General Home Built-in Systems Ltd

We had an alarm system installed by General Home Built-in Systems Ltd. They were actually the contractors for our builder, so we didn't have a choice who would do the install once we purchased it from the builder. (Lesson learned!) The guys were super friendly but had to come back multiple times for things like accidentally stapling through a wire, causing hours of trying to figure out why we couldn't set the alarm. Also, they seemed to have wired something wrong which interefered with our microwave and hallway light (I wasn't aware they were tapping into existing circuitry until the next day when I attempted to use the microwave! Dangerous!) Also, they left rather large holes in the drywall when installing the motion sensors.

Mark came out once after installation to explain some of the functions to us. He didn't provide us with an instruction manual, so I had to furiously write everything down. In fact I found out later, when we tried to re-set after a fire alarm, that his instructions on re-set was incorrect.

We once had a false alarm and we rushed home about 50 km to find all the doors and windows secured. There were no footprints in the snow. They told us it was due to the cold. (?!!?) They still billed us over $100. Mark said he would come out and check our door and window contacts but never showed up.

I can never reach anyone for service. I have had to call Mark's cell phone numerous times and had to email Maria several times and though she replied before she has not replied to my more recent email a month ago.

Also, their after-hours service line rings incessantly and finally goes to a voicemail where you CANNOT leave a message. It's extremely frustrating after a fire alarm at 10pm to not be able to set your re-set the alarm.

Finally, this company requires you to pay for your full year of monitoring up front. Who does that? They acted like we were crazy to ask for monthly billing and only agreed after we said we weren't willing to continue otherwise. Once when I talked to Maria, she said she was doing us a "favour" and we were their only customers to get this special monthly billing arrangement.

We still have a year with them, but rest assured we will not be renewing our contract. If they try to sell you an alarm or monitoring, run away!