I had an electrician install a panel & switch in the main house panel, got a HF 9000W generator, and put it to the test.
Works fine, runs my gas heat & appliances.
Oddly, my place runs the well and 1 shop from the main feed from the road, so if power goes out they don't work.
Not a big deal, I keep extra water: 5 gal for toilet, gallons for drinking & etc.
Even after building a screened enclosure, grounding & hook-up cord, I'm in the project under $1,000.
Sits on my back deck under a carport, only place it can avoid snow.
To know when power returns, I run a trouble light from the back shop & switch it on.