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Avatar for Villa Handyman - Unlicensed Contractor
Villa Handyman - Unlicensed Contractor
4.7(
48
)
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Kensington, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Armando is very professional, and I almost did not hire him because of a previous review he had on his feedback. Therefore, I received another quote from a higher rated area contractor who also stated prices were better. The other company failed to show up as scheduled, but arrived the following day and his prices were higher than Armandos quote. He did a fantastic job, price was fair, and was promt. He is trust worthy too, I had to run to my daughters college, 3.5 hours later, I arrived back at home..everything was perfectly installed, other items working in tip-top shape. He is respectful, and he is picks up after himself (and some of my extra dog hair too). Armando is my new, go to handyman. I am sure you will find him great.. He serves the Pleasanton area toom"
New remodel kitchen
Main water line replace
All cities projects well
All cities projects well
All cities projects well

+9

Response time4 hrs
Response rate89%
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Golden Bay Electric
Golden Bay Electric
4.9(
29
)
Portable Generator - Install

Serving Kensington, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Overall experience was average. First day of installation was okay until I find out half of the house did not have power. Edgar came back the next day and explained the cause and fixed it with ease. Was getting push back about how everything was installed as it was and there shouldnâ t be any issues, well there was and he graciously came back and fixed the problem. I would definitely use this company in the future."
Response time2 days
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by92%of homeowners
Avatar for Vilroy
Vilroy
New to Angi
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Kensington, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

With over 28 years of experience in residential and commercial electrical services, I am a fully licensed electrician in the State of California, committed to delivering excellence in every project.\n\nMy work is built on precision, safety, and strict compliance with California electrical codes. From panel and subpanel upgrades to three-phase systems, transformers, lighting installations, and advanced troubleshooting, every job is executed with professionalism and attention to detail.\n\nI don’t just complete projects — I deliver safe, efficient, and long-lasting electrical solutions.\n\nProfessional. Reliable. Done right the first time.

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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for electrical emergencies. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency. 

The cost to install a whole-house generator averages $5,200, with a typical price range of $1,500 to $8,900. However, total costs can vary from $400 for a small portable unit to over $18,000 for a large-capacity system. The most significant cost factor is the generator's size and capacity, but other variables include the brand, fuel type, and labor for assembly and installation.

Generator costs can be broken down by type:

  • Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500 to $2,000

  • Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000 to $6,500

  • Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000 to $18,000

To avoid paying for more power than you need, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load for your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes to find the best deal for your specific needs and budget.

No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.

Generators are safe to use as long as they are installed and operated correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The most critical safety tips are to never use a portable or fuel-powered generator inside an enclosed space due to the risk of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning; always operate it outdoors where fumes can dissipate away from your home. Additionally, never attempt to connect a generator to your home’s electrical panel yourself—hire a professional to ensure the setup meets safety standards. Finally, avoid overloading the generator by not connecting more appliances than it is rated for, as this can damage your equipment or cause a fire.

It is safe to run a generator continuously, but you must follow safety protocols to ensure personal and home safety. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations, but the general recommendation is to turn generators off overnight or when you’re away from the house. Overworked generators can pose a fire hazard and if your generator is not in a well-ventilated area, running it continuously could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Kensington, CA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.