You do need to get a permit. I just had an electrician over regarding a whole house backup and we talked about this cheaper option. One of the main issues is the plug must be outside and 5feet from a door or window. This to keep carbon monoxide away from the home.
They are easy to install. Here is a nice one and they have a nice U tube instruction video.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HS2L3O...UTF8&colid=37CA0HXSSONOA&coliid=IGGUL2E76YA4V
Will cover most needs in a home except central air. Will run well pumps.
I did that too. While the generator cost wasn't bad, what deter me from doing it was the cost for installation. I got crazy quote from contractors and one of them was from Lowes. I am not sure if it has anything to do with the fact that I got the quotes after Sandy. Do you mind PM me the quote you got for install? I was looking at the Kohler's 14K unit with auto transfer switch for the whole house.
I got a 10k GE unit....found a local guy to install did a great job with some real SOB inspectors. Was a little over 2k which was well below other quotes I got.
I did that too. While the generator cost wasn't bad, what deter me from doing it was the cost for installation. I got crazy quote from contractors and one of them was from Lowes. I am not sure if it has anything to do with the fact that I got the quotes after Sandy. Do you mind PM me the quote you got for install? I was looking at the Kohler's 14K unit with auto transfer switch for the whole house.
If you see this video, (its the smaller 6 circuit unit, but essentially the same as the 10 circuit) you will see how easy it is to install. Taking your time it should only take a few hours and save you up 2k.
[video=youtube;NZG4XlFNVZg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZG4XlFNVZg[/video]
That's the exact one I installed. It was very easy.