My neighbor had another contractor, less highly rated, charge him close to 3K last year.
The guys out here today have hundreds of raves on the net, so I at least hope I get my money’s worth.
There is something to be said for hiring a master’s licensed plumber, familiar with all code and safety aspect with full liability and work comp insurance.
I have installed new replacement equipment like this but as I am now in my senior years, I don’t want to start a project like this and then have it turn into a long involved process to get it right.
Had a fast recovery 50 gallon removed and replaced. The plumber did a re-circ pump addition, added a custom catchment pan and through-wall drain for safety, plumbed the pop-off valve to the outside, adjusted the water pressure to the house and set it up with a quick connect flush connection, new gas shut-off and a new connection yoke for softener. Glad I got a professional. Probably spent close to what you did.
I got a written estimate prior to the start of the work and it cost that exact price despite adding a small item or two to the job.