From food and clothing to mobile devices and vehicles, there are myriad aspects of our daily lives we place high value on. Property owners, especially, want to ensure that their appliances, security, heating and air conditioning systems, and other must-have commodities are top-of-the-line, reputable, and long-lasting.

It’s important to keep in mind that the more substantial investments that work to keep you and your family safe — or your business optimal — involve partnering with professionals; specialists that take the time to learn about your needs, lifestyle, property, and budget.

When it comes to backup generator installation, it’s not enough to just consider the type of standby power you’ll have; you must pay mind to the team you’ll be partnering with. Our technicians understand the importance of superior customer service — a mission to educate, make informed recommendations, and develop strong relationships that last years to come. We’ve put together this list of top questions to ask your generator installation company so that you can be better prepared to invest in not only a solution that will hold its own in the event of a power outage but professionalism and peace of mind that will never leave you in the dark.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

For better or worse, most contracting companies fail within the first few years, leaving little incentive for customer service and making for a complicated situation if you’re left with unreliable power after standby generator installation. Fortunately, our generator installation company has years of experience and has an outstanding track record in terms of work and customer satisfaction.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

One of the best ways to know your property is protected when choosing a generator contractor is to choose a company with a valid license to work in your state. Licensure ensures that a company meets all qualifications, including financial solvency, industry standards, and a fund to compensate you in the event something goes wrong.

If they are not a licensed professional or have let their license expire, take that for the red flag it is. Additionally, you can check the status of the contractor’s license yourself online. Colonial Generators’ experts are fully licensed and insured, so you can rest assured your installation project is in good hands.

Will You Take Care of Required Permits?

In most scenarios, your city, county, or state will require a permit to install a generator. Permits — as well as cooperation with local government — are critical when new gas lines are laid. This safety measure cannot be avoided, and most of the time, a licensed electrical contractor must obtain the necessary permit(s). Our generator installation specialists are happy to handle this entire process for you.

Can You Share References?

Checking sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before scheduling an appointment with a generator installation company is at your disposal. However, it’s wise to check out reviews from recent customers. Many entities have these available on their website, or they can direct you to a review site their customers use. At Colonial Generators, we know that gaining insight into previous customers’ experiences will be an invaluable asset in determining expectations.

Will You Handle Gas, Plumbing, and Electrical Work?

For gas-powered generators, the installation process requires a plumber and electrician. Our experienced team has trusted plumbing and electrician subcontractors we trust and work with regularly. With so much on the line, no one likes surprises; ask about this upfront to ensure all services are included in the scope of work.

What Does the Cost Breakdown of Generator Installation Look Like?

Many factors contribute to the cost of backup home generator installation, and the same goes for their commercial counterparts. Your contractor should be able to provide you with a scope of work that includes labor for electrical, plumbing, and installation work, materials such as cement and piping, and more involved work such as installing a new subpanel. We understand that these costs can add up, and knowing about them ahead of time can help you stay on budget.

Is There a Warranty?

Most generators come standard with a warranty ranging from one to five years. Many generator installation companies let you purchase an extended warranty at a higher cost. The contractors at Colonial Generators will be able to walk you through all of your options and make honest recommendations for your unique circumstances.

What Is the Typical Response Time if I Have an Issue?

This is where you’ll get a more refined sense of a company’s dedication to your comfort and safety! If something goes awry with your generator, it’s nice to know that the professionals you worked with will do everything in their power to get you back up and running in a timely manner. Our team knows when it comes to generator issues, time is of the essence.

Can You Perform Annual Maintenance on My Generator?

Generators must be inspected annually to ensure they’re in safe working order — but it’s not guaranteed that your installer and the maintenance company will be one and the same. Ask about a maintenance plan that would be right for you and your newly installed generator, and ascertain what you could expect to pay for the average service call. After installation, a Colonial Generators technician can consult with you on an ideal maintenance schedule that works for you.

Contact Us for Premier Generator Services

While you can trust that we know the ins and outs of the process, we understand our customers have questions pertaining to everything from the difference between a liquid propane and natural gas home generator to how long a backup home generator lasts — and we’re at the ready to explain everything in great detail to help you make a decision that’s right for you and your property.

Our vast network of experts lets us provide our customers with residential generators that can keep you and your family safe during an outage and commercial generators that ensure your company’s assets and workflow are never put in jeopardy. 

For more information about our generator financing options, get in touch with our team today!