Builders: Why a Certified Generac Dealer Is Key for Generator Installation

Adding a home standby generator is a valuable feature for new construction homes, offering homeowners peace of mind knowing they won't be left in the dark during power outages. However, the installation process is complex, and choosing the right professional for the job is critical. While you might be tempted to use your general electrician, partnering with a certified Generac dealer for new construction projects offers significant advantages that can protect your reputation and ensure homeowner satisfaction down the line.

The Comprehensive Process of a Certified Dealer

A certified Generac dealer follows a structured process designed specifically for home standby generator installation in new construction. This isn't just dropping a unit on a pad; it involves several crucial steps:

• Sizing Report: Determining the correct generator size is paramount, as it impacts the required footprint, gas line size, and electrical wire type.

• Game Plan: Certified dealers meet with the builder and electrician to establish clear roles and responsibilities from the outset.

• Pregame: Essential infrastructure like the transfer switch (or switches), generator wire, and fuel line are run before the generator unit arrives. Multiple transfer switch options exist and can be discussed with the homeowner, builder, and electrician.

• The Big Day: The generator is brought on-site, placed (often on a concrete pad designed for the unit), and all final fuel and electrical connections are made. The generator is typically bolted to the pad to prevent theft.

• Handoff: The dealer meets with the homeowner, provides a startup class, educates them on operation, sets up yearly maintenance, and provides contact information for any future issues.

  
  

Certified dealers like McCay Southern offer a turnkey process, handling everything from obtaining necessary permits to the final testing, ensuring the installation is correct and safe. They specialize in residential Generac generators and use licensed electricians. This specialized knowledge and process go beyond typical electrical work.

The Pitfalls of General Electricians and the Risk to Warranty Claims

While competent, a general electrician may not have the specialized experience with the nuances of Generac generator systems, transfer switches, fuel line requirements (natural gas or propane), and the specific technical prep work involved. Missing steps or making errors during installation can lead to significant problems.

Crucially, improper installation can jeopardize the generator's warranty. Generac warranties often require installation by a certified or authorized professional. Certified dealers like McCay Southern are certified to repair and handle all warranty claims directly. Using a non-certified installer could leave the homeowner (and by extension, you) in a difficult position if a warranty issue arises. Many dealers also offer extended warranties (5, 7, and 10-year options are mentioned), providing added long-term protection, which might not be available or valid without proper certified installation.

Preventing That Call: Generator Failure During a Power Outage

Imagine this scenario: a storm hits, the power goes out, and the homeowner's new generator fails to start. Who is the first person they call in a panic? Often, it's the builder. This reflects poorly on your work and creates an unnecessary headache.

A certified Generac dealer minimizes this risk through their comprehensive service and support. Beyond proper installation, they often implement proactive measures. For instance, generators typically perform a weekly self-test. Dealers like McCay Southern can install a 4G monitor that runs off a cell tower and notifies them immediately if there's an issue detected during this self-test. This allows the dealer to address potential problems before an actual power outage occurs.

This level of proactive monitoring and 24/7 availability for service ensures that if something goes wrong, the homeowner calls the dedicated generator expert who can fix it, rather than calling you, the builder, who may not have the immediate resources or expertise to diagnose and repair the issue. The dealer's "Handoff" step explicitly provides the homeowner with information on who to reach out to if they ever have an issue.

Protect Your Reputation, Partner with a Specialist

Partnering with a certified Generac Power Pro Premier Dealer ensures the generator is sized correctly, installed properly according to manufacturer specifications, and covered by a valid warranty. Their specialized process, proactive monitoring, and dedicated 24/7 support drastically reduce the likelihood of a generator failure during an outage, saving you from late-night calls and protecting your reputation for quality construction. Consider working with a trusted partner like McCay Southern Generators.