See Who's at the Door.
Answer From Anywhere.

Often, yes. Many audio intercom systems can reuse existing 2-wire or 4-wire wiring — we swap out the lobby panel and in-unit handsets while keeping the existing wire runs. This keeps cost down and avoids disturbing walls in occupied units. Video intercom upgrades are more complex: standard video systems need 4 wires and a specific gauge, so we test the existing cable before committing to reuse. IP-based systems with smartphone answering typically need a new Cat5e or Cat6 pull, but in many buildings the conduit or riser space is already there. We tell you clearly during the assessment what's reusable and what needs new work.

For a 2–4 unit brownstone, the right choice usually comes down to what the owners want: if everyone is frequently home and remote answering isn't a priority, a wired video system with an indoor monitor in each unit is clean, reliable, and doesn't require any apps or subscriptions. If tenants want to answer from their phones — or the owner manages remotely — an IP video system like the Aiphone IX Series or 2N Verso lets each unit receive calls on their smartphone. For audio-only upgrades on existing 2-wire wiring, Aiphone's JO and JB series are workhorses that have been in NYC buildings for decades. We help you choose based on your wiring situation, budget, and how tenants actually want to use it.

Yes. Seneca Security is fully licensed and insured for low-voltage work in New York City. We carry general liability insurance and can provide certificates of insurance naming the co-op corporation or building management company as additionally insured — which most co-op boards require. We also provide written scope of work and can submit method statements or alteration agreement documentation if required by your building. If your co-op board needs specific paperwork before approval, let us know in advance and we'll prepare it.

For IP systems, each unit gets its own account in the intercom platform — typically the same app, with each unit configured separately. The visitor directory at the door station shows the unit names; when a visitor selects a unit, the call goes to that unit's registered devices (phones, tablets, indoor monitors). Each tenant configures their own phone independently. There's no cross-visibility between units — each tenant only receives calls to their own unit. The building owner or manager can also receive calls for any unit if configured that way, which is useful for landlords managing the property.

Yes, with the right hardware. Iron entry gates and vestibule doors common in NYC brownstones and apartment buildings can accommodate surface-mount or flush-mount door stations — the specific mounting depends on the gate or door frame material. Electric strikes work in most metal gate frames; for iron gates with non-standard frames, we use heavy-duty electric bolts or mag-locks instead. Door stations are weatherproofed for outdoor exposure. We assess the specific door hardware during the site visit before recommending anything — a gate that's been welded shut or has an unusual frame may need a custom mount, which we factor into the quote.