01 / 06Calls to tenant phones
What we deliverApp calling, or a direct phone call as a telephone entry system.
Why it matters
With app calling, unit handsets become optional, which removes wiring to every unit.
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- Intercom & Entry
Intercom System Installation in NYC
- Calls staff and tenant phones
- Remote door release
- Tied to access control
IP video intercoms that call phones, release doors and run with your access control.
- 1,000+
installations over 10+ years
- 24/7
support for managed-service clients
- Excellent
Rated 4.9/5 by 110+ NYC corporations
- 7 Active Teams
Operating throughout New York
Are you facing?
Intercom system installation in NYC starts with what is at your front door now.
Your situation01Replacing an old buzzer or 2-wire system
What we doTest the riser first, then install a video panel on the pairs that test sound.What to expect
Sound multi-pair cable can often carry IP signals with adapters, so finished walls stay closed. Units move over floor by floor, or app calling replaces handsets, so there is no building-wide shutdown.
Your situation02New building or lobby renovation
What we doAgree panel, lock, power and Cat6 runs with the GC before the lobby is finished.What to expect
New Cat6 means PoE panels, powered over the data cable. Panels mount at accessible heights, with visual call indicators. Street-facing entries get vandal-resistant, flush-mounted housings.
Your situation03Our intercom has stopped working
What we doFind the fault in power, wiring, panel or door release, on all major brands.What to expect
Many failing systems can be fixed without a rebuild, including systems installed by others. You get a plain repair-or-replace recommendation before work starts. On our maintenance plans, managed-service clients get 24/7 support with a 4-hour response on critical failures.
Your situation04Adding entry to our access control
What we doConnect the intercom to your access control, so one user list runs both.What to expect
Tenants added in access control appear in the intercom directory, and leavers drop off both. Panels can carry a built-in card or mobile reader, so one device serves visitors and tenants at the same door.
What tenants, staff and managing agents get
A building intercom in NYC should let tenants answer anywhere and spare the managing agent site visits.
01 / 06
02 / 06Remote directory updates
What we deliverA cloud-managed, searchable directory the managing agent updates remotely.
Why it matters
Move-ins and move-outs across a portfolio need no technician on site.
03 / 06Every release logged
What we deliverEach remote release logged with time, user and the visitor's image.
Why it matters
When a tenant or board asks who let someone in, the answer is in the log.
04 / 06Package room deliveries
What we deliverTime-limited courier access released from an app.
Why it matters
Deliveries reach the package room, not the whole lobby.
05 / 06Floor-limited visitor access
What we deliverIntercom release tied to elevator access control.
Why it matters
A visitor let in at the lobby cannot ride to other floors.
06 / 06Deliveries reach staff
What we deliverDelivery and staff entrances that call the right phone, or reception.
Why it matters
Deliveries stop buzzing a kitchen nobody can hear.
See our completed work on modern entry in a landmark building
An IP intercom in a 19th-century brownstone, without losing its heritage entry.
Landmark buildings01 / 01
627 West End Avenue
modern entry for a 19th-century brownstone, within landmark constraints.
What we did
Access control, an IP intercom and heritage-style hardware on the Upper West Side, with Bridge Zale Construction, SyndicateBuild Architects and Cirgenski+Company.
“We chose Highline to install the new intercom system to our building, replacing the old Lee-Dan. Tim helped us choose the Akuvox system, that proved to be the most cost effective solution for an app-based intercom system.”
“intercom system has been working great since install. tenants can buzz people in from their phones now which was the whole point.”
Is your intercom overdue for replacement?
We'll test the wiring, review your doors and give you a clear upgrade path.
Video intercom systems: what decides the design and the cost
A video intercom system is now the NYC standard; five choices set the scope and the price.
| Decision | Options | What we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Legacy 2-wire; IP over existing wiring; IP over Cat6 | IP wherever possible: Axis network video intercoms, with PoE panels on new cable |
| Answering device | Handsets; desk stations; app; phone call; SIP to desk phones | App and phone calling for most buildings, desk stations at reception |
| Management | On-site programming; cloud-managed directory | Cloud-managed for portfolios, so changes need no site visit |
| Door release | Electric strike; maglock; electrified exit hardware | Chosen per door, with power and request-to-exit, so it meets egress code |
| Audio or video | Audio-only; video panel with camera | Video for almost every entry; audio for a few back-of-house doors |
How your building changes the design
Co-ops and condos: board approval and finished lobbies are planned for. Prewar buildings: long risers are reused where they test sound. Brownstones and landmarks: discreet panels and heritage-style hardware; visible changes may need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval. Mixed-use: separate commercial and apartment entries, plus gate intercoms, on one platform. When the door itself needs work, we engineer and fabricate it in-house: commercial door repair and installation.
Our intercom installation process in NYC
The entry stays in service except for one short cutover.
- 01
Wiring and door survey
You learn which wiring and hardware can be reused before any design.
- 02
Written proposal
Panel, answering method, door release and directory setup in one scope.
- 03
Installation
The cutover is scheduled with you; larger and multi-entry buildings are phased.
- 04
Test and handoff
Every call and release tested; your managers trained on the directory.
- 05
Support
A 12-month warranty, and one call covers the panel, lock and wiring.
FAQs
Intercom installation FAQs
How much does intercom system installation cost in NYC?
Intercom system installation cost in NYC depends on the number of entries and units, the condition of existing wiring, door hardware and app or cloud licensing. We price after an assessment; our guide to intercom system cost explains the drivers.
Can the intercom call our phones instead of handsets?
Yes, the intercom can call smartphones through an app or dial a phone number directly, as a telephone entry system. Many buildings use app calling instead of in-unit handsets, which removes wiring to every unit.
Can we keep our existing intercom wiring?
Often, yes, you can keep your existing intercom wiring. We test the riser first and reuse sound cable.
Does NYC law require an intercom in apartment buildings?
NYC apartment buildings can be required to have an intercom under the Multiple Dwelling Law. Class A multiple dwellings erected or converted after January 1, 1968 with eight or more apartments must have self-locking entrance doors and a lobby intercom that lets each apartment speak to the visitor and release the lock. Older buildings must add one when a majority of tenants request it in writing, and owners must keep it working.
Will the front door stay in service during installation?
Yes, the front door stays in service during installation for all but a short, scheduled cutover. Larger buildings and multi-entry sites are phased.
Request an intercom site assessment
Tell us about your entries and how the building is managed. We'll meet on site or virtually.