The convenience of a whole-house cleaning solution is no longer reserved for luxury builds. Modern equipment, slimmer PVC pipe, and smarter planning mean a central vacuum can add serious value to any Richmond-area home. Before you commit, the first question is cost—and that’s where CountBricks shines. Our AI-powered estimating engine delivers a line-by-line breakdown in minutes, drawing live material and labor rates from local suppliers. Below we unpack the numbers you’ll see on a CountBricks quote and explain how each factor affects your final budget.
Square footage sets the baseline. A 1,800 sq ft ranch generally needs 2–3 inlet valves, while a 3,500 sq ft two-story colonial may require 5–6. More valves mean additional PVC runs, elbows, and backplates, increasing both material and labor hours.
Installing during new construction is 25–40 percent less expensive because walls are open. Retrofit work involves careful fishing through finished walls and patching afterward. CountBricks estimates automatically adjust labor productivity when “existing drywall” is selected in our voice workflow.
Residential units range from 500 to 1,000 air-watts. Entry-level plastic canisters start around $450, while premium stainless cyclonic models exceed $1,200. CountBricks categorizes every unit into Good, Better, Best so you can instantly see the price delta.
Electricians handle the dedicated 120 V outlet, and HVAC or plumbing trades often pull the PVC pipe. Hourly rates in Richmond average $62–$85. CountBricks updates this figure weekly, ensuring your estimate reflects current market reality, not last season’s guess.
• Basic new-build install, 2 valves, 550 air-watt unit: $1,500–$2,100
• Mid-size retrofit, 4 valves, 700 air-watt unit: $2,800–$3,600
• Large custom home, 6 valves, HEPA filtered 1,000 air-watt unit: $4,200–$5,500
Remember these figures include rough-in piping, low-voltage wiring, power unit, inlet valves, trim kits, and standard accessories. They exclude drywall repair in retrofits and any garage cabinetry built to house the canister—items you can add in seconds through CountBricks.com/services.
1. Tap “Start Estimate” in the mobile app
2. Answer prompts such as “How many stories?” or “Is drywall up?” while you walk the site
3. AI converts spoken inputs into detailed cost lines instantly
• Live feeds from regional suppliers keep PVC pipe, elbows, and adhesive costs current
• Power unit SKUs sync nightly with manufacturer price updates
• Labor multipliers auto-adjust for travel distance and job complexity
Simply upload PDFs or point your phone at printed plans. The CountBricks computer-vision engine traces wall cavities, suggests valve locations, and calculates total linear feet of pipe, then merges that data with your spoken scope to finalize pricing.
• Rough-in during framing even if the homeowner hasn’t chosen a power unit yet
• Place the canister in a conditioned basement corner to reduce exhaust venting runs
• Group inlet valves near doorways to cover multiple rooms with one hose
• Request “contractor accessory kits” in bulk to save 10–15 percent compared to retail hoses and brushes
Running low-voltage wire is within many homeowners’ skill set. CountBricks can separate labor and material lines so you see savings instantly if the homeowner takes on that step.
Filter bags every 6–12 months cost $20–$40. Long-term, the system’s longest-lived component is the PVC tubing—rated for 30+ years. CountBricks quotes include a maintenance schedule so clients know future costs upfront.
According to recent MLS studies compiled by CountBricks analysts, homes with central vacuums in the Richmond market list, on average, 2.3 percent higher than comparable properties without one.
If you’re a builder or remodeler ready to give clients dust-free living, log in to your dashboard or request a demo at CountBricks.com/consultation. In less time than it takes to sweep a room, you’ll have a polished, client-ready quote—logo, scope notes, and payment milestones included.
Ready for laser-accurate numbers? Start your free trial and let CountBricks handle the math while you focus on craftsmanship.
A local design-build firm approached CountBricks to price a five-valve retrofit in a 1990s two-story, 2,900 sq ft home. Traditional quotes ranged from $4,200 to $4,600 and assumed extensive drywall removal.
1. The project manager used the mobile app on-site, voicing room names and marking proposed valve spots.
2. Our blueprint scanner mapped stud cavities, revealing existing chases behind the laundry stack.
3. AI suggested rerouting 40 percent of pipe through a central return duct, eliminating two wall openings.
• Final contract price: $3,420—an 18 percent reduction versus the lowest manual bid
• Labor hours cut from 48 to 32 thanks to fewer wall repairs
• Homeowner upsold to a HEPA power unit with savings reallocated from drywall labor
• Scan attics and basements first—the shortest pipe route usually isn’t inside walls
• Install an automatic dustpan inlet in the kitchen kick plate; it adds only $95 in parts but wows clients
• Offer a garage utility valve as a change order; 37 percent of CountBricks central vacuum customers accept the upgrade
Central vacuums may be a small line item, but mispricing them erodes margin fast. By pairing live supplier data with AI-optimized routing, CountBricks helps builders lock in competitive yet profitable numbers. Visit CountBricks.com/portfolio to see more success stories or schedule a personalized walkthrough at CountBricks.com/consultation.
CountBricks—because accurate estimates build stronger businesses.
