HawthorneVillager.com

Totally agree with you Mr. Mandy.

The system Costco sells is $759.99 plus tax for three years. So $858.79. (reg $899.99, so $1016.99 after tax). This includes control panel, telephone interface, smoke detector, remote, 1 motion sensor, and 2 window/door contacts.

The system Mattamy sold us was $27.95 per month, plus tax, for three years. $1137.01. This includes control panel, telephone interface, smoke detector, 2 motion sensors, door/window contacts on ALL opening doors and windows including the basement, one indoor colour monitor, and one outdoor camera with built in intercom and chime.

So for an extra $278 over three years (based on the sale price, or $120 based on the regular price), we’re getting an additional motion sensor, 3 additional door / window contacts (based on our floor plan), and most importantly the video camera and intercom integrated into our doorbell. We thought it was well worth the extra money for a more comprehensive system, since the main reason we bought it was for the camera. Just a camera system alone from Costco is over $300.

Ahhh. So it all makes sense now. Our design book said something about the system being $1500. I didn't realize that this was just for equiptment, without a contract. So with a contract its free. Now that I know this it's a no brainer.

Thanks all.

Yep - with a contract it's free! And after the 3 years is up, all the equipment is yours to keep (no extra cost at that point either).

Any idea which security company this agreement is with? I'm concerned about the type of service i'll be getting AND whether they'll jack up the rate several times during the life of the agreement.

http://homestars.com/companies/216199-mecel-security

Hmm... No history anywhere. I went into the design centre today and inquired about the system - the girls there seem to think that the video pannel and security camera doesn't come with the 3-year-agreement package, and that the rate isn't locked in at $25 for the entire term.

We went with the video doorbell monitoring system it is $27/month for a 3 year contract and all the equipment is ours after the 3 year term.

I have a had security with Mecel in the past and I have never had a rate increase. I am now with them again I am now a 1.5 years in the contract, they have not increased my rate. Besides I don't think they can you sign a contact for 3 years.

Does anyone have a picture of what the monitor, camera, and intercom look like installed? Trying to decide between systems.

If you have little kids it is worth the extra couple of bucks for the monitor camera. The doorbell looks quite intimidating, but it adds that extra level of security before answering the door.

Isn't it like $2/month more to have the camera system? I can drink one less coffee's a month for that feature

Is this the right company - http://www.protectron.com/interactive

Are any of these interactive smart phone services included as part of the
$27 video package?

The smartphone app seems really useful.

I realize that.

Mecel is reseller of Reliance.
http://www.protectron.com/authorized-de ... ml#ontario

I was asking if the system included any of the interactive services that Reliance had.
http://www.protectron.com/interactive

Please do not get the security system through mattamy. If you want a security system go with anyone BUT mecel. They are by far the worst alarm company i have ever dealt with. Their equipment is crap, we have had several "false" alarms that went off hours after we left home, with no break in's, and had to pay for dispatch due to "a spider possibly crawling over the motion sensor".... That was the only explanation they had for one of our false alarms, as our equipment is "in perfect working condition." Save yourself the headache of this company and go with adt or the new rogers system. Read reviews on mecel and u will see how bad they are!!! I wish i knew this so i could have went with someone else.

Hmm... There really IS quite a bit of evidence not to go with Reliance... No actual police dispatching, poor response times, terrible customer service reviews...

So that being said, if I don't opt for the $500 rough-in package or the Mecel system, how much would it cost me to go with another provider and have them wire me up after the house is finished?

The only good thing about mecel is they install for free and they are pretty cheap monthy. We pay $28. You get what u pay for. Some people have been lucky and have had no problems with mecel, but alot more people i know have the same problems we have. I cant wait to until my contract is over! I think its worth paying a bit more for a better, reliable system.