Most homeowners don't know what to ask — and installers don't volunteer the hard questions. This guide gives you the exact questions that separate a quality installation from an expensive mistake.
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The right generator size is determined by adding up the electrical loads of everything you want to power. An installer who quotes a size based on square footage alone, or just recommends "a 22kW for most homes," is guessing. A proper load calculation takes 30–60 minutes and is the only legitimate way to size a generator for your specific home.
Red flag if they can't explain how they calculated the size.
In Michigan, standby generator installations almost always require at minimum an electrical permit, and often a gas permit. An installer who skips permits is cutting a corner that could void your homeowner's insurance, create problems when you sell your home, and leave you with no recourse if something goes wrong.
Walk away if anyone suggests permits aren't necessary.
A complete installation includes: the generator unit, the automatic transfer switch (ATS), the concrete or composite pad, gas or propane line connection, all electrical work, permit fees, and activation. Get a written itemized quote. Suspiciously low bids often exclude the ATS, the pad, or fuel connection.
Ask for a line-item breakdown if anything is unclear.
Michigan requires an electrical contractor license for generator installations. Ask for the license number and proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. If a contractor works at your home without insurance and someone is injured, you may be liable.
Don't accept "we're in the process of getting licensed."
There are two separate warranties to understand: (1) the manufacturer warranty on the generator unit itself, and (2) the installer's labor warranty on their work. Most manufacturers offer 5–10 years on parts. Labor warranties vary widely — some installers offer none. Ask specifically: does your warranty cover both parts AND labor, and for how long?
A warranty that only covers parts shifts all the labor cost risk to you.
Standby generators run on natural gas or propane. If you have a utility gas line, natural gas is usually the better choice — lower cost, reliable supply, no refueling. If you don't have gas service, propane with a properly sized dedicated tank is the right approach. An installer should explain both options and let you choose based on your situation.
Be cautious if they only quote one fuel type without discussing your options.
Most residential installations are completed in one day once permits are approved. Permit processing typically takes 1–3 weeks depending on your municipality. Total time from signed contract to activation is usually 3–6 weeks. Any installer promising an unrealistically fast timeline without accounting for permits is giving you a number to win the sale.
Realistic timelines signal a contractor who's done this before.
Yes. Standby generators require annual or semi-annual service: oil and filter change, spark plugs, battery test, cooling system check, and a review of all connections. Most manufacturers require documented annual maintenance to keep the warranty valid. Ask if the installer offers service plans — and if so, what they cover and at what cost.
If they say "it just runs itself," they're omitting something important.
Find out who you call, how fast they respond, and what the process looks like. Does the installer have a dedicated service line? Do they have technicians available for after-hours emergencies? What does the labor warranty cover and for how long? You want to know there's a real answer on the other end of the phone before you buy.
Vague answers here are a preview of the post-sale experience.
A quality installer should be able to show you photos of recent jobs — ideally geo-tagged to your area — and should be willing to provide references. Local examples matter: they confirm the installer understands your municipality's permit requirements and utility provider. They also confirm the company has actually done the work, not just sold it.
No examples or references is a meaningful data point.
Use our free sizing tool: 5 questions, a real kW recommendation, and an installed cost estimate. No personal info required until the end.
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