EP 98 | Why Every New Home Needs a Backup Generator — and How to Do It Right

In this episode:

In this episode of Your Project Shepherd, host Curtis Lawson sits down with Brian Marshall and Tad Horsley from US Power Pros to talk about one of the fastest-growing priorities in homebuilding today: backup power. From hurricanes and freezes to Texas’s overworked grid, the demand for home generators is skyrocketing. But installing one isn’t as simple as buying a box and plugging it in — it requires planning, precision, and a team that knows the stakes. Brian and Tad explain why generators are becoming as essential as hot water heaters and how builders can protect their clients (and reputations) by getting it right the first time.

TOPICS COVERED:

• Why backup power is now a “must-have” for Texas homes

• Common risks homeowners face without a generator

• How power outages impact safety, health, and even home structure

• Planning your backup loads — from food to EV chargers to A/C

• The difference between air-cooled and liquid-cooled generators

• How load calculations and load-shedding modules work

• Why generator installation isn’t a DIY job — and the dangers of getting it wrong

• Code compliance, gas and electrical line depth, and placement best practices

• Generator placement mistakes that void warranties (or worse)

• How poor installs by unqualified companies put lives at risk

• Why early planning during construction makes generator installs cheaper and cleaner

• The importance of working with licensed, reputable generator specialists

Full Transcript