Protect your property by installing an intercom system

Installing an intercom system helps you control who gains access to your property and safe guards against break-ins. But it isn’t just safety that intercoms provide; they provide convenience, act as a tool for communication and even help you keep an eye on the kids.

Intercoms provide convenience as well as adding
security to your property
C: Pulsanterie Toscane on Flickr

According to the British Crime Survey, protecting your home or business from burglary is now even more important than ever. The survey says that growing rates of unemployment and the economic crisis contributed to a 4% rise in burglaries in 2008. So if you want to protect your property, installing an intercom system could be the answer.

As Karen Scott, who works for intercom system installer Videoquest in Middlesex, says: “The main advantage of getting an intercom system installed is that it adds security to the property and you don’t have to answer the front door to someone you can’t see.”

In addition to adding security, an intercom system provides convenience and can increase the value of your property. So whether you’re thinking of installing an intercom for your home or business, it’s well worth the effort.

Reasons to get an intercom system installed

Safety and convenience - the primary purpose of an intercom system is to see or hear who is at the front door before you grant them access to your property. Terry Clock, from Carter Voce Access control in Surrey, installs intercom systems every day. He states: “In homes people mostly install intercoms to add security and stop nuisance callers; it’s not much fun when you have to run down 10 flights of stairs to open the door to someone who might be selling double glazing, for example.”

For use in office blocks or flats – intercom systems are common in blocks of flats and offices. “We usually supply intercom systems to businesses, offices or people building blocks of flats, like a housing association. This makes the building secure and allows visitors to be buzzed up. If you live in a block like that it is a major advantage to be able to buzz someone up rather than running down the stairs,” says Karen.

Communication – an intercom system can be installed in multiple rooms so that you can communicate with family members or colleagues. This can be particularly useful in an office environment for conferences or relaying messages.

Keeping an eye on your family – if you have a home intercom system it can be used to monitor your baby or keep an eye on elderly relatives or unruly kids. “Some people do use intercoms as baby monitors in their homes and nurseries will also use them between floors to communicate,” explains intercom specialist Terry. Baby monitor intercoms are becoming more popular as they allow you to keep an ear out for your child from more than one room and talk to them through the monitor.

To stream music through – many intercoms include software which enables you to listen to music throughout different rooms of the house.

To increase value of your property – enhancing your building's security by adding an intercom may increase the value of your property.

Types of intercom system available

Intercoms provide convenience as well as adding
security to your property
C: EhanLindsey on Flickr

An audio intercom is the simplest type of intercom, allowing you to communicate with visitors outside your home. Video intercom systems (also known as video doorbells) are growing in popularity. A camera is placed outside your front door and feeds footage through to a video screen inside your property so you can see visitors. You can connect the video to more than one monitor.

Intercom systems are either wireless or hard wired into the property. Hard wiring means installing a lot of cables, which can be expensive. Wireless intercoms however are easier to install and can usually provide transmissions of up to 1,000 feet between connected units.

How much do intercom systems cost?

You should consult a professional intercom installation company to help you choose and fit your intercom. The price of installing an intercom in your home varies depending on what type you go for and how many intercom points you want throughout your house. As Karen Scott says: “The price really varies depending on what you want installed. I had someone recently who got a standard audio system installed with 5 handsets and it cost about £300.” Most intercom companies will offer a free survey before they give you a quote. 

AB