Ducted vacuum and update on the bamboo

Outlets installed during the building process

When we were building Bel really wanted to have a ducted vacuum cleaner within the home, however it was just too much money.  At that point, after doing some research, we decided to put the piping in place as we could afford that component, but then wait to get the actual unit when we could afford it.  Phil wasn't sure that we would actually use it, however as the task of keeping the house clean with a small ineffective vacuum became more difficult, we started to look at other alternatives. 

We had bought a cheap vacuum to get us through, however both Phil and I were having problems with our backs after we had vacuumed.  Phil started to look at buying a decent vacuum and realised that it was serious money.  He contacted the company that installed the pipes to get a quote to install the motor and the associated accessories and it was a significant sum.  Phil then started researching second hand machines with the view that he might do it himself.

During this research Phil came upon Michael at Ducted Vacuum and Air Supplies and was blown away by his customer service and price.  It also helped that Michael was local and been in business for over 15 years.  Phil negotiated a deal with a second hand machine and new accessories for the house.  The hose for the house has a covering (officially known as a 'sock') which covers the house and protects the walls from the hose.  Phil was also talking with Michael about the garage outlet - as we didn't want to use the home hose in the garage for the cars and keeping the garage clean.  Michael was able to get us a reasonably priced second hand hose that we keep for the garage to do the cars. 

Vacusweep in the kitchen.

Machine in the garage

Our home is so clean.  We totally love it.  If you are thinking about installing a ducted vacuum, then we would highly recommend it.  We have also installed a 'vacusweep' in the kitchen, which is essentially an outlet that was on the same level of the floor, so when you sweep up in the kitchen, you open this flap and it sucks all the dust in that is nearby (see picture above).

He also suggested that we get a horsehair attachment for the vacuum for the timber floors and it has been amazing.  We use the vacusweep for the nightly clean ups and the horsehair attachment for the weekly cleans.  We are very happy with it.

Bamboo with tall stalks really showing the height that it will get to.

Another shot on a wet Sydney day.

If you are interested, give Michael a call and let him know that you saw his details here.  He uses quality machines that are made in Australia, therefore using good quality Aussie products at a reasonable price.  Although we opted for a second hand machine, his new machines are very competitively priced.

On another note, the bamboo has been growing quickly.  If you look at the photos you can see how high it is growing and imagine how it will eventually look.