Locksmith Blog

Upgrading Your Building's Intercom in 2026

From buzzer boxes to video and phone-based entry: what modern intercom upgrades involve and what they cost in disruption.

The classic NYC buzzer — crackling audio, mystery buttons, a door release that works when it feels like it — is overdue for retirement in most small buildings. Modern options: video intercoms with smartphone apps, telephone-entry systems, and hybrid setups that keep a familiar call-and-buzz flow with dramatically better audio and a picture.

For small walk-ups, wireless video systems often install with minimal disruption — no ripping open walls. Larger buildings get wired systems with directory, postal release, and management controls. Either way, tenants answer from their phones and managers control access remotely.

Plan around your building's realities: landmarked vestibules limit what can be mounted, existing wiring may be reusable, and board approval is usually needed. We survey the building, propose options at different budgets, and handle the installation — plus ongoing service, because intercoms need it.

Need Help? Call (212) 300-6734

Frequently Asked Questions

How disruptive is an intercom upgrade?

Less than most boards fear. Wireless systems for small buildings often go in within a day or two.

Do tenants need new hardware?

No — modern systems use tenants' own smartphones.

Can we keep the old buzzer as backup?

Usually the old system is fully replaced, but we discuss fallback options during planning.

Who maintains it afterward?

We do — service plans and on-call repair for the systems we install.

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