Home Standby & Small Business Generator Installation
At Colorado Standby, we are dedicated to making your home standby generator installation a seamless experience.
Below is everything you need to know about the installation process, including estimated duration, permitting, specific considerations, and potential challenges.
Home Standby Generator Installation Timeline
Select tabs for a detailed description of each installation phase
During this crucial first step, our team initiates the process toward a seamless home standby generator installation.
Pre-Site Visit Form: We begin by gathering essential information about your property and energy needs. We also want to know if there are any “no-go” or “hard-stop” scenarios we need to be aware of. This information lays the foundation for a tailored solution.
Click here for the pre-site visit form.
Internal Form Review and Documentation: Our team reviews the gathered data, potentially requesting pictures to ensure we have a good understanding of your property’s layout and electrical infrastructure. If we see any red flags, we will let you know before coming on site.
Schedule Site Visit: We coordinate a site visit to your property. This on-site assessment allows us to evaluate your specific requirements in person and identify any potential challenges. We can schedule this around your availability on days we will be in your area.
Site Survey: Our professionals conduct a detailed survey of your property’s electrical system and physical layout. This assessment guides us in crafting an installation plan that aligns with your needs. We will fill out our digital form while on site which calculates the required time and materials needed for the install. We will also review this form with you and have you initial it to make sure we did not misunderstand or forget any of your requirements.
Estimate on Cost and Timeline: Following the site survey, we provide you with an estimate of the project’s cost and a projected timeline. This ensures transparency and helps you plan accordingly. If you have any further questions we will be happy to answer them so you can make an informed decision.
Sign Off and Deposit: Upon your approval of the estimate, we finalize the necessary paperwork and obtain the required deposit. This signifies the beginning of the installation process.
This phase focuses on meticulous planning and obtaining the necessary permits for a seamless installation.
Finalize Site Plan: Based on the site survey, we create a comprehensive site plan that outlines the generator’s placement, connections, and other essential details. Depending on where you live, we may also be required to fill out a load calculation form and provide an electrical diagram to your AHJ (authority Having Jurisdiction).
Submit for Permitting: We handle the permit application process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted accurately and promptly to the relevant authorities.
!!WARNING!! Even Though it only takes a week or two to get all required documentation submitted for permitting, we cannot control the turn around time of the AHJ. This could take one day or one month to get the permit approved. Rest assured that we will do everything in our power to expedite the process. (For Colorado residents, see the chart below for AHJ estimated permit wait times)
Permit Estimated Wait Times by County/AHJ | |
El Paso County | 1-2 Weeks |
Douglas County | 4-6 weeks |
Teller County | 1-2 weeks |
City of Woodland Park / Facilitated under PPRBD may vary | 2-4 weeks |
Jefferson County | 1-2 weeks |
Arapahoe County | 4-6 weeks |
City of Littleton | 2-4 weeks |
City of Arvada | 2-4 weeks |
Denver County | 2-4 weeks |
Adams County | 4-6 weeks |
Pueblo County-Regional | 1-2 weeks |
Park County-(State) | 1-2 weeks |
Custer County-(State) | 1-2 weeks |
Larimer County-(State) | 1-2 weeks |
Elbert County-(State) | 1-2 weeks |
Clear Creek County-(State & County) | 1-2 weeks |
City of Idaho Springs | 1-2 weeks |
Procure or Allocate Materials: With the permit application in progress, we procure any required materials and equipment that we don’t have in stock to avoid delays during installation.
Permitting Approved: Once the permits are granted, we receive official approval to proceed with the installation process.
Finalize Schedule, Locates, and Power Cut-Offs: We confirm the installation schedule, making sure it aligns with your availability. Additionally, we coordinate any necessary utility locates to prevent any disruptions during the installation.
!!WARNING!! Once again, the schedule of utility locates and power cut-offs is out of our control. Normally this only takes a week or two to get scheduled, but since the locates are only valid for 30 days, we need to time it as close as possible to the install dates. The power cut-off has to be scheduled with the electric company, and it also has a time frame of 1-2 weeks, but it needs to happen on the exact day we hook up the generator.
Understanding the Installation Process
Permitting
Before we can commence any installation work on your generator, all permits pertaining to electrical and gas work need to be sanctioned by your county or the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). For the convenience of our clients, Colorado Standby takes responsibility for the electrical part of the generator installation. If your estimate includes gas permitting and installation, we’ll hire a subcontracted gas contractor for these tasks. However, please remember if you haven’t discussed gas work inclusion in your estimate with our sales representative, you’ll need to manage the gas segment independently. Once permitting is completed, you’ll be kept informed via phone or email. The necessity for a gas meter upgrade will be evaluated based on your generator’s BTU requirements and your current meter’s capacity. If required, the gas meter upgrade, in most cases, is a free service provided by your gas utility provider (remember they want to sell you more gas!). However, there might be additional charges in rare cases, especially if significant changes are required to the main gas line coming in from the street, or gas regulator. Regardless, if any gas work is required and quoted by us, our subcontracted gas expert will coordinate gas meter upgrades in collaboration with your gas utility provider.Duration of Permits and Installations
The time taken to acquire a permit can differ based on the county/AHJ’s current load and their unique processing times. Once the electrician and gas contractor have made their permit requests, we can give an estimate of the permit’s expected duration. The chart below is only meant as a guideline for local permitting times in the Colorado Area. The installation itself, on the other hand, is influenced by your home’s electrical layout and the gas connection’s final location.
The decision of its placement is often overlooked when you are considering purchasing a home standby generator. While the generator’s functionality is paramount, its optimal location plays a significant role in its efficiency and convenience. Neglecting this consideration can lead to unnecessary headaches down the line. Factors such as noise disturbance, proximity to fuel source, aesthetics, accessibility for maintenance, ground conditions, and the possibility of future expansion should be taken into consideration.
Public Vs. Private Utility Locates
Public utility locates cover underground utilities that are known to the utility providers or city entities affiliated with your property address. Before installation, it’s crucial to identify underground utilities. While Colorado Standby can manage public utility locates, private locates, such as buried electrical lines, propane tanks, irrigation systems, etc., will be your responsibility. For private locates, you can refer to the link below provided by Colorado 811, though please note there might be charges for this service.
This phase involves the actual installation of the home standby generator system and related electrical and gas components.
Final Schedule Confirmation: We reconfirm the installation schedule with you to ensure that it still suits your needs. If we run into any delays caused by weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will reschedule you as soon as we can, even if that means moving another install back.
On-Site Plan Review and Sign Off: Our team meets with you to review the finalized installation plan. Once you’re satisfied, we ask you to do a final sign off on the job scope about to be performed so we can proceed with the installation process.
Install: Our experienced technicians execute the installation according to the approved plan, ensuring precision and safety throughout.
!!WARNING!! If trenching is required, there will be an intermediate or “rough” inspection needed. This will have to take place before we can cover the trench and move forward with the install. This is also out of our control for scheduling, but usually only takes a few days to complete.
Site Clean and Pickup: We maintain a clean and organized work environment. After the installation, we thoroughly clean the site, ensuring your property remains pristine.
End of Day Follow Up: At the end of each workday, we provide you with updates on the progress made and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Factors Influencing Installation Duration
In most cases, if the electrical and gas utilities are on the same side of the home, the entire process will take 2-3 visits. These include two visits for the electrical work and one for the gas. Depending on the situation, there might be an additional visit for generator start-up and commissioning. However, there are specific exceptions that might stretch the installation timeframe:
Trenching for Electrical and Gas: If trenching is necessary, in-ground inspections need to be done before backfilling the trenches. This can extend the installation timeline and number of visits, as inspection timings and homeowner availability need to be coordinated. Inspection usually takes place during standard business hours and needs adult supervision on the property.
External Factors: Unforeseen challenges, such as bad weather, work stoppages, or unexpected obstacles, can halt the process. If bad weather strikes, we will reschedule at your earliest convenience. If a sudden challenge arises, our team will keep you informed and provide guidance on the next steps.
This phase centers on ensuring the precision and functionality of the system as it becomes operational.
Site Plan Audit: We conduct a meticulous audit to verify that the installation aligns with the approved site plan.
CSB Electrical and Mechanical Inspection: Our experts perform comprehensive electrical and mechanical inspections to ensure the generator’s safe and reliable operation.
!!WARNING!! Just like permitting, locates, and cut-offs, the schedule of final inspection is out of our control. Normally this only takes a week or two to get scheduled.
Start-Up and Commissioning: We register the generator system, performing rigorous testing to confirm its proper functionality and integration with your property’s electrical system. After start-up we verify that everything runs smoothly on your generator.
Document Review and Training with Customer: We provide you with all relevant documents, including system manuals and warranties. Additionally, we offer comprehensive training to ensure you’re comfortable with operating and maintaining the generator.
This final phase marks the successful completion of the installation process.
Final Inspection: Our team conducts a final inspection to confirm that all aspects of the installation meet our quality standards, and that the job plan was followed and completed.
Final Punch List: If any minor items need attention, we address them promptly to ensure everything is in perfect order.
Final Customer Follow-Up: We reach out to you for a final follow-up, ensuring that you’re fully satisfied with the installation and addressing any remaining questions or concerns.
Post-Installation Activities
Post-installation, the electrical work will undergo rough and final inspections by your county/AHJ. For both types of inspections, an adult must be present on the property, especially if the service panel is located inside the home. If gas work was included in your installation, a separate final inspection for Gas/Mechanical will be needed.
Before and after
This is a photo taken during an initial site survey:
These are photos taken after the generator had been installed.
Contact Colorado Standby for Generator Installation
At Colorado Standby, we’re dedicated to ensuring your generator installation process is as smooth as possible. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our team.
Toll-free: 866-888-6111
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Our Service Department
If you are looking for a professional generator maintenance company that you can depend on, email us directly at [email protected] with any questions you may have.
If you prefer to speak to someone immediately, you can give us a call toll free at 866-888-6111 option 3.
Other Services We Offer
If you are in the market to install a new generator, we are a full turn-key generator installation company for RV generator installations, commercial generators, residential generators, and more. We will handle the entire scope of the project so you can be worry-free. Everything it takes to design, size, and install a quality emergency generator system is done by Colorado Standby.
