Manhattan
Manhattan buildings ask a lot of an intercom. Co-op boards want a clean, reliable entrance. Managing agents want fewer tenant complaints. Doorman buildings need a system that works with the front desk, and walk-ups need a system that works without one. Douglas Security System (DSS) installs and repairs intercoms across Manhattan and has worked on New York intercom systems for over 35 years.
We handle everything from a single dead apartment station to a full video upgrade of a lobby. Every job starts with a free quote. Call (212) 262-2820 to schedule an inspection.
For broken systems, see our intercom repair page. For older audio systems, see our guide to audio-to-video upgrades.
A lobby upgrade in a Manhattan building is a project with several moving parts. Here’s what we plan with the board or managing agent before any work starts:
After the installation, we test every apartment and every door release and show the super or staff how the system works.
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For co-ops and condos, a touch screen entrance panel with a tenant directory and app access keeps the lobby looking sharp and makes management easier. The Comelit Ultra Touch is a popular choice, and in many buildings it works alongside the existing apartment units. Larger buildings with many units and a front desk are often best served by the Aiphone GT Series, which supports guard and concierge stations. Buildings that want cloud access and facial recognition can use the DNAKE S617.
For walk-ups without a doorman, temporary access codes for couriers and security cameras at the entrance help cut down on package theft.
Prices depend on the building, the number of apartments and entrances, and the condition of the wiring. Most single repairs, like replacing one apartment unit or fixing a door release, cost about $250 to $600. A video intercom for a small building with one entrance typically costs about $4,000 to $5,000 or more. These are average New York prices, not a fixed price list. See our intercom cost guide for more detail, and ask about our no monthly fee systems.
Manhattan buildings follow New York City’s intercom rules. Class A multiple dwellings built or converted after January 1, 1968, with eight or more apartments must have a working intercom with two-way voice and door release. Older buildings must add one when a majority of tenants request it in writing. The rule comes from Section 50-a of the New York Multiple Dwelling Law. Read more about NYC intercom requirements.
We install and repair intercoms throughout Manhattan, including:
We also serve Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island.
Many Manhattan buildings use telephone entry systems, where a visitor finds a name in the lobby directory, and the system calls the resident’s phone instead of an apartment station. They’re popular in buildings where running new wire to every apartment would be difficult. The resident answers, talks to the visitor, and presses a key to open the door. Modern video panels like the Comelit Ultra Touch combine a touch screen directory with phone and app access, so residents can see visitors too. We repair older telephone entry panels and help buildings choose a replacement when parts are no longer available.
Mixed-use buildings with shops on the ground floor and apartments or offices above often need separate entry for each use. We set up entrance panels, directories, and access codes so residents, office tenants, and staff each get in through the right door, and we connect cameras at the entrances. Office suites can add a desk station or app so the front desk can see and admit visitors. Keypads like the Aiphone AC-10S keypad handle staff entry for back and service doors.
Yes. We work with co-op boards and managing agents across Manhattan and plan the equipment, finish, and schedule with them before we start.
Yes. Systems like the Aiphone GT Series support guard and concierge stations, so the front desk can answer and screen visitors.
All of Manhattan, including the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Washington Heights, Midtown, Chelsea, the Village, and Lower Manhattan.
A video intercom with temporary access codes lets tenants give couriers a one-time code instead of buzzing in strangers. A camera at the entrance adds another layer of security.
Often, yes. We choose panels and finishes that suit the facade. Exterior changes on designated landmarks may need approval from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.
It depends on the building. Many entrance panel upgrades take a day or two of on-site work, while full video systems in larger buildings take longer. We give you a schedule with the quote.
Yes. Our video intercom options include phone access, so residents can see visitors and open the door from their phones, even when they’re away from home.
Most single repairs cost about $250 to $600, and a video intercom for a small building with one entrance typically costs about $4,000 to $5,000 or more. These are average New York prices. We give you a free quote after an inspection.
In many buildings, yes. Our Comelit video intercom works alongside existing intercom units, so you can add video and phone access without rewiring the whole building.
Not with our Comelit systems. They’re a one-time investment with no monthly payment. Property management software and call-log servers are optional and sold separately.
On Comelit video intercom installs, we offer a 3-year guarantee on Comelit material and a 1-year guarantee on service and labor.
Call (212) 262-2820 or use the form on this page. Tell us about the property and what isn’t working, and we’ll schedule an inspection.