand his or her level of experience and expertise. This will give you a better idea of their qualifications and whether they are the right candidate for the job. Among other things, you should ask a contractor about his or her experience. Remember the following:
- Specificity is important when asking questions. Ask about the specific type of generator they have experience with, not just “how much experience do you have.”
- Requesting references. Get feedback on the contractor’s work from the contractor’s past clients.
- Make sure everything is in writing. The price, scope of work, and warranty should all be in writing once you have chosen a Generac generator contractor.
A Contractor’s Personal References are Important
You should get personal references from past clients before hiring a Generac generator contractor. Referrals from a contractor should include the following:
- Responses that are positive. Referrals should be positive about the contractor’s work, including the quality, timeliness, and communication skills of the contractor.
- Examples specific to the situation. The contractor’s reference should be able to provide specific examples of his work. For example, a contractor may have gone above and beyond to meet the client’s needs when faced with a difficult situation.
- Not a lot of complaints. Referrals without complaints are unlikely to exist, but any references that mention major problems with the contractor’s work should be avoided.
It’s a good sign that a Generac technician is trustworthy and reliable if you can get multiple positive references from previous clients. The best contractors are not perfect, and even they sometimes make mistakes. Before hiring a contractor, you should still do your own due diligence and check their licensing and insurance.
Additional tips are as follows:
- You should contact at least three past clients for references.
- Make sure the references are in writing. You’ll be able to keep track of the information and avoid forgetting anything.
- Make sure you ask specific questions about the contractor’s work. By doing so, you will be able to get a better understanding of their skills and experience.
- Don’t waste the reference’s time. Your questions shouldn’t take up too much of their time.
Don’t DIY This Project — Hire a Generac Generator Contractor
It’s not advisable for so-called “do-it-yourselfers” to hook up a generator to a house. A licensed Generac generator contractor should install your whole-house generator. In order to operate, these devices need to connect to the home’s fuel source and electrical panel. Professionals are needed for this potentially dangerous project.
In order to safely connect a generator to natural gas or liquid propane, the dealer will hire a plumber. An automatic transfer switch is also involved, along with a fuel line. Installing an automatic transfer switch requires a licensed electrician, as your safety is at stake.
If you’re looking to install a generator, don’t compromise on quality just to save money. Make sure your installation is done by certified professionals only. During critical times, faulty setups can fail or damage equipment. Your unit will be installed in accordance with all local, state, and federal codes. The right skills are available to our factory-trained and certified technicians.
Home improvement projects can be successful with the right contractor, and generator installation is no exception when it comes to your local certified Generac expert. Choosing a generator may seem like a simple task, but there are many intricate steps to consider. Any homeowner who plans to install a generator should hire a licensed professional.
Installing a generator can be tricky if you do not find a reputable and experienced contractor.
Is a Home Standby Generator Worth the Expense?
The average value of a whole-home backup generator that’s been installed and running for several years is about 50 percent higher than the generator’s original cost when installed by a Generac generator contractor, according to a 2017 study. In short, they do more than just hold their own value, oftentimes making a property that much more “sellable.”
However, it’s important to think beyond the return on investment. It tracks only power outages that are deemed “electric disturbance events” by the Department of Energy. These depend on whether the cause is a natural disaster, a cyberattack, or a lack of supply. As a result, there has been a 12-fold increase in the number of these events since the early 2000s.
Human functioning can be adversely affected by disruptions in key lifelines, especially electricity. Current research on the state of the art in developed countries has focused on improving the resilience of electrical grid infrastructure, without tracking how the private sector has developed continuity measures for electricity.
A backup generator is one of the most accessible tools to maintain electricity continuity during power outages, but their role as a buffer remains understudied outside of the technical domain, as well as within the humanitarian and emergency response sectors.
Over the past two decades, researchers have increasingly recognized the importance of maintaining a continuous electricity supply. Electricity systems can be strengthened to minimize disruptions, but this approach ignores the importance of individual behavior in avoiding disruptions. Purchasing the right-sized Generac generator and hiring a qualified Generac technician is usually the best solution for so many homeowners living in these situations today.
W. Danley Electrical
At W. Danley Electrical, we assist you throughout the entire process — from answering questions to helping you prepare for the repair, maintenance, or the installation process by a Generac generator contractor, as well as obtaining permits, inspections, and much more. We help you optimize and fine-tune your situation so you get the most out of your investment, as well as determine the correct generator size.
Learn more about Generac generator dealers or contact us today!