"Magic Electric, Plumbing & Heating/Air... I have purchased a 102 yr older home in Hagerman, ID. MAGIC: Tucker, Cleaned, Tuned my furnace ASAP. Angel and Adam worked diligently for 2 weeks, plaster/lathe, to rewire my home and shop to code electrically and also functionally for my needs. The also installed exterior security lights. Arron and Cody worked hard and long, in my 1.5 ft. crawl space to upgrade my plumbing Drainage, sinks and commode were reset, outdoor spigots repiped. Installed 2 hot water heaters and a water softener. WOW!!!! I truly, respectfully APPRECIATE each and EVERY ONE of these Professionals who have worked pleasantly through this process. THANK YOU, MAGIC MEN! You all deserve a round to applause and my Gratitude. BRAVO!"
"They were great and really good. we never had any trouble with him, we call him and he came very quick he is very reliable. Its been 7 to 8 years that we've been using his service, he gave us a fair price, does a good quality of work and he is very personable, friendly, on time and we always contact him.We actually have another contractor, but we mostly use his service."
"Needed new lights for a shop and a welder plug in installed . Patrick got it done in timely manner . And got my shop bright again . I Am going too use Vasco Electric for my future upgrades /repairs . Awesome Guys and very fair pricing. Thanks Guys for good work ."
"John happened to be in town when I placed my request. He was at my house in less than 10 minutes and in under an hour had my electrical outlets fixed. John is super personable and knew exactly what the issue was. I am so excited to put out my deck lights now! I will be contacting you for any future needs!"
If you’re deciding between a solar battery versus a generator for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don’t have many ongoing costs.
The average cost to install a home generator is $5,200, but total costs can range from $500 to $18,000 or more. The final price depends on several factors, including the generator's size, type, brand, fuel source, and the cost of labor and assembly. The generator's size is the most significant cost factor, as units that can power larger homes with higher energy demands cost more.
Cost breakdowns by generator type are typically as follows:
Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500–$2,000
To ensure you get the right size unit for your needs without overpaying, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes from qualified installers to find the best fit for your budget.
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.
Yes, in most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home models. Because these installations involve significant alterations to your home's electrical system and produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require a permit or inspection for safety purposes. A generator permit typically costs between $50 and $250, depending on your location. Your electrician or certified installer can usually handle the permitting process for you, but you will be responsible for the cost. It's a good practice to confirm with your installer that they will pull all necessary permits before work begins.
Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:
The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.
It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.
Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window.
The Bruneau, ID homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
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.
