What to Ask Before Hiring a Generator Installer

Why it matters: An unlicensed installer may cut corners, and if something fails, you could be on the hook for repairs or damages.

2. Do You Have Experience with Generator Installation?

Not all electricians specialize in generator installation. Ask how many installations the company has completed and whether they’ve worked with your specific brand or type of generator (portable, standby, whole-house). Experienced installers will know how to size the generator for your home's energy needs, choose an optimal location, and integrate it safely with your electrical panel.

Bonus Tip: Ask for references or photos of past work to see the quality and professionalism of their installations.

3. Will You Handle the Necessary Permits?

Most municipalities require permits and inspections for generator installations, especially for whole-house units that are permanently connected to your electrical system. A reputable electrical repair service will take care of all permitting on your behalf and schedule the inspection to ensure everything is up to code.

Red flag: If the installer says a permit isn’t needed, it often is.

4. What Size Generator Do I Need?

Every home has different energy needs. A skilled installer should offer a load assessment to determine the correct generator size. Installing a generator that's too small won’t power your essential systems, while an oversized unit can be unnecessarily expensive to operate and maintain.

Look for: A clear explanation of how they’ll assess your home’s requirements, not just a guess based on square footage.

5. How Will the Generator Connect to My Home’s Electrical System?

A generator should never be connected to your home's wiring without a proper transfer switch. Ask your electrician how they plan to integrate the generator—will they install an automatic transfer switch (which activates during a power loss) or a manual one? They should also walk you through the operation so you know what to expect.

Safety first: Improper connections can cause backfeeding, which is dangerous to utility workers and your home’s systems.

6. What’s Included in the Quote?

Ask for a detailed, written estimate. It should include labor, materials, permits, installation of the transfer switch, fuel line connections (if applicable), and any electrical repair service needed to bring your system up to code.

Watch out for: Lowball estimates that leave out key components like fuel tank installation or electrical panel upgrades.

7. Do You Offer Maintenance or Repair Services?

Generators need regular maintenance to stay in good working condition. Ask if the electrician provides service packages or ongoing support after installation. Having a technician familiar with your system can save time and money if problems arise later.

Professional Generator Installation

At Mr. Electric, our certified electricians provide safe, reliable generator installations backed by years of experience and top-quality service. From selecting the right system to performing routine maintenance, we handle everything with precision and care. If you're ready to install a backup generator or need electrical repair service to prepare your home, contact Mr. Electric today. Let us help you stay powered through any outage safely and confidently.