"Looking at Control4 or AMX but am trying to keep things affordable."

Now that's an oxymoron if I ever heard one! :)

Seriously, while Control4 offers competitive solutions that are much more affordable than AMX, these are both proprietary systems installed only through "authorized dealers" and are not priced for the faint of heart.

So, without knowing the any of the many details, you tell them you are looking at these systems, you have a 7000 sq ft residence(?), you wish to pre-wire for add-on security system/cameras, you will quoted what people with these systems and installations pay.

If your intention is to walk around with an iPad and turn lights on/off, open/close drapes, select audio sources and levels in 6 zones, view cameras from anywhere in the house - you're looking at some of your better options.

If you're simply looking for sound all around the house, some zone switching, camera viewing at one central point, with maybe access via local/wan network on a computer - that can be be performed by any respectable audio/video installer much more economically - just give him your business afterwards.