5 Star Security

If we were staying here we would continue to use them.

On Monday, 5 Star notified me that the system had reported that a newly installed sensor was defective. Lenny came out today and replaced the defective sensor. Because I have an annual service plan, there was no charge for the replacement sensor or the service call. Lenny ran a little late, but the office kept me informed of his estimated arrival time. Our power was out, but due to the back up battery, he was able to install and test the new sensor with no problem. As always, everything was perfectly professional and efficient.

Lenny is quite simply the very best. If there were "A+" ratings available, he'd get them all. His personal dedication to his trade and his clients is unmatched. We would strongly recommend him to anyone considering home security. He. Is. The. Best. There is nothing more to be said!

Lenny had been persistent in reminding me that I needed to replace the smoke detectors after 10 years. After ignoring his reminders for a few months, I finally scheduled an appointment. He was about 30 minutes late, but it was entirely understandable given that we had the first significant snow of the season and traffic was a mess all over. When he arrived he went right to work replacing the smoke detectors, programming the new ones into the system, making sure they were functioning properly. He then did a total system check including all the sensors and the remotes. 5 Star is always reliable, always does an excellent job, and I feel completely confident that my home is protected as well as it can be.

We interviewed 3 security companies and it was obvious that Lenny was the most knowledgeable and detail oriented. He gave a ton of information about why he uses a particular brand of equipment and a particular monitoring service. The other two companies simply didn't address those issues. Also, Lenny gives you specifics about what's in his contract and why it protects you. Neither of the other companies were willing to include those same terms in their contracts. In terms of what equipment we needed, Lenny didn't try to oversell. He told us just what we needed (as compared to one of the other companies that seemed to be piling on the equipment to increase the price). On installation day, he was prompt, efficient, and careful. He takes time to explain everything to you in detail. If you have any questions afterwards, he is available by email and phone. He's not the cheapest, and he tells you that right off the bat. However, I think sometimes you get what you pay for and in this case paying more gets you much more. The only negative, and this is not a huge thing, is that he does a bit of a hard sell on the initial appointment, giving you some extras but only if you sign that day. But other than that, it was a great experience from start to finish.

He was on time as always. Quickly checked out the system and replaced all of the batteries, including the standby back-up battery. One of the sensors was defective, and it was replaced as well. I never worry about my system. 5 Star takes great care of it and me.

After several recent burglaries in our neighborhood, we decided to consider getting a security system. Lenny's explanation of the system, equipment, and various options was extremely thorough. His website videos are very useful background. Very professional and thorough. Installation is done by Lenny and a professional cable installer only -- no subcontractors. Monitoring station in NC staffed 24/7 by pleasant personnel who called immediately when we tripped the system accidentally twice the second day, and asked for the password, and wished us a good night. Each family member can have a separate alarm code and password, and guests or tradesmen who need access can be given temporary codes and passwords. Also, it's nice to be able to arm/disarm the system by text message if I'm in a hurry, or if I'm not sure whether I've set it.

Lenny and the wiring specialist arrived early, the process was in parallel with one person installing the wiring while the other was installing the sensors. The overall process is clean other than some small holes and dust produced from running the wiring. Everything is working great!

Outstanding! Lenny delivered exactly what he promised and then some. While the price was considerably higher than some others, he carefully explained why the hardware and monitoring service he uses, as well as his personal services, justify that. Only minor wiring was required and that was completed quickly--with the help of a wiring expert--within a few hours. Lenny installed the rest of ther system himself before noon, and then met with my entire family to walk us through how the system worked. Cleanup was minimal and quickly completed. We've had the system almost 2 week and it has worked flawlessly, including sending me text messages whenever the system is armed, disarmed or activated.

Most informative and helpful sales representative ever! Excellent work.

Great! The service was performed on time and as per the contract. I would highly recommend them.

Lenny was on time and completely all work in an efficient and professional manner. He expressed willingness for a follow up call if we continue to have trouble with the low battery sensor.

Lenny was prompt and efficient, as usual.

Lenny was timely and informative. Accommodating with followup schedule. Through and complete.

Mr. Lenny, the owner of 5 Star Security, was on time. The installation was very well done with no clean up on the homeowner's part needed. He was thoroughly professional and extremely knowledgeable.

allowed me to afford the system. To top it all of, the monthly fees for the monitoring services are half less than most security systems. Just to say that it is no surprise that 5 Star Security gets such high marks. This company is serious, reliable, less expensive than most others, and offers a lot more than most others in the alarm industry. I strongly recommend this company to whoever needs a new alarm system in their home or business, and I will spread the word among friends and family.

They price was exceptionally reasonable. It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. It was such a good experience that we have been recommending them to everyone. They owner is extremely knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and very easy to work with. He is an industry expert, and I would highly recommend him.

Lenny came to install a system on quick notice. He was prompt, responsive, and knowledgeable. I would recommend him 100%. Unfortunately the product I selected and he came to install wasn't going to work properly because of spotty cell service. He gave me options and estimates for other alarms systems that would work and was on his way. Very professional.

Mr. Bianchi grossly overcharged for the cost of the Lithium-Ion replacement batteries. For example, he charged $15 each for 8 CR123 3-volt Lithium-Ion batteries for a total of $120.00. I can purchase 8 Duracell DL123A Lithium-Ion batteries (replacements for CR123A batteries) for $19.45 (the cost for all 8) through Amazon.com. The other batteries that Mr. Bianchi replaced and charged for are as follows. $ 75.00 12V 8aH standby battery - Quantity 1 ... I can purchase the same battery for $20.00 $255.00 1/2 AA 3.6 Volt Lithium - Quantity 17 @ $15 each ... I can purchase the same batteries for $5.00 each for a total of $85.00 $ 10.00 A23 12 Volt Alkaline - Quantity 2 @ $5.00 each ... I can purchase the same batteries for $1 each for a total of $2.00 Mr. Bianchi also charged $90.00 labor. His total cost for his one hour visit was $550.00 ($460.00 for batteries and $90.00 for one hour of labor). I voiced my displeasure regarding what Mr. Bianchi charged me for the batteries. He told me that he was in business to "make a profit". He said that he charges what he does for the batteries because there are many "counterfeit" batteries on the market. He then told me that Radio Shack charges approximately $21.00 each for the 1/2 AA 3.6 Volt Lithium batteries. However, when one goes to the Radio Shack website, the user reviews for that particular battery are critical for the excessive price that Radio Shack charges, i.e., the reviewers state that they can purchase the same battery for substantially less elsewhere (just as I found out). Also, I sincerely doubt that Mr. Bianchi purchases his batteries from Radio Shack. Mr. Bianchi then said that the maker of the alarm system requires that certain batteries be purchased because the equipment is "life safety" equipment. That argument holds no merit. In fact, I told Mr. Bianchi that I did not buy his arguments about what he charged for the batteries. He then acquiesced and told me that "next time" I can purchase my own batteries for him to install. His having said that negates his arguments for what he charged me for the cost of the batteries and essentially is an admission on his part that he grossly overcharged (gouged) me for the cost of the batteries. The bottom line is that Mr. Bianchi marked up the cost of the batteries by approximately 400% as compared to what I can purchase the same batteries for. What this amounts to is that Mr. Bianchi's true labor cost was approximately $425.00 for one hour of work. Lastly, Mr. Bianchi's online business writeup on Angie's List is that he uses a Fairfax VA based monitoring company for the alarm systems that he installs. I find that statement misleading because Mr. Bianchi told me twice (at the original installation and at the time of the recent service call) that he uses an alarm monitoring company located in either North or South Carolina; and that he has used the same company for years. Incidentally, Mr. Bianchi admitted that the batteries in the alarm system could last beyond the 4 year replacement cycle that he advocates. Five years is probably more likely. ADDENDUM Mr. Bianchi and I are obviously at polar opposites. So, let?s let the readers decide who is being upfront vs. who is embellishing with inaccuracies, fuzzy math and ridiculously fuzzy pricing logic. Let?s be clear: the issue here is whether or not price gouging occurred. By the way, I won?t stoop to personal insults as I believe that Mr. Bianchi has done toward me with his spurious response. All parties can stipulate that Surefire makes very high-quality flashlights and directly sells very high-quality Lithium-Ion batteries for their flashlights. Anyone can purchase TWELVE (12) very high-quality CR123A Lithium-Ion batteries directly from Surefire for $22.50, or approximately $2.00 each. Look at this website for indisputable verification: http://www.surefire.com/Batteries As with anything else, I readily understand and expect a reasonable markup, e.g., an oil change. However, Mr. Bianchi charged me $15 for each CR123A Lithium-Ion battery that he replaced. Simple math shows that to be a 750% markup ($15.00 vs. $2.00). I ask that you take any other product and give it a 750% markup, e.g., a quart of motor oil, to determine if price gouging took place here. You make the call. As with the Surefire Lithium-Ion batteries, I encourage you to perform the same pricing research regarding bulk quantity Duracell CR123A Lithium-Ion batteries that are used in my system. In fact, I advocate that you do your own research independent of what Mr. Bianchi or I say to form your own conclusion if price gouging took place regarding the replaced battery types as listed in my original review. Please make sure that you do as I did and use very reputable battery sellers/websites for proper price comparisons. Incidentally, I sincerely doubt that a fine upstanding company such as Surefire or any other reputable company is marketing counterfeit CR123A or other type Lithium-Ion batteries when purchased directly from them. I have personally made numerous such purchases with resultant stellar battery performance. Mr. Bianchi claims that his customers have the option to replace the alarm system batteries. I would like to have Mr. Bianchi point to one piece of literature that he has ever provided me that either encourages that option or that gives the instructions on how to do so. After I once removed the lid of one of the alarm sensors, it immediately triggered the alarm system even though the system was unarmed (a tampering prevention feature - a good thing). So, where are the programming instructions for a customer to disable the alarm system to enable battery replacement? The answer is that they are nowhere to be found because they were not provided. To the contrary, Mr. Bianchi?s billing statements include comments that either he or an associate should perform all of the work on the alarm systems that he sells. I chose not to go into detail in my initial review about Mr. Bianchi's lowered marks for responsiveness, punctuality and professionalism because I did not want to divert attention from the main issue, i.e., the price gouging that I believe took place. I will now address what actually happened regarding the service call apart from the pricing issue in order to set the record straight. Mr. Bianchi's response to my review of how I rated his business performance is flawed. He did not discuss with me the rate of his coming out on a Sunday as opposed to "discount days" as he states that he did. Also, Mr. Bianchi?s implication that I was his only service call that Sunday and that he had to change his Sunday plans to accommodate me is erroneous because he told me that he had at least two other earlier service calls scheduled in my general area for the same Sunday. Mr. Bianchi is the one who suggested the Sunday service call, not me. I consented only because he was already going to be in the area. Frankly, I had no desire or sense of urgency for a Sunday service call. Why? Simply because the recommended service for my system was not due until December 2011, as Mr. Bianchi states in his response. Think about it folks. Why on earth would I want to ruin Mr. Bianchi?s Sunday as he so claims let alone my own Sunday for work that could have easily waited for some other day through the end of the year? Furthermore, the 1:00pm appointment was tentative and not finalized as Mr. Bianchi states. Mr. Bianchi told me that he would call me late that Sunday morning to confirm the 1:00pm appointment after seeing how his earlier service calls went. Neither he nor his office called to confirm the appointment. So, I went about my Sunday. I was in the area of my home running errands when Mr. Bianchi?s office did reach out to me to tell me that Mr. Bianchi was waiting at my house. I was quite surprised and somewhat miffed but nevertheless rushed to my house within 4 or 5 minutes to meet Mr. Bianchi. I was the one who ended up being inconvenienced. Consequently, my lowered grading of Mr. Bianchi?s responsiveness, punctuality and professionalism is not just about the cost of "some batteries" as he insinuates. Mr. Bianchi does admit that he uses at least two (2) monitoring stations to monitor his customers' alarm systems, including one located in North Carolina that monitors my system. Yet, his online write-up of his business states, "Our monitoring station is located right here in Fairfax County". Does that not imply only one monitoring station? It appears that Mr. Bianchi should re-word his write-up. Regardless, that is not the issue here. Again, the issue is whether or not price gouging occurred for the cost of the replacement batteries. Folks, someone made a windfall profit here at a customer?s expense regarding the charge for the replacement batteries. However, as I have already advocated, please do your own research to decide who is being upfront as opposed to who is embellishing with inaccuracies, fuzzy math and ridiculously fuzzy pricing logic. "Addendum 2": "Mr. Bianchi in his spurious response refers to me as a liar. Nonsense. I have been a law enforcement officer for over 30 years and am not about to lie. Mr. Bianchi keeps referring to his pricing formula that is based on what a "well-known retail chain" (Radio Shack) charges for batteries. Don't be fooled. The only pricing formula that Mr. Bianchi should use is HIS COST plus a reasonable markup -- not a comparison to Radio Shack which has nothing to do with HIS COST. I guarantee you that Mr. Bianchi's cost for batteries is nowhere near what Radio Shack charges. Therefore, the bottom line is that Mr. Bianchi indeed price gouged and he knows it. Most importantly, you can prove it to yourself by your own research as I have pointed out. The only lies and overall deception being told here are in bold font. CONSUMER BEWARE."

When he came out, he looked around our house and saw what I wanted. The estimate for monitoring and text capability was $50 per month and for the equipment that he is going to install was $2000. Everything about him was excellent, possibly except the price, although I think that the price he quoted is fair for your getting. If I choose to get a security system, I would probably go with him.

we misconnected on emails but they were very apologetic and offered a discount for future servive. Very responsive and concerned that I understood that they care about their customers

I was checking out several companies for an alarm system and decided to go with a small business. I was very impressed with the owner of 5 Star Security and I appreciated that he understood his craft well and was insistent that he provide the best products and services to his customers. In view of the prevalent poor customer service today I was very impressed at our first meeting. It really was an easy decision when you compare what 5 Star Security can offer clients vs. these large businesses wherein you are just another customer. The product selection, installation and followup was outstanding. I knew exactly what to expect and I got exactly what I signed up for and more. The personal attention is terrific and I am also impressed with the monitoring. I made one mistake so far (knock on wood) and the center called me back in about one minute. I'm really impressed with this small business and the products are made in America. Win-Win.

(REVISED) I contacted Mr. Lenny in early March 2011. I informed him that I was in the market for a replacement to my old home alarm system. Mr. Lenny did his best to accommodate me by tentatively scheduling an appointment on Friday 18 March 2011 @ 1900 hrs EDT at my request. In fairness to him, he did inform me that he does not normally schedule appointments on the same day as when he has an installation earlier in the day. The length of time for the installations can vary widely, each due to its' own circumstances. As it turns out, he was unable to make the appointment due to the installation running long, combined with the travel time in Washington Metro Area rush hour traffic. Therefore, he did call ahead of time to reschedule for Tuesday 22 March 2011 @1900 hrs EDT. On 23 March 2011 @1900 hrs EDT, I invited Mr. "Lenny" into my home to do the following; 1) listen to my home security concerns and alarm system requirements 2) perform a security survey of my home 3) give a proposal to replace my existing security system with a new one. I informed Mr. Lenny, that I had selected his company and two others to compete for my business, based on the following criteria. Must be a small-medium sized alarm/security company, located in the immediate metro area and have been in business for >10 years. Must be accredited. I got the sense that he did not believe my assertion that there were 3 companies competing. Note, I was a very unhappy former ADT Customer at the time. I have worked in electronics, telecommunications and computer networks for 28 years now. I will say this for Lenny, based on his presentation, he seems to be very thorough in his work and understands his product. What I found impressive, was the fact that he also knew some of the competitor's product lines as well; right down to operating frequencies, functionality, etc. In the final out come, I selected his competitor which sold the exact same product, but at a lower cost. Lenny's price was higher by several hundreds of dollars. He was the most knowledgeable of the three companies, but also the most expensive. It was a budgetary decision.

They did a survey, but we haven?t installed it yet. They were superb. They worked around our schedule. They were very knowledgeable and answered our questions. They were very courteous and professional too. We would use their services again.

The owner came out himself to install it. He really paid attention to detail. It was a pleasant experience and I look forward to continually working with him.