As Adelaide homes become smarter and more secure, intercom systems are no longer just for apartments or office buildings—they’ve become an essential part of modern living. Whether you want to greet guests from your smartphone, communicate with family across rooms, or integrate with Alexa or Google Assistant, a professional intercom installation can upgrade your home’s convenience and safety.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about intercoms in Adelaide, from how they work to smart device integration, cost, and local installation.
🏠 What Is an Intercom?
An intercom system is a communication device that allows audio (and sometimes video) conversations between two or more points, typically within a building or across a property. Originally used for commercial premises, modern intercoms now provide video, two-way voice, remote access, and smart home compatibility, making them a popular addition in residential settings.
Common Intercom Types:
- Audio Intercoms – Basic two-way voice systems, ideal for indoor use or basic gate control.
- Video Intercoms – Show live footage of visitors at your front door, increasing security.
- Wireless Intercoms – Connect via Wi-Fi or radio frequencies; easy to install in existing homes.
- Smart Intercoms – Allow remote access, mobile notifications, cloud storage, and voice assistant integration.
🏡 Adelaide Insight: Many new developments in suburbs like Lightsview and Mount Barker are including intercom wiring during construction to futureproof properties for smart living.
⚙️ How Does an Intercom Work?
An intercom system operates by establishing a communication link between indoor and outdoor units. When a visitor presses the door station button, the indoor station rings or displays video. You can then answer, speak, or unlock the gate/door if connected to a locking mechanism.
Key Components:
- Door Station (Outdoor): Includes microphone, speaker, and camera (if video-enabled).
- Indoor Monitor: Lets you hear, see, and talk to visitors.
- Control Unit or Power Supply: Powers the system and may manage integration.
- Smart Hub or App: For systems with mobile or smart home access.
Additional Features:
- Motion detection alerts
- Night vision (infrared-enabled cameras)
- Integration with electric gates and smart locks
- Multi-room broadcasting in larger homes
💡 Adelaide Note: Homes in leafy suburbs like Belair and Aldgate benefit from video intercoms with night vision and motion detection, especially where driveways are long or obscured.
❓ Should I Have an Intercom on My Home?
The short answer: yes, if you value convenience, security, or live in a home with multiple access points or levels.
Benefits of Home Intercom Installation:
- 🔐 Security: Verify and speak to visitors before opening the door.
- 👨👩👧👦 Internal Communication: Useful for large homes with multiple floors or outdoor buildings.
- 📱 Remote Monitoring: View and speak to visitors from anywhere in the world via mobile app.
- 🚪 Access Control: Open gates or doors remotely for guests, deliveries, or tradespeople.
- 👵 Accessibility: Helps elderly residents or people with limited mobility communicate easily.
Many Adelaide families also use intercoms for in-home communication—from calling kids to dinner to checking who’s at the front gate from the bedroom.
💰 How Much Does an Intercom System Cost in Adelaide?
Installation costs depend on whether your home is pre-wired, the type of intercom, and integration features. Below is a detailed price guide:
| System Type | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Audio Intercom (Wired) | $350 – $600 |
| Video Intercom (Wired) | $650 – $1,500 |
| Wireless Intercom | $500 – $1,200 |
| Smart Intercom (App-Enabled) | $1,000 – $2,500+ |
| Multi-Unit or Apartment Systems | $2,500 – $6,000+ |
| Installation (Standard Home) | $250 – $500 (more for custom) |
🧱 Extra Considerations:
- Brick or stone homes (common in older Adelaide suburbs) may require extra drilling and labour.
- Large homes or long driveways may need signal boosters or additional cabling.
📱 Can I Use My Phone as an Intercom?
Yes! With a smart intercom system, you can turn your smartphone into a full-featured controller that:
- Receives video calls from your front door
- Lets you speak to visitors remotely
- Opens gates or doors
- Logs missed calls and motion events
- Streams live camera footage from your intercom
This is ideal for busy professionals or frequent travellers who want to keep an eye on their home—even from interstate or overseas.
💡 Pro Tip: Most app-enabled systems are compatible with both iOS and Android, and offer cloud or SD card storage for visitor history.
🗣️ Can I Use Google Home as an Intercom?
Yes. Google Home devices offer a simple intercom-like experience, especially when used with other Google Nest devices or compatible smart doorbells.
Google Home Intercom Features:
- “Broadcast” voice messages to other Google devices in the home
- Two-way conversations between rooms or floors
- Integration with Nest Hello or compatible video doorbells
- Control via Google Assistant voice commands
Limitations:
- Not a full-featured video intercom unless paired with a smart doorbell
- Requires all users to have Google accounts and compatible devices
🗣️ Can You Use Alexa as an Intercom?
Absolutely. Amazon Alexa devices are well-suited for intercom use within a home, particularly when paired with smart doorbells like Ring or Eufy.
Alexa Intercom Features:
- Drop-In Calls: Speak instantly between Echo devices in different rooms
- Announcements: Broadcast messages across multiple Echo speakers
- Live Doorbell Video: View and communicate with visitors via Echo Show
- Smart Home Integration: Works with locks, lights, and routines
📍 Adelaide Insight: More Adelaide homes are using Echo devices in kitchens and living spaces for hands-free communication and door control.
🔄 Google vs Alexa Intercom Comparison Chart
| Feature | Google Home | Amazon Alexa |
|---|---|---|
| In-home broadcasting | ✅ Broadcast to all Google devices | ✅ Announcements across devices |
| Room-to-room chat | ✅ Two-way conversations | ✅ Drop-in between rooms |
| Doorbell video integration | ✅ With Nest Hello / compatible apps | ✅ With Ring, Eufy, and others |
| Mobile App Access | ✅ Google Home App | ✅ Alexa App |
| Remote unlock door | ✅ With smart lock integration | ✅ With Alexa-compatible locks |
| Best For | Google smart home users | Amazon Echo users & Ring doorbells |
🧰 Why Choose Professional Intercom Installation in Adelaide?
DIY intercoms may sound simple, but for long-term performance and integration with your home’s layout, it pays to work with a professional.
What Our Adelaide Intercom Technicians Provide:
- 🎯 Expert advice on system selection for your home or business
- 🛠️ Neat installation on brick, render, or stone walls
- 🔧 Integration with electric gates, smart locks, or home security systems
- 📱 Setup of smartphone apps and intercom training
- 🧼 Clean finish with hidden cables and tidy installations
We install systems across the entire Adelaide region, including:
- City & Inner Suburbs
- Adelaide Hills
- Southern Suburbs (Seaford, Hackham, Happy Valley)
- Northern Suburbs (Golden Grove, Salisbury)
- Coastal Suburbs (West Beach, Henley, Glenelg)
📝 Final Thoughts
An intercom system is no longer just a luxury—it’s a modern necessity for home safety, family communication, and remote access. Whether you want to greet guests from your phone, control your gate from your office, or simply enjoy hands-free conversations throughout your home, there’s a solution for you.
📞 Contact us today for expert advice, a free quote, and professional intercom installation in Adelaide. Upgrade your security and connect your smart home today.