Get matched with top generator install pros in South Pasadena, CA

Q: Do I need a permit to install a generator?

• <div><p>In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home generators. A permit for a generator usually costs between <b>$50 and $250</b>, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you&mdash;and might be required to do so by your building department&mdash;but you&rsquo;ll be on the hook for the cost of the permit. You should ask your installer before agreeing to any work if they will pull the necessary permits for your project.</p></div>

Q: How does a generator transfer switch save me money?

• <div><p>It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you&rsquo;ll have to pay between <b>$400 and $2,500</b> to have the transfer switch installed, you&rsquo;ll recoup that amount later on when you don&rsquo;t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hook-up-generator-to-house.htm">hook up of a generator to your home</a>. </p></div>

Q: Can I install a portable generator myself?

• <div><p>DIY is possible for basic setups. Professional installation ensures safe and proper electrical connections.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to set up utilities?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Is a home generator a tax write-off?

• <div><p>Most homeowners won't be able to claim a home generator as a tax write-off. However, a whole-house generator may be tax-deductible in certain situations depending on its purpose. For instance, if it's needed to power essential medical equipment, it may qualify as a medical expense deduction. Also, in some cases, businesses can deduct a generator as a business expense if it supports operations. Always consult a tax professional to determine eligibility based on your specific circumstances and the applicable IRS regulations.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in South Pasadena, CA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in South Pasadena, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in South Pasadena, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on January 14, 2026

Reviewed in September 2025
The cabinets themselves were very well made, but the process and other aspects of the experience were less than great. Michael didn't pay much attention to the detailed drawings or project parameters provided by the designer, and didn't verify as-built conditions. As a result one of the cabinets...
MAB Woodworking
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Reviewed in July 2025
We have hired Quality Craftmanship Remodeling for multiple projects: bathroom remodeling, reconfigure and construct a bedroom, repair a water damaged room, paint interior walls, install new windows, build exterior porch stairs and replace a fence. Our latest 2025 projects included demolishing...
QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP REMODELING INC
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Reviewed in February 2021
Ouriel from Universal Home Design converted my detached garage into a studio with a kitchen and bathroom, from July through October 2020. We were referred to him via friend who underwent a garage conversion the year prior. Our original garage was 450 ft. A 94 square foot axdition was added on...
Universal Home Design, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2020
Natalia was very attentive from the moment I called until the installation was complete. The man who came to install it was quick, neat and he came wearing a mask. Highly recommendable.
On Call Water Heaters
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Reviewed in August 2019
Great. Aaron came as scheduled and installed the new garbage disposal without any problems.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
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Reviewed in April 2018
I called several other contractors before I found Imperial garage door. One was drunk (yes, really), two didn't bother to show up, and several didn't return my calls. Imperial was the opposite, easy to communicate, showed up on time, gave a fair bid, delivered on time and professional...
Imperial Garage Door & Gates, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2018
This is the second time we had services performed by Garafano Electric. They were prompt when coming for an estimate and when installing the outlets. They vacuumed the areas they worked on and billed us for the amount quoted. Would hire them again.
Garafano Electric, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2017
It was excellent. He recommended a toilet for us and installed it. He was fast, clean, efficient, and knowledgeable.
Andy Castillo Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2016
Great. Arturo Lopez visited my home and walked through with me what he would do and gave me a competitive quote. Although, he was not the lowest bidder, his quote was much less than one bidder who had done a lot of quality work in the neighborhood. The lowest bidder, I had actually used...
Lopez Tree Service
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Reviewed in June 2016
Everything went very smoothly and according to plan. They made a house call to install the new computer, connected it to my printer and other peripherals and made sure we had a strong wifi signal in the house.
EARTH OASIS COMPUTERS
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