Before we cover the big-picture let's look at how long it takes from start to finish, covering the actual steps involved in the process, so you can get a better idea of the time frame.

Understanding All the Steps

Here’s what to expect, in terms of steps:

Step 1: The Permit Process

We can’t start the installation until we get the proper permits.  Fortunately for those of us in Houston, the city is actually pretty quick about turning around the permit, and by pretty quick, we mean a typical time of 24-48 hours.  Other municipalities can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days.

After we obtain your permit, your permit will be posted on your property during the installation process.   We then contact the utility locators and gain transfer switch approval from  CenterPoint (Electrical).

Step 2: Inspection of the Concrete Foundation

If you don’t already have a concrete foundation in place to serve as a base for your generator, then the pouring of this foundation will start as soon as we have your municipal permit.   Some municipalities require inspection of the form prior to pouring.

This inspection takes a couple of days to schedule and complete. This represents the last “preliminary” step before the actual installation of your generator can take place.

Step 3: Installation of the generator

Following inspection and curing of the concrete foundation, electricians and plumbers come are scheduled within a day or two to do the install of your generator and automatic transfer switch.

Step 4: Municipal Inspection of the Installed Generator

 Following installation, a request for inspection is sent to the municipality who will inspect the installed equipment including electrical and plumbing.

Step 5: Meter Upgrade

Once the previous steps are completed, your inspections are sent over to your gas provider, letting  them know that the inspections have passed.  We will schedule your meter upgrade for you and it usually is upgraded within five to seven days.

Step 6:  Start Up and Client Tutorial

Now it is time to schedule the final start up so you can see how your generator operates.  Our trained technicians will walk you through the operation and answer any questions you may have.

And that’s the last step. Project complete!

Total Time from Start to Finish

According to Yvonne Fish of Generator Power Systems:

“A permitted job usually takes anywhere from 14 to 21 working days to complete.   Sometimes, that can increase in different municipalities around the Greater Houston Area because there’s not electronic permitting in some areas where we actually have to hand carry documents down to the permitting authority.  It can take up to 7 to 14 days to actually get a permit from certain municipalities.  If you’re in the county where there’s not a permitting process, we can be done in as little as seven to 10 working days.”

What about dealing with the HOA?

Again, here’s Yvonne providing the straight scoop on what you can expect from HOAs when it comes to installing a standby generator:

“Some HOAs are pretty quick about turning around approval, others are not. I’ve seen HOAs be a little difficult with homeowners trying to protect their power and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to get approval. We can’t start the job until they actually get that HOA approval and that’s just for the protection of the consumer so that the location of the generator which is all they’re looking at is acceptable to their homeowners association guidelines.”

Who Really Handles All This Paperwork?

If you’re working with a professional supplier and installer, THEY should handle all permitting and paperwork requirements, with the exception of dealing with your Home Owners Association, if you live in an HOA community.

In fact, if your installer is asking you to handle the permits or requests the inspections, you should consider that a huge sign that you’re NOT dealing with a professional, and you should find yourself another installer ASAP.

If you have any questions on this, please feel free to contact Generator Power Systems to get more generator wisdom from Yvonne and her expertly qualified staff.