How to Get Whole-House Generator Quotes

Step 1: Know What You Want to Back Up

Before requesting quotes, decide whether you want:

• Essential circuits
• Most of the house
• Full whole-house comfort

Do not ask three contractors to quote three different scopes and then compare only price.

Step 2: Gather Basic Home Information

Have:

• Electrical service amperage
• Panel location
• Gas meter location
• Fuel type
• HVAC sizes
• Well/pool equipment
• Home address
• Preferred generator location

Photos can help with initial screening.

Step 3: Request Multiple Quotes

Get at least:

2-3 comparable quotes

when practical.

This exposes oversizing, under-scoping, missing line items and installer pricing spread.

Step 4: Require Exact Generator Model

Do not accept:

"22kW generator"

as the full equipment description.

Ask for:

• Brand
• Model
• Fuel rating
• Transfer-switch model

Step 5: Check Generator Sizing Logic

Ask:

"Why this kW?"

Good answer should reference:

• Actual loads
• HVAC
• Starting demand
• Fuel type
• Load management

Step 6: Confirm Transfer Switch

Quote should state:

• ATS amperage
• Whole-service vs selected circuits
• Service-entrance-rated where applicable

Read transfer switch installation →

Step 7: Confirm Electrical Scope

Ask whether quote includes:

• ATS install
• Generator conductors
• Panel/service modifications
• Grounding
• Control wiring
• Permit

Step 8: Confirm Fuel Scope

For natural gas:

• Gas line
• Pipe sizing
• Meter review
• Regulator work

For propane:

• Tank
• Regulator
• Fuel line
• Initial fill

Do not assume "fuel connection included" means meter/tank upgrade is included.

Step 9: Confirm Pad / Site Work

Quote should state:

• Composite pad
• Gravel
• Concrete
• Trenching
• Restoration

Step 10: Confirm Permits

Ask:

• Who pulls permits?
• Are fees included?
• Who handles inspection corrections?

Step 11: Ask About Utility Upgrades

For natural gas:

Has meter capacity been checked?

For electrical service:

Does utility involvement apply?

Step 12: Confirm Load Management

If the generator is smaller than unrestricted house demand, ask which loads will be managed.

Step 13: Confirm Testing

Quote should include commissioning and simulated outage testing.

Step 14: Compare Warranty and Service

Ask:

• Manufacturer warranty
• Labor warranty
• Installer workmanship warranty
• Service call rates
• Maintenance plan
• Storm priority

Quote Comparison Table

Red Flags in a Generator Quote

• No model number
• No ATS detail
• No fuel review
• No permit mention
• No outage test
• No load calculation
• Huge deposit with vague scope
• Pressure to sign immediately