Generator inspections
A thorough, documented look at a standby generator system, whether you’re buying a home, recovering from a storm or just not sure when it was last checked.
Generator inspections: an overview
An inspection answers a simple question: is this generator system ready to do its job? It’s different from routine maintenance. Instead of following a service checklist, we evaluate the condition of the whole system and document what we find, so you can make decisions.
Homebuyers use inspections to learn what they’re getting before closing. Homeowners call after a storm, after high water, or when they’ve moved into a house with a generator nobody has looked at in years. Some simply want a baseline before signing up for a maintenance plan.
We look at the generator, its controller and alarm history, the battery and charger, the engine, the fuel supply, the enclosure and pad or stand, and the transfer switch. If it’s safe to do so, we run the unit and test a transfer. Then we give you a plain-language summary with any repairs we recommend.
What’s included
What this work typically covers. Your scope depends on your home and equipment.
Controller and history
Alarm and event history, exercise settings and firmware version.
Battery and charger
Battery condition and age, charger function and terminal corrosion.
Engine check
Oil level and condition, leaks, belts or hoses where applicable, and air filter.
Fuel supply
Visible piping, shut-off, connection and signs of fuel-supply problems.
Enclosure and mounting
Pad or stand condition, clearances, pests, debris and storm damage.
Transfer switch test
If safe, a simulated outage to confirm the system transfers and returns properly.
When to schedule an inspection
- You’re buying or selling a home with a standby generator
- After a hurricane, tropical storm or flooding
- The unit hasn’t been serviced in a year or more, or you don’t know
- Before signing up for a maintenance plan
- After a long run during an extended outage
Why homeowners call Kelm for generator inspections
Certified Generac and Kohler dealer
We install and service both brands, so recommendations are based on your home, not on a single product line.
Electrical and fuel under one roof
Clint Kelm holds Texas Master Electrician and Master Plumber licenses and an RRC LP-Gas exemption, so the wiring, transfer switch and gas line are all handled by Kelm.
Standby generators since 2005
Clint has installed and serviced residential and commercial standby generators for two decades on the Gulf Coast.
Local and family-run
Kelm Home Services has been a family business for more than 50 years, based in League City and Santa Fe.
How it works
From your first call to a finished, tested job.
Call
Tell us why you want the inspection and any deadlines, like a closing date.
Schedule
We set a time with you, or with the seller or agent if needed.
Inspect
We evaluate the full system and test it when it’s safe.
Summary
You get a clear written summary of condition and recommendations.
Follow-up
If repairs are needed, we explain options and can schedule them.
Generator Inspections FAQ
Common questions about this service.
Is a home inspector’s report enough?
General home inspections often note that a generator exists and may check that it starts. A generator-focused inspection looks deeper at the controller, battery, engine and transfer switch.
Can you inspect a flooded generator?
Yes, and please don’t try to start it first. Water can damage the engine, controller and transfer switch.
What brands do you inspect?
Generac and Kohler. For other brands, call and ask.
Do I need to be home?
Someone needs to give us access to the unit and the transfer switch. We’ll arrange it with you.
Get an estimate for generator inspections
Tell us about your home and the work you need. We’ll follow up by your preferred method.
Related services
Generator Service & Repair
Diagnostics, alarm codes, repairs, parts and warranty work for Generac and Kohler standby generators, from a certified dealer that also installs them.
Learn moreMaintenance Plans
Choose Gold (two visits a year) or Silver (one visit a year) for your air-cooled or liquid-cooled standby generator. Every visit follows the same written checklist.
Learn moreRemote Monitoring
With Kelm’s Mobile Link monitoring plan, if your generator has a fault, we’re notified and send a technician out to correct it, with no service call fee.
Learn morePre-Hurricane Tune-Up
Get your standby generator checked before storm season, when the schedule is open, parts are easier to get and the weather is calm.
Learn more