[fintstone]

After I expressed shock at the original $65K estimate, this guy wanted $45K total (I priced generator at $14K)...

He suggested I get a less expensive generator and I asked if that changed the install costs and he said no...so I said, "why would I do that if I pay you the same to install less capability?"

To be fair, he would have to run wiring about 15-20 feet to get to the power panel from the generator's planned location..

I have a pretty darned nice house (and it looks bigger and nicer than it really is), and suspect it was the "Porsche tax" sort of thing. I didn't say no, but said I will have to make more money before I can do that sort of thing. That was a year ago and power here has been much more reliable and I have a gas log in fireplaces on each floor...so I may just choose not install one due to install cost.