Homeowners turn to standby generators to keep lights on, refrigerators cold, and medical equipment running when the grid goes down. But the big question always remains: what is the real cost to install a generator? At CountBricks, we combine AI-driven estimating, real-time material pricing, and voice-guided field data to give you a dollar figure you can trust—before the first shovel hits the dirt.
Industry studies show national averages between $6,000 and $12,000 for turnkey installation of a whole-house generator. California codes, seismic anchoring, and utility coordination can nudge Los Angeles projects toward the higher end. CountBricks projects completed this year landed in three distinct brackets:
• $4,500 – $6,500 for smaller 10 kW air-cooled units on homes under 1,500 sq ft
• $7,000 – $9,000 for 14-22 kW units covering most 2,500 sq ft residences
• $10,000 – $15,000 for 24 kW+ liquid-cooled systems with automatic transfer switches and gas line upgrades
• Generator size (kW) – bigger loads equal bigger equipment, pads, and wiring
• Fuel source – natural gas tie-ins are cheaper to run but can require pricey trenching, while propane tanks add material and rental fees
• Electrical service upgrades – older 100-amp panels often need replacement to accept an automatic transfer switch
• Permitting & inspections – LA County plan review, noise regulations, and Title 24 all carry fees
• Site work – concrete pads, seismic bolts, and exhaust clearances add labor hours
Online calculators rarely account for regional labor rates, same-day supplier price swings, or multi-trade coordination. By capturing voice notes on site and syncing live with CountBricks.com/services, contractors get:
• Supplier-verified material costs updated every 15 minutes
• Labor productivity tables tuned for Southern California
• Automatic markup suggestions to protect profit margin without overbidding
1. Scope call with CountBricks estimator to confirm load requirements
2. AI blueprint takeoff pinpoints panel location and trench lengths
3. Permit package auto-generated and submitted via CountBricks portal
4. Concrete pad formed, poured, and cured (1 – 2 days)
5. Generator set and anchored with seismic straps
6. Gas line or propane stub-out connected and pressure-tested
7. Transfer switch wired; final system commissioning
8. County inspection and homeowner orientation
Fuel pressure boosts: When local gas mains deliver low pressure, a secondary regulator or larger meter may be mandated. CountBricks AI flags this in pre-construction so the utility upgrade is in your bid.
Landscape restoration: Trenches cut through stamped concrete or mature turf add post-install cleanup dollars. Our takeoff assigns square-foot allowances automatically.
Sound attenuation: Neighborhood HOAs often cap decibel levels. Generator hush kits and fencing can tack on $600 – $1,200—captured in CountBricks assemblies from the outset.
• Size for starting amperage, not running watts, to prevent nuisance trips
• Orient exhaust away from attic vents to avoid carbon-monoxide monitors triggering
• Pour pads minimum 4 inches above grade for flood protection
• Prewire Ethernet for future remote monitoring upgrades
• Schedule gas inspection the same day as electrical rough to shave a site visit
While the upfront cost to install a generator may seem steep, homeowners recoup value through protected frozen goods, eliminated hotel stays during outages, and increased resale appeal. CountBricks clients report a 4.7-star satisfaction rating when projects close under the budget our AI projected on day one.
Stop guessing and start building with confidence. Request a no-obligation voice call directly inside the CountBricks mobile app or visit CountBricks.com/consultation. In under five minutes you will receive a line-item estimate complete with live material pricing, labor hours, permit fees, and projected completion dates—every component you need to win the job and delight your client.
A recent CountBricks client needed uninterrupted power for a home office, wine cellar, and smart-home hub. Our estimator used the AI blueprint takeoff to map a 35-foot trench, identify a load calc of 90 amps, and select a 22 kW air-cooled unit.
• AI estimate: $8,750 turnkey
• Signed contract: $8,900 (2 % contingency added by homeowner)
• Final invoice: $8,820—delivered $80 under budget
1. Auto-generated bill of materials synced with two preferred suppliers, locking price for 14 days
2. Voice field notes converted into task durations, preventing labor overages
3. Permit fees pulled from CountBricks code database within seconds
“CountBricks predicted our generator cost within $100 and handled every permit. The crew wrapped up a day early, and the power stayed on during last week’s outage.” — Homeowner testimonial collected via CountBricks app survey
• Early AI load calculations prevent oversizing equipment and overspending
• Bundling electrical panel upgrades with generator work saves 8 % on average labor costs
• CountBricks project dashboards give homeowners a live view of spend vs. budget, reducing nervous calls to your office
To see how these insights translate to your builds, explore CountBricks.com/portfolio or book a demo at CountBricks.com/consultation.
