Basic 4-1-1:

Homebuyers might not get excited about central vacuum systems like they might about granite countertops. They will, however, most likely be satisfied with them. "Hands down, central vac is the thing we do that our customers love more than anything else," says Bill Corwin of Des Moines, Iowa-based A-Tech Easy Living Store, a full-service installer. "It's just that much better than what they're used to."

What they're used to, most likely, is a portable vacuum cleaner. A central vac system, meanwhile, is a whole-house system of tubes that allows homeowners to plug vacuum attachments into strategically placed wall outlets. The dirt and debris is sucked through the tubes to a power unit and waste collector probably mounted in the basement, garage or outside the home. It eliminates the need to lug around a heavy vacuum.

Manufacturers of central vac systems proclaim that the technology does a better job of eliminating dust, fungi and general toxins from the air because the systems — generally, three to five times more powerful than portable vacuums — carry away pollutants completely. This is beneficial since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says "indoor air levels of many pollutants may be two to five times ... higher than outdoor levels."

Builders in need of health data for their sales pitches and marketing materials can check out central vac manufacturers' Web sites.

Pluses/Minuses 4-1-1:

The only minus for builders when it comes to including central vac in new homes is the potential that homebuyers won't want it and won't want to pay for it. Builders basically have three options: don't offer central vac, simply have homes "pre-plumbed" for central vac or offer full-scale central vac systems including power units and attachments. Consider that 90 percent of homes built in Canada are "pre-plumbed" for central vac, according to Paul Runyan, sales manager for central vacuum manufacturer Beam. Consumer awareness of central vac is low in America, relative to Canada, but there is plenty of room for growth.

Notably, the market in the U.S. for central vacuum is divided into 70 percent new constructions and 30 percent far more difficult retrofit jobs.

According to central vacuum maker MD Manufacturing, a central vacuum system generally raises the appraised value of a home by $2,000.

Profit 4-1-1:

The average price of a central vac system in a new home is $1,200 to $1,500, according to Bob Mariano, of Berlin, Conn.-based Cyclone Home Systems Inc., an installer. Because it's a whole-house tubing system, much of the price is attributed to installation. It is a healthy margin, but builders share it with a subcontracted installer.

To bulk up that shared margin, there are countless upgrades that can be added on to central vac systems. Just like with portable vacuums, there are various attachments that can be sold. A popular central vac add-on is an automatic dustpan installed at the base of a kitchen cabinet so homeowners can continue to sweep. "The biggest upsell items are multiple hoses, power nozzles and bigger or quieter power units," says Rico Dubach of Bountiful, Utah-based Swiss Boy, an installer.

Installation 4-1-1:

Many custom installation installers seek out partnerships with builders, in part, so they can have a steady stream of central vac installations. Central Vac offers stable margins, even as other categories' margins are falling. And before the walls go up, the installation is a snap.

Builders using experienced central vac installers can expect a predictable installation time. It's a matter of plumbing the house for the central vacuum tubes, adding outlets in all or some rooms and installing the power unit or units.

Warranties 4-1-1:

Coverage will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Builders should look for products with at least a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

More 4-1-1:

Additional information can be found at these Web sites:
builtinvacuum.com
home.howstuffworks.com/central-vacuum.htm