The Ultimate Guide to Apartment Call Boxes

Article Navigation

The ultimate guide to apartment call boxes

Apartment call boxes are an essential component of security and communications technology for your multifamily community, but choosing the right system for your needs is challenging. Here's what you need to know to ensure the apartment call box system you choose improves the resident experience, saves your staff time and gives you peace of mind.

What is a call box for an apartment?

An apartment call box is a communication device that allows residents and apartment staff to communicate with guests, vendors and other visitors to decide whether to give them access to your multifamily community. Call boxes are placed at access-controlled community entrances so visitors can use them when they arrive on your property.

You may have seen call boxes in other places too, like outside office buildings or around college campuses, but most call boxes for apartments fall into a few types.

Different types of call boxes

Audio call boxes have a microphone and speaker, so residents and staff can speak with visitors before buzzing them in.

Video call boxes also have a camera at the entryway to observe visitors. This allows people in your community to confirm visitors' identities visually.

Mobile-integrated call boxes allow residents and staff to use an app on their phones to communicate with visitors using your call box and buzz them in from anywhere.

How do call boxes work?

There are two main components of a call box system: The visitor interface and the resident interface.

Visitor interfaces are located at a base station at one or more entrances to your apartment community. When visitors arrive, they dial a number or choose from a list of contacts to connect with so they can ask for access.

On the other end, residents are alerted to the visitor's presence via a phone call, a smartphone app alert or a substation in their apartment. Residents can choose to accept the connection or ignore it. If they accept it, they can communicate with the visitor and then push a button to let them in-or not.

Call boxes are an important part of your overall access control system. Locks, gates and doors keep unauthorized people out. But call boxes are critical for letting authorized people in. They empower individual residents and staff members to decide who to let in, so you don't have to station someone at your entrance.

What is a call box number?

A call box number is a unique identifier for each resident and staff member who uses the call box. Like a phone number, it allows visitors to reach a specific person in your community. If your call box has a directory, visitors may not need to know a resident's call box number to connect with them

Modern call box features to look for

Call boxes have been around for a long time, and many older builds are still using outdated technology. Modern call boxes have a lot more features, so look for these:

• A video intercom so you can monitor your entrance in real-time, and residents can visually confirm the identity of their visitors.

• Mobile integration so residents can answer calls and let people in from anywhere using their smartphones.

• PMS integration so you don't have to manually update the directory whenever someone moves in or out.

• Access control integration so you can customize access levels to any door in your community for residents, staff and visitors.

Weighing the pros and cons of call boxes

Pro: Convenience for residents and property managers

Call boxes are more convenient for residents than physically going to a door or gate to let someone in. Ideally, your system will allow residents to answer calls and buzz visitors in right from their phones so they don't even need to be home to let in a dog walker or visiting relative.

Con: Potential technical maintenance

Call boxes require maintenance to keep them functioning properly. Hardwired call boxes might require upkeep of physical lines and apartments throughout your community, while wireless boxes will need strong internet signals throughout the property.

Pro: Peace of mind

Once you're sure your new call box will play nice with the rest of your technology, you can also rest easier knowing your community is protected. More convenient entry means residents will be less tempted to prop open doors and gates, while real-time monitoring helps staff check on your community at any time.

Con: Compatibility concerns with older systems

Unless you're installing call boxes on a new build, you're probably already using an access control system. Choosing a compatible call box is critical for maintaining resident convenience and adequate security while minimizing expenses.

Pro: Increased property value

Minimizing upfront costs is important, but installing modern call boxes with features you and your staff love is an investment. They help ensure your community feels like home while providing cost-saving efficiencies for better NOI, which is critical for attracting buyers and investors.

Con: Initial installation costs

Like most upgrades, call boxes require an upfront investment. You'll need to buy the hardware and software and pay for installation. It's more cost-effective to install wireless call boxes than wired ones.

What's the difference between a call box and an intercom?

The main difference between call boxes and intercoms is how much they offer. Call boxes are suitable for basic entry communication, while intercoms offer more comprehensive control, internal communication and advanced security features-making intercoms a better choice for connected buildings.

Call boxes:

• Are used for external communication with visitors at the building's entrance

• Allow residents to remotely grant or deny access

Intercom systems:

• Provide broader communication within the building or between units

• Are better integrated with smart home technology

• Are ideal for larger properties

How to choose the best security setup for your apartment

The call box system you choose will be an important part of your community security. Here's what to consider.

Assess your building's size and layout

Small communities with a handful of residents might do just fine with a simple call box. However, larger buildings with lots of units and garden-style communities with lots of open space may benefit from intercom systems.

Determine the level of control needed

Call boxes are generally very simple with few additional features, making them sufficient for basic entry management. But if you want enhanced communication, greater security control and more convenience, intercoms are likely a better fit.

Consider smart technology integration

Most call boxes are integrated into a community's access control system, but that's about it. More modern intercom systems tend to be more compatible with other smart apartment technology. For example, the SmartRent app can act as a resident's intercom interface and give them remote control over their smart thermostat, smart locks and smart lighting.

Budget constraints

Because call boxes are simpler and offer fewer bells and whistles, they're typically less expensive than intercoms. However, installing a system with more functionality could pay off in the long run by attracting more tech-savvy residents and streamlining access control for your staff.

Evaluate resident needs

If you're not sure what system your residents would prefer, ask them! Sending out a survey could help you invest in the call box or intercom features that matter most to them.

SmartRent's touchless access control solutions: An advanced alternative

SmartRent's access control solutions include far more than basic call box features, including:

Real-time audio and video monitoring

Check in on your community any time with audio and video from your call box base station.

Integration with property management systems

Automatically update the resident directory and create access codes that activate on move-in and deactivate at move-out.

Remote access

Residents and staff can connect with visitors and allow them access from anywhere. They don't need to be on-site.

Customizable access levels

Limit visitors to certain buildings or amenity areas to give you the ultimate access control-all without wasting time and money on key management.

Get started with SmartRent intercom systems

Choosing the right intercom or call box system for your multifamily community can give you and your residents peace of mind, help save your staff time and deliver a convenient living experience. Video intercoms that easily integrate with your existing technology and don't require installing hardware in every unit are best.

If you're considering a call box system for your community, check out SmartRent intercoms.