On the electrical thing....if you're going to run your house on a generator, you really should have a transfer switch installed. It breaks the connection to the utility and connects the generator to the home's panel. It also has its own individual circuit breakers for safety. Most places require a transfer switch as part of the electrical code if you are going to run home circuits off a generator.

There are automatic transfer switches, but for the average home owner a less expensive manual one will work just fine. It makes connecting a generator much safer and easier for everyone. You run one 240v extension cord from the generator the transfer switch, push a button, and your house is safely powered.