What is an Apartment Doorman? + Do They Make Buildings Safer?

 

 

An apartment doorman is a common physical security feature in apartment buildings across the country. They add a luxurious atmosphere to properties, and it’s hard to deny that they don’t make residents feel safe. However, are doormen really the best security feature for your property?

In this post, we review what an apartment doorman does. Next, we examine a few pros and cons of doormen. Finally, we provide insight into the best access control technology, such as front desk software, complementing a doorman.

This post covers:

• What is an apartment doorman?
• What does a doorman do?
• How much do you pay a doorman?
• What are the pros and cons of an apartment doorman?
• Do doormen make apartments safer?
• 3 factors to consider before choosing a doorman
• What technology works best with an apartment doorman?

 

 

What is an apartment doorman?

Apartment doormen, or doorwomen, are employees of a multifamily building hired to look after the main entryway. Doormen are a staple feature of luxury apartment buildings. Doormen typically work 24/7 and operate in shifts. Most buildings only have one doorman, but some larger properties with multiple entranceways may employ more than one.

 

What is the difference between a doorman and a doorkeeper?

There is no difference between a doorman and a doorkeeper. A doorman is also commonly called a doorkeeper or gatekeeper. A professional name for a doorman is a porter.

 

 

What does a doorman do?

A doorman’s primary task is to welcome residents and guests into a building. They commonly open the door for residents and guests, but this isn’t always the case. This is because some properties implement video intercom systems and other access control technology. Doormen also often share responsibilities with those of a concierge.

A doorman’s responsibilities often include:

• Receiving and securing packages
• Contacting residents when a package or visitor has arrived
• Directing guests and visitors
• Turning away loiterers and trespassers
• Assisting residents if they have a lot to carry
• Calling elevators for residents and guests

 

How much do you pay a doorman?

A doorman’s average yearly salary is $27,831.

However, you should keep in mind that your total apartment doorman cost will likely be five times that because you’ll have to hire multiple doormen to assist with your building throughout the year. Of course, you don’t have to hire a doorman 24/7. You could only post a doorman at your property between business hours or during a night shift when your building is most vulnerable.

The location also factors into a doorman’s pay. A doorman’s salary in New York City will likely be higher than one in a smaller city.

 

 

What are the pros and cons of an apartment doorman?

Pros:

• Doormen can help prevent package theft, which is all too common across the country.
• Buildings with doormen carry a luxurious atmosphere that can be appealing to renters. Thus, you can charge more rent to offset the costs of a doorman.
• Social interactions with residents can make your property seem more welcoming.
• The physical presence of a doorman helps residents feel safer.
• Residents can be let into the property if they forget their keys.
• A doorman can immediately address questions and concerns and relay them to property managers.

Cons:

• Hiring multiple new employees is costly.
• Doormen are still prone to human error.
• Residents may have less privacy.

 

Do doormen make apartments safer?

Without a doubt, doormen make apartments safer. The human element of someone standing watch over an entrance is one of the strongest deterrents against trespassers. Additionally, they are a great deterrent to package thieves, who often act when nobody is around.

However, doormen are not the perfect solution for safety and security in apartment technology. Access control and security technology are equally important.

 

Discover more about the front desk station:

 

3 factors to consider before choosing a doorman

Before deciding whether your building needs an apartment doorman, you should first consider whether it is even suitable for one.

Factors to consider include:

1. Building size. A smaller building likely doesn’t need a doorman.
2. Other staff. If you have other staff members in your building, they might make the tasks of a doorman redundant.
3. Location. Doormen are typically found in larger cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. If you live in a smaller city, there might not be enough foot traffic in and out of your building to warrant the costs of a doorman.

Important note: If you’re unsure about hiring a doorman, you may consider hiring an apartment receptionist instead, who may be a better fit for your property.

 

What technology works best with an apartment doorman?

When it comes to doorman alternatives or pairings, the ButterflyMX video intercom and front desk station are your best options. These devices make a doorman’s job easier and provide some cutting-edge features to your property that simplify access control for residents and visitors alike.

The ButterflyMX video intercom is perfect for controlling access to your property. Additionally, the front desk station software is great for handling tasks and responsibilities that a physical front desk station would handle.

The ButterflyMX video intercom features:

• Authorized entry. Residents must be verified and registered with your building in order to enter the property. Thus, your doorman won’t have to look up records or guess the individual’s residency.
• Video calling. Residents can see visitors and delivery drivers when requesting access on the intercom.
• Keyless entry. Once residents download the ButterflyMX mobile app, they can enter the property by swiping on their mobile devices.
• Remote access. Residents can grant access to guests and visitors remotely thanks to ButterflyMX’s cloud-based platform. That way, residents don’t have to be home.
• Date- and time-stamped photos. A photo with the date and time is taken every time someone uses the ButterflyMX intercom to access the property. This data is then stored in the cloud and can be accessed at any time.

The ButterflyMX front desk station software features:

• Live video. Your doorman can view the live video feed from the ButterflyMX video intercom for greater security and safety.
• Communication. The front desk station solution enables your doorman to communicate with residents remotely to verify guests’ identities with a webcam. This way, the doorman can be sure they’re granting access to a guest a resident is expecting.
• Remote management. Access credentials for residents and guests can be managed and assigned remotely.