"It is weeks like this that make me so happy to have had Fitch Electric install a generator at my house. I had them install an EV Generator a few months ago and bit the bullet for the generator knowing this summer would be HOT and PGE would be shutting us down as usual. I cannot say enough great things about Fitch Electric https://fitchelectricinc.com/ They are professional, reasonably priced and are on-time and on budget. Thanks Lucas and your team at Fitch Electric 5 out of 5 star recommend ! I only said 4.5/5 on the value only because it's expensive regardless so this isnt a knock on Fitch just the whole generator world and PGE in general. I wish we didn't have to do this but in these times over the last several years WE KNOW that PGE will be shutting off power and this is just what we have to do. I love Fitch! Will use them again 100% in the future."
"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"
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"I had my garden and bathroom remodel done. Albert and Samuel were professional, friendly, and a delight to work with. They're responsive and reliable. I also like the subcontractors whom they used on my project. They kept me informed of everything and I appreciate their excellent work."
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.
Hello My Name's Mike, I worked as an Electrician at Tesla for 5 years, installing EV chargers, doing Sub Panels and Solar. Then Moved to the commercial side of solar and did much bigger installs. Residential electrical work comes natural to me. Let me know what I can do for you.
I provide a complete property care service, handling everything from minor electrical repairs and general household fixes to full junk removal. Whether you need a light switch swapped out, a ceiling fan installed, or an entire garage cleared, I am your one-call solution. I save you the hassle of hiring multiple contractors by taking care of the repairs and hauling away the mess all at once.
You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.
Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.
Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.
In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more.
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.
Whole-house generators can run continuously for extended periods, even for weeks at a time (around 400 to 500 hours), as long as they have a sufficient fuel supply. However, this type of extensive use will increase wear and tear and can shorten the generator's overall lifespan. During long periods of operation, it's important to check and refill the engine oil as needed, potentially as frequently as daily depending on the model. If your generator uses a fuel tank, ensure it is kept full to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
The San Mateo, CA homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to install a whole-house generator in San Francisco, CA varies based on factors like generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Learn the typical price range and what influences your total cost.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Thinking about a generator installation? Learn about backup power options, costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to keep your home running.