A: This is a very good question since more and more homes are starting to be sold with the "generator-ready" option, but there are some gray areas that a potential buyer needs to follow up on.

First off, a generator-ready home is usually a home that has had some extra features installed in the main electrical panel box. These features should allow an easier hook up of the stand-by generator when the homeowner is ready to make that investment. The gray area is how much generator prep work has the builder already done, and you need to follow up on that. Basically it will break down into three levels: basic, mid-level, and true "ready."

Basic could simply be an electrical panel that has knockouts for the generator's electrical transfer. In this case, it will be an easier generator system hook up, but most of the equipment investment and work still needs to be done.

Mid-level can be the actual generator transfer switch is already installed at the panel. This is a sizable chunk of change invested into the electrical panel. However, outside you will still need to prep the area where the generator will be installed.

Along with an installed transfer switch inside, a true generator-ready setup may have the natural or propane gas lines, concrete pad and wiring access holes installed outside. In this case most of the rough work is completed and basically all you need to do is buy the generator itself and have the final hook ups installed.

So, now that you have the "power" of information, find out what level of "generator-ready" this home really is, and it may help you negotiate a better deal.