How much does a whole-house generator cost?

A standby whole-house generator runs about $5,000 to $15,000 installed, including the unit, transfer switch, pad, gas line, and permit. The generator itself is often $3,000 to $6,000; the rest is installation, which varies with gas and electrical runs.

Can I install a whole-house generator myself?

No. A standby generator connects to your gas line and main electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch, which is dangerous and code-regulated work. It requires a licensed electrician and gas fitter and a permit. DIY here risks backfeeding the grid and voiding warranties.

What size generator do I need for my house?

It depends on what you want to run. A whole-home standby unit is commonly 18 to 26 kW; a partial system that powers essentials can be smaller. An installer runs a load calculation to size it, since both too small and too large cost you money.

Natural gas or propane standby generator?

Natural gas is convenient if you have a gas line, with an unlimited fuel supply and no tank to refill. Propane suits homes without natural gas and stores well, but you manage a tank. Both are reliable; availability of a gas line usually decides it.

Do I need a permit for a standby generator?

Yes, essentially always. The gas and electrical connections require permits and an inspection in nearly every jurisdiction, and many areas also have placement rules for distance from windows and property lines. A reputable installer handles the permitting as part of the job.

PROJECT GUIDE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

Whole-House Generator Cost & Project Guide

Everything for your Whole-House Generator in one place: cost by state, DIY vs. hire, the tools and materials, and a local pro if you want one.

NATIONAL AVERAGE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

HIRE A PRO

$5,000–$15,000

DIY COST

$0–$0

Typical project: A standby generator with automatic transfer switch for a whole home

Skill levelAdvancedAnyone can take this on. The Blueprint walks you through it, step by step.

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Exact cost by zip →Tools & materials →Find a pro →

Source: 3+ benchmark aggregations (RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide) plus Submitted Quotes data

Plan your Whole-House Generator

A quick checklist to get from idea to done. Want it as a printable PDF? Grab the full free version, emailed to you.

1Set a realistic budget using the cost range above.
2Check whether your project needs a permit in your state.
3Decide DIY or hire (see the breakdown below).
4Make your materials and tools list.
5If hiring, get three quotes and compare them like-for-like.
6Plan the timeline and order materials with a 10 percent buffer.

Get the full free Whole-House Generator checklist, emailed as a PDF →

Tools and materials for a Whole-House Generator

What you will actually buy. We flag what to rent versus own so you do not overspend on a one-time tool.

Materials

Standby generator unit · 1
Automatic transfer switch · 1
Concrete pad and gas line · 1 set
Permit and inspection · 1

Tools

Licensed electrician (required) · rent or buy
Licensed gas fitter (required) · rent or buy
Permit and inspection · rent or buy

See all the tools and materials worth buying →

Pro tips for your Whole-House Generator

The mistakes that cost DIYers the most, and how to stay ahead of them.

Undersizing the generator or gas line

DIY electrical or gas connections

Skipping the permit and inspection

Placing the unit too close to windows or the house

Should you DIY or hire for Whole-House Generator?

It depends on three things: your skill level, your time, and your tolerance for the riskiest parts of the project.

When DIY makes sense

→You have trade-level experience or have completed this type of project before
→You own or can rent the specialized tools required
→You've read the local code requirements and understand the permit process
→A trusted helper with relevant experience is available for the critical phases

When to hire

→The project involves significant fall risk, high voltage, or gas lines
→Your jurisdiction requires a licensed contractor, no exceptions
→A DIY mistake could void your homeowner's insurance or mortgage terms
→You lack the specialized tools and can't justify renting them for a one-time job
→The project scope is large enough that crew efficiency outweighs DIY savings

DifficultyHard

Advanced, but within reach with the right prep. The Blueprint covers the safety-critical phases step by step, and a pro is there if you would rather not.

Not planning to DIY? Find a local Whole-House Generator pro →

What drives the cost of Whole-House Generator

Materials

The single biggest material variable is your product choice. Natural gas standby and Propane standby sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, a decision that can shift your materials budget by 40–60%. Key line items include standby generator unit, automatic transfer switch, concrete pad and gas line, each priced per unit and sensitive to regional supply-chain conditions. Bulk purchasing and timing your order outside peak season (spring and early summer) can reduce material costs by 10–15%.

Labor

BLS occupational wage data shows systems-trade crews earn $28–$52/hour depending on metro area, and most whole-house generator jobs require a two- to three-person crew for at least one full day. Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost. Project complexity, custom details, tight access, or non-standard configurations, adds crew time and can push labor costs well above the national average.

Site conditions

Slope, soil type, and existing-structure condition are the three site factors contractors price most aggressively. Demolition or removal of old materials adds dumpster and disposal fees that rarely appear in online estimates. Local code requirements, permit fees, required inspections, and jurisdiction-specific material standards, can add $200–$1,500 to any project before a single tool is lifted.

Rather hire it out?

Find a vetted Whole-House Generator pro near you. We never sell your info and never take kickbacks.

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Whole-House Generator cost in your state

Whole-House Generator cost varies a lot by state. Open your state for locally calibrated hire and DIY numbers.

Whole-House Generator cost in Michigan →Whole-House Generator cost in California →Whole-House Generator cost in Texas →Whole-House Generator cost in Florida →Whole-House Generator cost in New York →Whole-House Generator cost in Pennsylvania →Whole-House Generator cost in Ohio →Whole-House Generator cost in Georgia →

See all home improvement costs by state →