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Home Systems Inc

Stereo and Home Theater Systems, Home Security Systems

About us

In 1969, Ed and his mentor created C & M Security, a business concept offering home and commercial security and communication solutions. With combined backgrounds in Electric & Low Voltage, C&M became a success. As both of their families were growing, they decided to part ways as they created independent entities, both still in operation today. In 1978, Ed and Christine Caro created Home Systems, Inc. built on the foundation of offering clients a great experience along with a quality custom installation. Over the years, Ed and Christine have succeeded in developing long lasting, personal relationships with their customers.

Business highlights

47 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

Alarms, Home Theater Systems, Surveillance, & Communications

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes


Accepted payment methods

Check

Reviews

4.818 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
78%
4
17%
3
0%
2
0%
1
6%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.9
value
4.9
professionalism
4.8
responsiveness
4.9
punctuality
4.9
Showing 1-18 of 18 reviews

Kim B.
11/2015
5.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
It didn't. Please leave me alone now.
Description of Work: we contacted them for home theatre set up but then had ABT do it.
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$99

Marilyn W.
10/2013
4.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
Ed came out and heard what I wanted to do and provided multiple solutions in order for me to have surround sound in various rooms, outdoor speakers, and 2 televisions mounted; one on our bookcase and one on the wall. The bid was very competitive and well laid out. He did a good job communicating what needed to be done and was flexible on scheduling. We did run into a few logistical complications due to some of the quirky aspects of our home as to where wiring would be able to run for the overhead speakers. In that regard, the project took longer than initially anticipated however we worked through the issues and solved them to our mutual satisfaction. I give them credit for sticking to the original bid even though the time necessary to complete the job was labor intensive than expected. They did a great job hanging 2 televisions and incorporated the necessary electrical required for the various audio components. Ed and his team also were able to devise a custom outdoor volume control due to a beam where the control was mounted. I'm very satisfied with the sound and relative ease of our audio system. Ed and his team are very trustworthy and will work with you to make sure you are satisfied with the end product.
Description of Work: Ed & his team installed a multi-room speaker system, audio components, and mounted 2 flat screen televisions.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$6,500

greg P.
09/2013
5.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
went great.. very nice workers they did great work and didnt take forever .. They were very clean and left no mess..
Description of Work: very happy with mounting of tvs in 3 different rooms and the in ceiling speakers . They also did a great job with my outdoor speakers and love that i can control everything from my phone

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$900

Lisa D.
09/2013
5.0
home security systems, home theater design
  + 0 more
Ed jr, his staff and his father were all wonderful to work with. They were very professional, pleasant to have around and did a great job. They always return my calls/texts promptly and provided clear quotes quickly. I found their prices to be a bit lower than abt without having to wait to get in the queue at abt. And the added bonus is that when i needed a couple of other services, he called some folks he knew in the industry, let them know what i needed and got great timely service from his network of providers.
Description of Work: Home systems replaced my ADT security system and replaced security cameras as well as ability to remotely monitor cameras. Then, i had them rewire my monster tv to a different wall, drill through brick and provide mounting and electrical in preparation for stonework and eventual mounting of tv. He also provided new components for surround sound and programmed new remotes.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$8,000

dimitri A.
09/2013
5.0
home security systems, home theater design
  + 0 more
Great experience with this company! i dealt directly with Ed jr. His company installed security cameras for my restaurant. Very profesional and very easy to work with. Came by once for a look around and gave me the quote a couple hours later. Withen one week we got the ball rolling. All the wires are hidden and cameras are precise. Had some issues with a firewall blocking my cellular phone feed but that was quickly resolved. I actually hired him to do an audio install on my house too. Cant wait till we start on that!
Description of Work: Installed security cameras

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,200

Valentin P.
09/2013
5.0
home security systems, home theater design
  + 0 more
Consultation appointment was set 8 day before our actual meeting. Ed Jr. came to our home and listed to our needs and wants. Since our home has high ceilings, I wanted to figure a design that would produce quality sound and be integrated with the current components, so I knew this wouldn't be an easy situation. After Ed heard us our concerns, he made his recommendations and told us what the property speaker placement would be as well as the locations of the acoustic points of the house. Work started 4 days after our meeting, and Ed and his team showed up on time. They were organized, prompt and professional. Ed and his crew were prompt and professional, make it easy to work with. Once the work was completed, Ed took to the time to show me how everything was integrated into one, and provided a demonstration while his crew was cleaning and putting away their tools. Service and work quality was excellent. I will be calling them again in the future.
Description of Work: Home Theater Installation and Audio Distribution

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,895

Response from Home Systems Inc
[removed member name], Thank you for the great review, and it was a pleasure working with you and meeting your family. I hope you enjoy your new AV system!! Thanks, Ed Caro, Jr.

Stuart R.
09/2013
4.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
I have spoken to and left three messages for them to call me back to make an appointment. I have yet to hear from them. It has been well over 2 months since i started leaving messages. An appointment was finally made and the arrived propmptly. The two servicemen were knowledgeable and assisted in providing information, but there was not enough time to accomplish any of the items on my list. Even with all of the problems in obtaining an appointment, the service provided me with enough confidence that I would use them in the future.
Description of Work: Nothing.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
5.0

$200

Rick G.
09/2013
5.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
Ed Caro Jr. stopped by my condo a couple weeks before my eventual job date and provided me a quote on my A/V situation. For the market, he provided an excellent value of the job that needed to be accomplished. They showed up when they said they would and got to work immediately. Given the construction of my condo, there was some difficulty in rewiring and developing a foundation for the tv. However, Ed's team was steadfast and tactfully figured out each issue with no concern. However, this ultimately took more time than anticipated and Ed's team had to work longer to assure everything was perfect, coordinated, and that the end product was structuarally sound, looked fantastic, and all of the electronical components function seamlessly (so far). Given the fixed bid, some contractors would ask for more money given the additional labor costs associated with the increased difficulty of the construction-- Ed did not ask for anything additional. Him and his team were professional throughout and I look forward to sending referrals to multiple people looking for Home System's Inc.' creative expertise in smart home construction and systems interfacing. I look forward to working with them again soon.
Description of Work: Ed and his team provided me a fixed bid to set up my new home entertainment system in my Condo in Old Town. They re-routed wires, removed granite tiles, set up a solid foundation to mount my tv above my fireplace, and coordinated the entertainment system to be fully functional and integrated with my room by room sound system.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,085

Scott S.
08/2013
1.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
After missing several appointments, they came and looked at my stereo system, concluded I needed a new piece of equipment and quoted me retail price plus installation.
Description of Work: Looked at my stereo sytem

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0


Response from Home Systems Inc
[member name removed] was one of our Big Deal Purchasers last winter. As the months passed by we came into our busy season, I might add this has been our busiest busy season we have had in years . " Thank You, Angies List". Although, not using this as an excuse [member name removed]was very patient and understanding to our project scheduling and other installations. Therefore we promised that no matter the expiration date on the Big Deal Coupon we would still honor it at anytime. After some scheduling difficulty in freeing up the man hours in our days to visit the [member name removed] Residence, We were able to find a block of time that worked for both parties. In our visit I (Ed Caro, Jr.) & one of my Tech's were able to Diagnose the Issues with the home audio system in a little under an hour and explained to customer which parts would need to be replaced and that a quote would be sent to him the same evening. His response to our quote was, extreme dissapointment in that after how patient he had been with us that we were charging him retail on the necessary component needed to get system back up to Par. To All, (Existing and New Clients) please understand that in this trade or any trade we CAN NOT compete with online pricing. Especially with being in an electronics business I can only offer certain discounts for manafacturers that I am a direct Dealer for. As I mention to all of our clients, we understand electronics can sometimes be found cheaper online or in big box stores and we welcome our clients to go after the savings and promise the same superior installation no matter where equipment has been purchased. In further response, to [member name removed] Dissapointment with Home Systems, Inc. We in no way were trying "To Get one over on Him" .. The particular product that was needed to get system back up and running was not a part I could get quickly from a manafacturer at a discounted price , and found product at a local retailer. Was only trying to find a quick solution for a customer who had not been able to use their system. For [member name removed] dissapointment we gladly refunded his $99.00 Big Deal Purchase. [member name removed], I do apologize for your dissapointment with Home Systems, Inc and wish in some way we could make it right. Which is why I personally offered to refund your full coupon purchase back eventhough diagnosing a problem is indeed a billable service. To your comment of stating "Ed, you are un professional and im Shocked that your company is receiving such high ratings" -- Sir, We receive such high ratings because of our Professionalism, Reputation & Top Level Custom Installations, We have never ONCE advertised our business until last year and have managed to stay in business for 40 years serving our customers with a Great experience to Compliment a Great Installation every time and will do so another 40. There will be times where will make mistakes, But we will Always make them Right. Thank You, Ed Caro, Jr.

Roger S.
02/2013
5.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
I am completely satisfied with their service. I could not operate it so I called up. They came back two days later to show my wife how to operate it without any charge. They were very nice, courteous, businesslike and professional.
Description of Work: Home Systems connected my VCR and DVD to my internet and my internet box.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$99

Response from Home Systems Inc
[member name removed], Glad everything worked out. Never hesitate to call if you have any further questions ! Thank You, Ed Caro, Jr.

Kathy W.
02/2013
5.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
Ed was extremely professional and knowledgeable with the work that he and his team did in my home. He was resourceful in helping me to conserve spending, yet achieved exactly what I wanted. I had a television hung, speakers wired and placed into the ceilings, and all the equipment was set up with detailed explanation about how to operate. He came up with a creative way to hide all my "spaghetti" mess of all wiring for my internet/wireless/phone etc, by relocating it into a closet. It was a great job and a pleasure to see this generation be so detailed and responsible towards excellence.
Description of Work: Home Theatre
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,100

Response from Home Systems Inc
[member name removed], Thank You so much for your business, and more so the great conversation ! It was a fun job to do and so happy that everything came out exactly as you hoped it would. Ed Caro, Jr.

Ann K.
02/2013
5.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
Also, communication was excellent.
Description of Work: A stereo system was wired into the house I just bought, but it did not work. I used home systems to fix the probs. They did great detective work in solving the problem and coming up with a solution that works great. Very professional and committed to the customer.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$750

Response from Home Systems Inc
[removed member name], Thank you very much for your kind comments. It was a pleasure meeting and working with you and glad we were able to find solutions to get your AV system functioning up to your expectations. Thank You, Ed Caro, Jr.

Steve P.
01/2013
5.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
We bought a "Big Deal" from this company. We needed a new tv hung on our family room wall (basic mount, no hiding wires). They were very responsive to our questions via email, and scheduled a date convenient for us. 2 gentlemen arrived on time and were finished within an hour. They also gave us ideas and an estimate for threading cables into our basement, as well as to our current tv so that we would not have to use a wireless receiver. Very happy with the service and would use the company again.
Description of Work: Mounted a 55 inch tv in our family room

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$99

Response from Home Systems Inc
Thank you for then review. We appreciate you choosing us to help you with your AV needs & look forward to hearing from you in the future. Thank You, Ed Caro, Jr.

Paul F.
01/2013
5.0
home theater design
  + -1 more
Ed came out promptly, took measurements, and assessed the fireplace and mounting options. He very quickly emailed us a proposal which was in the same price range as the "megastore" but utilizing techniques that would not have any visible wires which is what we wanted. He and his assistant Nick showed up on time, and after some slight design changes, mounted the TV and did all of the electrical and wiring work in an incredibly neat and efficient manner. After a few days, we decided that the TV was mounted too high even though Ed installed it exactly where we had originally requested. I called him up and explained the situation, and he agreed to come out and move the TV for no additional charge. Once again, Nick and Mike showed up promptly and did an amazing job of relocating the TV for us. This is a firm that provides incredibly professional service, great communications and wonderful follow-up. I would trust them with any home installation work. A+++++. By the way, at every step of the installation Ed and his team were neat, clean and efficient, and left the house as clean as they found it.
Description of Work: We needed a new flatscreen television mounted on a stone fireplace. We wanted a neat job without wires being visible and with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. We went to the local megastore who specializes in custom installations, and they proposed using surface mounted wire mold going across the fireplace and down the wall. This was clearly not what we wanted. We then turned to Angie's list and found Ed at Home Systems Incorporated.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$749

Response from Home Systems Inc
Member, It was an absolute pleasure working with you! We are extremely happy that you are 100% satisfied with the installation and appreciate the opportunity! Thank You, Ed Caro, Jr.

MARK H.
08/2012
4.0
home security systems, home theater design
  + 0 more
Home Systems successfully replaced the doorbell/intercom exterior unit with an updated model on its initial visit (a year later, is is still functioning perfectly). We also asked them to fix or replace some non-functioning speakers. The rep expressed concern about finding the parts because the manufacturer has completely changed its product line. But he promised to get back to us. Have not heard from him since. A mixed bag--one part fixed properly and on-time; the others, we can only assume, were not fixed because they could not locate the parts. But they never called to inform us.
Description of Work: Service to a 24-year-old intercom system. Non-functioning doorbell, some room speakers not working.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

Trish H.
04/2012
5.0
home security systems
  + -1 more
I think they are comparative with the big companies. They came out and replaced the wiring. They come out when you asked them to. I do no think they are gaucheness at all.
Description of Work: We had an issue with the wiring.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

SUSAN F.
03/2012
5.0
home security systems
  + -1 more
Excellent. See above.
Description of Work: We have been working with Ed since 1999. I dont know why I havent taken the time to write a report before now but I was certainly remiss not to share one of the best kept secrets in Alarm companies for our area. Ed has installed our home security system and serviced it for 13 years. If there is ever any little blip of a problem, I can count on Ed to get here at his very earliest moment and usually that day. He is phone available and has been able to solve some problems without coming out. Ed has installed at least 3 corporate systems over the years each time our company relocated to new space. All of it works flawlessly. I trust him implicitly. He is a very honest and kind person to work with and we wouldnt think of hiring anyone else for our security needs. I cannot put an accurate money amount in the above box because the range of work runs from $50 for a simple repair to elaborate systems that run into the thousands on numerous projects over the years.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$100

Lynn S.
09/2011
5.0
home security systems
  + -1 more
See above.
Description of Work: Ed Caro came out on a Saturday to replace a window alarm contact. If the contact goes bad then that window or door cannot be armed. I have worked with Mr. Caro for the last 28 years. He put in my alarm system and tied in the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors into the system. He also installed the surveillance cameras inside and outside our home with screens to see all the property and a software program that records all activity. Home Systems is not so big that you never know who is coming to do the work. Quite the opposite, Mr. Caro always comes himself, or comes with his son. As a homeowner that is so important to not be dealing with different people all the time. Mr. Caro supervises all the work himself and can walk you through a problem over the phone until he can get here to fix the problem. He is very professional and totally trustworthy. If I can't reach him by phone, he always calls back promptly. On top of all the great service he is such a nice person. As a very satisfied customer for almost 30 years, I highly recommend Home Systems.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$30

    Contact information

    3246 Bellwood Ln, Glenview, IL 60026

    www.homesystems4u.com

    Licensing

    Insured
    State Contractor License Requirements

    All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

    *Contact business to see additional licenses.


    Service Categories

    Stereo and Home Theater Systems,
    Home Security Systems

    FAQ

    Home Systems Inc is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.
    Home Systems Inc accepts the following forms of payment: Check
    Yes, Home Systems Inc offers free project estimates.
    No, Home Systems Inc does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
    No, Home Systems Inc does not offer a senior discount.
    No, Home Systems Inc does not offer emergency services.
    No, Home Systems Inc does not offer warranties.
    Home Systems Inc offers the following services: Alarms, Home Theater Systems, Surveillance, & Communications

    Contact information

    3246 Bellwood Ln, Glenview, IL 60026

    www.homesystems4u.com