Generator Installation Checklist: What to Ask Before You Sign a Quote

Before you get quotes

• Know roughly which circuits you want backed up (see our sizing guide) so you can compare apples-to-apples quotes.
• Check whether your property has an existing natural-gas line, since that affects both cost and fuel-type choice (see natural gas vs propane).
• Check if you're in an HOA community that requires separate architectural approval.

Questions to ask every installer

1. Does your quote include the permit fee, or is that separate?
2. Did you do a real load calculation, or is this sized off square footage? (A square-footage estimate is a red flag — see our sizing guide.)
3. Is the transfer switch included in this price?
4. What's your license number, and is it current? Every verified listing on this site displays its license number — you can independently confirm it through your state's licensing board.
5. What's the manufacturer's warranty, and do you offer an extended labor warranty?
6. What's your realistic installation timeline, including permitting? (See our full timeline guide for what's normal.)
7. Who handles the inspection scheduling — you or me?

Red flags to walk away from

• An installer who suggests skipping the permit "to save time."
• A quote with no line-item breakdown between equipment, labor, and permit fees.
• Pressure to sign same-day without a written, itemized quote.
• No verifiable license number, or a license that doesn't match the business name.

After you've chosen an installer

Keep a copy of your permit, your final inspection sign-off, and your equipment warranty documentation together — you'll want all three if you ever sell the home or file a warranty claim.