A permanently installed standby generator is an equipment purchase and a project involving several kinds of work. Read the price for the electrical installation, fuel supply, site work and approvals, not just the generator model.
Also ask what the completed system is intended to power. “Home backup” doesn't explain every appliance or combination of loads it will serve.
Have the installer explain the selected capacity, intended loads, transfer equipment and any load management arrangement. Ask which circuits or panel work, controls and startup checks are included.
The manufacturer's planning guidance treats sizing, transfer equipment and load management as separate considerations. One capacity number doesn't describe how the house will operate during an outage.
Identify the fuel and the work needed to connect it. Natural gas raises questions about the available supply and proposed demand. Propane has its own supply equipment and coordination.
Ask which appropriately licensed contractor assesses and performs the gas work. Find out whether the proposal includes changes involving a meter, tank or another provider. A company name offering “generator installation” doesn't by itself describe who handles those tasks.
Ask the installer to show the location, support or pad, access and any surface work. Placement needs to follow the selected model's instructions and applicable local requirements, including clearances and surrounding conditions.
Don't use a distance taken from another generator as a site plan. Have the installer explain who checks the proposed layout.
If one quote includes site preparation and the fuel route while another excludes them, the same generator model doesn't make their totals comparable.
Name who handles permit applications, required documents, utility involvement, inspections and startup. Confirm the requirements with the building department for the property.
Ask which parts of the price or schedule still depend on another company's assessment. If several businesses are involved, read their exclusions together so fuel, electrical and site work all have someone responsible.
Our multiple contractor guide helps with those arrangements. Before the job finishes, get the equipment instructions, startup information and maintenance terms. Ongoing service is a separate question from the installation price.