So, you’re feeling good that you’ve done your due diligence and read all about some pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a standby generator. Congratulations; we’re proud of you for being thorough!
Of course, buying a generator shouldn’t be a scary experience, but it should definitely be a well-informed one. With almost two decades of experience in the industry, there’s no one better to help you become an expert in how to shop for this purchase.
Below are five more important factors to consider before you make your next big home investment.
#1: Legal Protection
Let’s be honest, in the age of information, anyone can watch a YouTube video, learn some lingo, and present themselves as a knowledgeable professional in almost any field. It’s up to us as consumers to peek behind the curtain to make sure the wizard is real and not just a local charlatan.
When it comes to generator companies, one of the easiest ways to do that is to ask about licensing and insurance.
Providing and installing backup power systems is important work! Any company that takes this work seriously will invest the time and financial resources into themselves to ensure they are able to offer you the safest, most quality service possible.
This is not the time to trust your neighbor who has ‘been installing these things since they were a kid.’ Before you agree to purchase a generator and installation service, always ask about their license and insurance. If they don’t have or aren’t able to provide proof of both, run!
#2: Reviews
People are talking. About everything… including the company from which you’re considering purchasing your generator.
Yes, the internet is great for learning viral dances and watching cute cat videos; but if you’re making a large investment, it would be a huge mistake to not scour the world wide web for reviews.
Google reviews, Angi (formerly Angie’s List), Home Advisor, even social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit, can offer a wealth of information from real customers with real feedback about their experience with a company.
Some of these reviews are free, some may require a small membership fee, but it’s a small price to pay to ensure you’re only inviting an honest, reliable, reputable company into your home.
#3: In-House Certifications
Not all generators are created equal. Neither are all technicians.
Before signing a contract, ask who will perform your maintenance and warranty work. Do they have in-house technicians? Are they certified to perform work on the brand/product line of generator you chose, or do they use a third party?
In fact, ask this question specifically: “Do you use a third party for your maintenance and/or warranty work?”
Why is this so critical? Well, not only is it important that you are working with the company you think you’re working with but unpaid third parties or suppliers can actually file a lien against your property!
That’s right, even if you’ve paid a generator company every dime you owe them, if they mismanage your funds to their vendors, the vendor can make a claim against your home or business!
GenerX has 24 Generac certified technicians to perform all work, using equipment and supplies from our storehouse, right here in Central Florida.
#4: Complete Proposal
Take your time reviewing the proposal. Make sure it is complete from start to finish. Never allow for any part of the proposal to be field in or ‘figured out’ later.
If a company can’t explain in writing everything from approximate delivery, to installation through clean-up; then you may want to reconsider.
#5: After the Sale- Before the Final Payment
You’re in the home stretch. Your standby generator is installed. It looks great. It works great (you know this because you’ve tested it), and you couldn’t be happier that it’s finished.
Your new generator should make your life easier and put your mind at ease… so don’t let unfinished business interrupt your joy.
Before you write that final check that closes out the project, make sure you verify all permits are finalized and the release of liens are signed by any suppliers or third parties.
If you’re looking for a licensed, insured, knowledgeable experience, GenerX would be happy to help guide you through this process. Contact us for your free consultation here.