Upgrades & replacements

Intercom Replacement & System Upgrades

Move from outdated buzzers and telephone entry panels to modern video intercoms with mobile calling, video verification, and reliable door release.

When to replace your intercom

Many Chicago buildings are still running intercom systems from the 1990s or earlier. These systems often deliver poor audio, no video, and increasingly expensive maintenance. Replacement becomes the practical path when repairs no longer make economic sense.

No video capability

Audio-only entry with no way to verify who is at the door.

No mobile app support

Residents cannot answer calls or release doors remotely.

Poor or distorted audio

Background noise, static, or low volume make calls unusable.

Rising maintenance costs

Replacement parts are discontinued or increasingly expensive.

Manual directory updates

Adding or removing residents requires a technician visit.

Unreliable door release

Strikes or maglocks fail intermittently due to aging wiring or relays.

📷 Old intercom panel

Cost of doing nothing

Aging intercoms create ongoing support calls, frustrated residents, security gaps at the entrance, and liability exposure if entry logs are unavailable. Upgrading addresses all four.

Upgrade paths

The right upgrade depends on your current wiring, building size, and operational priorities. We assess what exists and recommend the most practical path forward.

Path A

Analog to IP

Replace legacy analog panels with modern SIP/IP intercoms. This typically requires new structured cabling (Cat6) from the entry to the network closet, a PoE switch port, and VLAN configuration. The result is high-quality video, deep integration with access control, and centralized management.

Best for: mid-to-large buildings with IT infrastructure or buildings undergoing a broader security upgrade.

Path B

Telephone entry to smart intercom

Replace telephone entry panels that dial resident landlines or cell numbers with a cloud-based or app-based intercom. This eliminates per-call telephone charges and adds video, virtual keys, and delivery PIN features. Some platforms can leverage existing two-wire infrastructure for a faster transition.

Best for: smaller buildings, budget-conscious HOAs, or properties where minimal wiring disruption is a priority.

Handling tenant disruption

An intercom replacement in an occupied building requires careful coordination. Residents depend on the entry system daily, and extended downtime creates real operational problems. We plan every cutover to minimize impact.

Pre-installation preparation

We pre-configure hardware, stage wiring, and prepare the network before touching the existing system. This reduces the cutover window significantly.

Parallel operation

Where feasible, we install the new system alongside the old one and switch over once testing is complete. The old system stays operational until the new one is verified.

Resident communication

We provide clear timelines and instructions for property managers to share with residents, including app setup guides and directory verification steps.

Leveraging existing wiring

Not every upgrade requires a full re-wire. Depending on the existing infrastructure, we can often reuse conduit paths, pull new cable through established routes, or select platforms that work with legacy two-wire connections. A thorough site survey determines what is salvageable and what needs replacement.

Choosing the right platform for your building size

Building size	Typical approach
Under 20 units	Cloud-based or cellular intercom with mobile app calling
20-100 units	IP/SIP intercom with network integration and front desk support
100+ units	Multi-panel IP system with access control integration and management portal

These are starting points. Final recommendations depend on staffing, entry count, and network readiness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an intercom replacement take?

Timeline depends on building size, wiring condition, and the selected platform. A small building with good existing wiring may take one to two days. A large building requiring new cabling may take one to two weeks. We provide a timeline during the proposal phase.

Can we keep the old system running during the upgrade?

In most cases, yes. We stage the new system in parallel and perform the cutover once testing confirms everything works. The goal is to minimize any period without a working entry system.

Do we need new wiring for a modern intercom?

It depends on what exists. Some platforms work with legacy wiring, while IP-based systems typically require Cat6 cable. We assess the existing infrastructure during the site survey and recommend the most practical approach.