I didn't get any other bids since I was so dead set on the HAH, so I can't really compare. Knowing your bid amount and your square footage, it seems comparable and in line to my pricing. I have two hoses, one vac pan, all the tools I could possibly need, and the garage outlet/tools/garage hose. I think the extra costs are there not because he marks it up for profit, but because of the HAH requirements. He has to build in enough tubing to house each retractable hose, so the price difference is for the material and the extra time it takes him to install. The main trunk line can't really house the hose because it would render the system unusable. Also, because the HAH uses special sweeps, that can rack up the price as well. Is it worth the extra cost? That is going to entirely depend on you and the way you plan on using and storing the hoses. For me, the HAH was essential because I knew I would end up with the hose tangled up in the bottom of the coat closet rather than neatly put away. I just know myself and knew I would be neat with it at first, but would eventually give in and just not do it which would result in a mess (and then the toddler would probably end up climbing on it and smashing it, etc.). I didn't see the point of having the central vac if I was still having to take up space in the closet for it like I did with the traditional vacuum. I also knew I would drive myself and my neat freak DH crazy with the tangled hose! :) Frequent vacuuming is essential in my house (a minimum of 2-3 times per week) because we have three dogs that shed, so I have to stay on top of it or suffer the consequences. I have to make it easy on myself to be organized or I just simply won't do it. Since you have a two story home, you would probably also want a hose on each floor if you didn't go with the HAH, so that is something to consider as well. If you don't think you would mind dealing with the hose (and some people don't), then you may not see the $2,000 benefit of the HAH. I just know myself and have been able to come to terms with my weaknesses! If you are a person who always puts things away regardless of any amount of hassle involved, then you probably wouldn't miss the HAH. However, if you have the slightest suspicion you might ever get a little lazy (you have to be brutally honest with yourself), I promise the HAH is money well spent. Another point to consider whether you go with Bob or not, I'm not crazy about the Turbo cat with the amount of dog hair we have to control. We have all concrete floors with plush carpet rugs here and there. Just based on its performance with the rugs, I know I wouldn't like the air driven head if I had actual carpet. I don't know if I would have the same opinion if we didn't have the dogs though, but for our situation, it just doesn't work. If we had carpet any thicker than berber and animals that shed a lot, the electric head would be a much better tool. The HAH was my splurge in our build, and even my husband, who rarely sees the value in these types of things, has said on numerous occasions that it was by far the best money we spent in our entire build. That was a profound statement coming from him because I swear sometimes I can hear him squeak when he walks! ;)

I have the Vacuflo. Love my vacuum. The thing I use alot is the door with the kick plate that you can just sweep. It's real easy to just grab a broom and sweep the mess up. I do have the little turbo attachment. Mine is very noisy but it does work well. It comes in handy for vacuuming the RV. One more thing that comes in really handy is I have a hose connect as close to the front of the house (garage doors) as possible. It's so I can vac out the cars and RV while they are in the driveway. An extra hose with attachments stays in the garage. I've bought the thing that goes under the refrigerator, which I don't like. I have a blind duster that's okay, but I don't know that it works any better than the hose duster that comes with the set. You might want to buy two sets of indoor hoses just so you don't have to lug them up and down the stairs. Also put the sock on your indoor hose, it protects the woodwork.

My BEAM is 15 years old and still going strong...we have them do a tune-up every 3 years or so.

Our central vac is Nutone. It has terrific suction, and it's over 20 years old. Like lyfia says, small things better get out of the way. I can vacuum up small stones, coins, and socks with no problem. There could be a leak in your system somewhere. All the pipes have to be air-tight, otherwise, you won't get enough suction. I would call the company that installed it.