Question 1

Do you require long-term contracts?

Accepted Answer

No. H&B Security Centre does not use locked-in contracts — not even for alarm monitoring. Many alarm companies lock you into 3-year auto-renewing contracts, but we believe you should stay because you want to, not because you're locked in. All our services are provided without long-term contract requirements.

Question 2

How much does a security system cost?

Accepted Answer

Every property is different, which is why we offer free on-site security assessments. We'll evaluate your needs and provide a transparent, no-obligation quote with no hidden fees. Most residential systems start in the hundreds, and commercial systems are priced based on scope and complexity.

Question 3

Are there monthly monitoring fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 24/7 professional monitoring requires a monthly fee. Our rates are competitive and straightforward — no surprise charges. We offer several monitoring tiers depending on whether you want basic intrusion monitoring or full smart home integration.

Question 4

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential installations are completed in a single day. Commercial projects vary depending on scope — a small office might take one day, while a multi-site deployment could take a week or more. We'll provide a clear timeline during your free assessment.

Question 5

Do you install in existing buildings or only new construction?

Accepted Answer

Both. We specialize in retrofitting security systems into existing homes and businesses with minimal disruption. We also work with builders and contractors on new construction projects to pre-wire for security systems during the build phase.

Question 6

What brands do you carry?

Accepted Answer

We're an Ajax Security Authorized Dealer and also carry products from leading manufacturers including Honeywell, DSC, Hikvision, Dahua, Schlage, Medeco, Halsco, and Record (automatic door operators). We select the best products for each specific application rather than pushing a single brand.

Question 7

What happens when my alarm goes off?

Accepted Answer

When an alarm is triggered, our 24/7 monitoring station is immediately notified. They'll attempt to verify the alarm by contacting you, and if they can't reach you or you confirm an emergency, they dispatch police, fire, or EMS. The entire process takes seconds, not minutes.

Question 8

Can I monitor my system from my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All our modern alarm and camera systems come with smartphone apps that let you arm/disarm your alarm, view live camera feeds, receive instant alerts, and manage access control — all from your phone, anywhere in the world.

Question 9

What if my internet goes down?

Accepted Answer

Our systems include cellular backup communication. If your internet connection fails, the system automatically switches to cellular, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring. Your security never depends on a single point of failure.

Question 10

Do you offer 24-hour emergency service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. H&B Security Centre provides 24/7 emergency service for lockouts, alarm malfunctions, and urgent security needs. Call our main number any time — 519-578-6268 — and you'll reach a real person, not a call centre.

Question 11

How fast can you respond to an emergency?

Accepted Answer

For most emergencies in the Waterloo Region, we can have a technician on-site within 1-2 hours. For alarm monitoring events, our monitoring station responds within seconds of an alarm being triggered.

Question 12

Do you provide emergency locksmith service for lockouts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency locksmith support for residential and commercial lockouts, broken keys, and urgent lock failures in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and Brantford.

Question 13

Should I rekey or replace my locks after moving?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, rekeying is the fastest and most cost-effective first step because it makes old keys unusable immediately. We recommend full lock replacement when hardware is worn, outdated, or you want upgraded security features.

Question 14

Do you install smart locks and high-security deadbolts?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our locksmith technicians install and configure smart locks, keypad locks, deadbolts, door knobs, levers, and high-security locks for homes and businesses, including setup, testing, and user guidance.

Question 15

How much does a locksmith service call cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on service type, time of day, and hardware required. We provide transparent quotes before work begins, and many common locksmith jobs like rekeying or lock changes can be completed in a single visit.

Question 16

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and surrounding communities. Our technicians are local — they know the area and can respond quickly. For larger commercial projects, we serve a broader region across southwestern Ontario.

Question 17

How long has H&B Security been in business?

Accepted Answer

H&B Security Centre was founded in 1980 — that's over 46 years of protecting homes and businesses in the Waterloo Region. We started in a garage, then operated on Stirling Avenue for several years before moving to our current location on Highland Road West. We've grown from a locksmith shop into a full-service security provider while remaining 100% locally owned and operated.

Question 18

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. H&B Security Centre is fully insured and operates under Ontario's Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA). All our technicians are experienced professionals trained in the latest security technologies.

Question 19

Can I get a free security assessment?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer free, no-obligation on-site security assessments for both homes and businesses. One of our experienced consultants will evaluate your property, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend solutions tailored to your needs and budget. Call us at 519-578-6268 or use our online form to book yours.

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