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! ;)

We decided against a central vac, but our quote for HAH for a 5000 sq ft ranch was $5000 with a few dustpans. I would still love to have it, but it was one of the only things my DH wasn't crazy about spending the money for.

Faulty sensor? Every central vac I've seen uses a switch on each hose outlet that's just a low voltage thing that activates a relay at the motor. Very unlikely it's going to operate itself. If it's just vacation why not unplug it? Anyhow to answer the questions: Let me answer D first because it affects the others. This thing I presume is like most and is cord-and-plug connected. You only need to follow the normal receptacle requirements as far as the code goes with the provision that if the manufacture says it REQUIRES some specific provision then you are obligated to follow it. If they say they recommend it, it's not a code issue, but a good hint as to what you should do. A. For practical matters a 13A motor is likely to really want to be on a 20A circuit if you can swing it. Is the existing circuit 20A already? Combo switch/receptacles are available in 20A ratings. B. Yes you can upgrade the box to multigang or add another box in close proxiity. C. Even if the installation requires a dedicated circuit, nothing in the code precludes a duplex (or multiple) receptacles on that dedicated circuit.

Anything can be done, have a company who installs Central Vac systems to come out and give you a few suggestions. Most companies are local and they know construction methods in the region and they will give you your options and what will involve. Have 2 or more companies to come out and see what they say. Most work involved when installing new Central Vac's in existing homes is finding where you can run your vac lines and the bigger job after that is patchwork and getting everything painted... Today its a bit easier to do this thing, you have cameras that 95% of contractors that I know have them and all you need is a 1" hole to slip the camera eye and it will light up the entire bay... When doing that in most cases we remove the trim, make a small hole in the sheetrock above the plate and slip the camera eye in there to see if anything there that might be in the way, put the trim back and you never know anyone was there. If you have masonry construction, in most cases they will build small chases for the pipes in the least conspicuous places, like closet's etc, the pipe is fairly small so it can be easily hidden. As the credit goes, if there are no code violations with the things in question and how they installed or if this is a standard practice, people don't usually give credit for these items unless they're really generous with their money. Good luck with your new home.