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Why Should I Hire A Licensed Florida Contractor?
WARNING: “Please read the following very
carefully”
- Many companies want to sell you a new emergency generator system.
- These companies are well aware that the average consumer is clueless when it comes to installations and therefore expose that weakness.
- They
are also well aware that the average consumer is ignorant as to the laws
of the State of
- Many companies will offer so-called Turn-Key generator installations.
- Under
Florida Law, in order to contract for “any
work that requires permits & inspections” you must have a
- Many un-reputable companies try to skirt this law by hiring “licensed contractors to do the actual work”!
- This is against Florida Statutes and against the law!
For instance, let’s say you hire X Power for a Turn-Key generator installation and X Power is NOT licensed as a contractor. If X Power in turn performs the work himself or hires a licensed or unlicensed contractor to perform the work, he is in fact acting as a contractor and committing a felony under Florida Statutes contractor licensing laws.
In simple terms, X Power must be qualified under the name X Power as a licensed contractor.
Home Improvement Stores know this very well! Just look at the back of any of their installation services literature and you will see multiple state licenses in various states so that they may legally contract direct with customers for services that require permits & inspections. Even though Home Improvement Stores do not perform the work themselves, they have a contractors’ license to hire others to do the work. (That’s what contracting means).
Just because X Power is using licensed installers does not make “X Power licensed to contract for any work requiring permits & inspections”.
They are taking your money illegally, and if something goes wrong, “YOU THE HOMEOWNER” is responsible.
In addition, if X Power fails to pay for any services/ equipment / sub-contracts, you the homeowner are responsible because you contracted illegally with an unlicensed contractor!
The bottom line: Make sure the company you are going to sign a contract
with and pay for the services is actually licensed
to contract in the State of
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE RULES COULD COST YOU THOUSANDS! Not to
mention the nightmares if (someone gets hurt on your property, you are responsible
because you contracted with an un-licensed person or company). In
addition, the job may not get completed and you may be subject to fines that
will be levied from the State, County and local building departments!
ASK TO SEE THEIR STATE OF FLORIDA CERTIFIED CONTRACTORS LICENSE!
Please see supporting Florida Statutes Chapter 489 Sec. 489.127 Prohibitions Penalties sub sec. (f) and 489.105 Definitions sub sec. (3) below:
Also see: Mandatory Provision for Direct Contracts FL Statutes 713.05
Selecting a fuel source for your emergency back-up generator. |
Many years of installation and practical application work in the field have helped us to put forth information to help you make an informed decision for your fuel system needs.
Diesel, Liquid Propane or Natural Gas Generator.
These three common fuel types all have their own pros and cons.
We will give a brief overview to help make your selection easier, safer
and more reliable.
While the final decision should rest between yourself, and your qualified
contracting installer, specific consideration to tank location, EPA & State
and Local Building and Fire Marshal codes must be met.
- Liquid Propane / LP gas Generator
Pro’s
Generator unit is generally less expensive in the residential and light
commercial sizes.
LP gas is easily stored in underground tanks piped directly to the
emergency generator.
Very low exhaust emissions.
LP fired generators are normally quieter running than their diesel
counterparts.
Less environmental impact with storage concerns.
Con’s
Highly flammable and hard to ignite in cold weather.
Normal home size generator 20-40 killowatts, tank should be minimum
500 gallons underground creating space limitations.
Getting fuel after a major storm has knocked out power to local gas
provider.
Generally LP generators (automotive type engine driven) engine
life is 6-10,000 hrs
Generator kilowatt output is de-rated (less horsepower = less Killowatts).
- Natural Gas Generator / NG
Pro’s
Generator unit is generally less expensive for residential and light
commercial sizes.
If it’s available in your area, your local gas company can install
the piping from the grid through a meter right to your generator.
It is also extremely low in exhaust emissions.
No concern about fuel storage.
Less environmental impact.
Con’s
Again, engine life is less. 6-10,000 hrs of service is generally accepted.
Natural disasters can and do knock out the city gas service grids.
Generator kilowatt output is de-rated because of loss of horsepower.
- Diesel Fuel Generator
Pro’s
Rugged and durable long lived engines (20-40,000 hrs of service)
Diesel fuel with stabilizers can last up to seven years before recycling
More reliability with less maintenance (less electrical – ignition
parts to go bad).
Sub base tanks are aboveground and sit directly underneath generator
and housing.*Note: 550 gallons or less is not regulated by the EPA,
however your local Building Department may have very specific codes
as to amount stored and its placement.
Since your fuel source is on site you do not have to worry about fuel.
Typically 250-500 gallons will last several days or more depending
on the generator size and load.
Con’s
Generator system initial cost is typically thousands more than a comparable
LP/NG unit.
Engines put out significantly more exhaust emissions.
Typically storage tanks need to be underground for residential applications
where more than 250-500 gallons of fuel is needed for longer run time.
Many local municipalities require fire rated UL 2085 ballistic proof
tanks for specific applications or when fuel storage required is more
than 550 gallons. ( Large added cost).
Again, this is just a very brief look at the three most popular fuels
for emergency generator use.
The specific site requirements, lot lines, fuel gas codes, building & zoning,
air and exhaust considerations make each individual installation a
joint effort between the customer and their authorized contracting
installer.
Please keep in mind that you are making a significant investment, we
cannot stress enough for the need to have a State Licensed contractor
on your side to make sure the job goes smoothly and is completed correctly,
safely and on time.
Selecting a weather proof housing for your emergency back-up generator. |
• Steel - Most common and inexpensive
but are extremely prone to rusting out. If you live in a salt air
environment such as Coastal Florida, not recommended. (However, they
are very popular with those that are on a limited budget and not
concerned with longevity).
• Aluminum - Becoming much more common and prices are falling as more and
more companies produce these long lasting enclosures. (Highly recommended
and well worth the additional cost).
• Stainless Steel - Very rare except for Water Treatment Facilities where
chlorine damage can be severe to metal.
• Sound attenuation - (Makes unit much quieter for residential applications
or where noise is a big consideration). This is achieved at the factory
by the use of baffles and sound deadening insulation that change the flow of
the air moving over the engine and coming out the radiator end).
• Standard housing Fine where noise is not a consideration.
All generator housings come with their respective manufacturers standard
paint scheme.
Our only business is selling & installing quality emergency
generator systems at a fair and reasonable price.
Call us for an on-site assessment today.
Phone: 904-545-6600 Fax: 904-213-8829
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