Doorman Buildings - NYC Apartments for Sale

What is a NYC Doorman Building?

A doorman building is most commonly known as one that has a person stationed at the entrance to perform a variety of services for the residents who live in the building. However, doormen don’t necessarily have to be onsite either, with some buildings having a remote doorman at a monitoring location offsite where they can provide certain services virtually through the use of cameras, intercoms, and other technology.  A doorman is an amenity that you'll typically find in higher end co-ops or condo buildings, but it’s not uncommon to find them in more modest apartment buildings around NYC as well.

What’s the Purpose of a Doorman?

Doormen provide a variety of services to the tenants of a building, the extent of which may differ depending on the cost of a building, the type of doorman, and the times at which the doorman is present. At the most basic level, a doorman helps open the door for residents, whether that be physically opening a door or buzzing you in. But doormen can provide a number of other services that may even surprise you. They can screen guests who arrive, sign for packages, help you hail a taxi, carry your luggage for you, and provide security for a building. Beyond that they might help connect you with a building’s maintenance staff and have a handyman on speed dial so that you’re not stuck trying to track down your illusive landlord when you spring a link in your condo. They can also be a great source of information for questions you may have about the neighborhood like where’s the closest subway station or what’s the best place to eat.

What’s the Difference Between a Doorman, a Concierge, and a Security Guard?

It’s important to note some buildings may seem like they feature a doorman, but in fact they’re providing a concierge or security guard. A concierge likely won’t provide the physical services a doorman would, like helping you with your luggage or helping you find a cab in the rain or even opening the door for you. A concierge’s purpose is more to help answer questions you may have about the building or neighborhood. They may also assist with vetting guests who arrive at the building. Going further, a security guard is simply just that; one who is meant to provide security at a building and maintain the safety of all residents living in the building. A security guard does not have to provide any additional services. With that being said, it’s possible a doorman could provide the services common to all three of these roles, or a building may include all of these positions performed by different staff members.

Are There Still Doormen in New York City?

Those who are new to NYC may be unfamiliar with the concept of a doorman. Afterall, they’re not quite as common in other major US cities. Many people imagine a doorman as some old timey luxury only found in a society from the distant past. However, New Yorkers know that’s simply not the case. Doormen are still plenty present in NYC and can even be found in some of the newest constructed residential buildings in the city. They’re most common in co-ops or condo buildings in the Upper East and West Sides, but you’ll find quite a few in Downtown Brooklyn or along the Grand Concourse in the Bronx as well. With that being said, while they’re more common in NYC than most cities, they’re still not the norm. Keep in mind the city still has a vast amount of townhouses, small apartment complexes, and even single family homes where doormen are very rare.

Should You Buy in a Doorman Building?

Benefits of Having a Doorman in Your Building?

To some people a doorman might seem overkill. Like its some lavish over-the-top amenity meant to serve as a symbol of status rather than truly add value to the lives of a building’s tenants. But the truth is a doorman can be an extremely practical solution to everyday challenges faced by residents, especially in NYC. First and perhaps the most important benefit of a doorman is the added safety they bring to a building. The unfortunate truth is there may be crimes happening right outside of a building and at times that could spill inside. A doorman can help keep unwanted behavior out. They also will screen guests who arrive so a stranger can’t simply wander the building. Other benefits include always having a spare key, so you’ll never get locked out. They also can sign for and protect any deliveries you get, so you’re not stuck running to the post office or at risk of having your packages stolen. Lastly, many cite the warmth and friendliness of a doorman to be a perk itself. It’s actually their job in some cases to get to know you and your family in order to familiarize themselves with who should be allowed in a building. What’s not to like about a friendly smile to greet you or bid adieu when coming in and out of your home?

Possible issues with Having a Doorman?

While it's difficult to imagine how a doorman would bring inconvenience to your life, there may actually be aspects of a doorman’s role that are unappealing to some. One thing is you may sacrifice some sense of privacy by having a doorman at your building. They will always be present to see when you come and go along with keeping track of who comes to visit you. Also, expect to always say hello and wave goodbye to your doorman. For some who hate small talk, this may start to bug you. Finally and probably the most important factor is a doorman is simply an added expense to your overall living costs. Aside from how much you will pay in rent or a mortgage, it’s customary to tip your doorman especially for any physical assistance they provide. Keep these factors in mind when hunting for your next home.

Do Condos in a “Doorman Building” Cost more?

Plain and simple: yes, a building with a doorman is going to cost more than one without. However, you won’t necessarily pay a fee specifically for your doorman’s services. The cost of a doorman is generally bundled into the overall cost you will pay for a building. While you may find buildings with doormen vary greatly in price themselves, depending on things like location, age, and size, the overall average cost of doorman buildings is going to be higher than buildings without a doorman.

Is a Doorman Worth It?

Whether or not living in a building with a doorman is worth it can only come down to the individual and their wants, needs, and preferences when it comes to their lifestyle. If security is your top priority, you may not be able to put a price on a doorman. Or if you constantly host traveling guests who arrive while you’re not home, or you’re an avid online shopper with nonstop packages getting delivered to your address, consider the benefits a doorman would add to your life. But perhaps you trust the built in security of the apartment you’ve found, or you cherish your privacy above all else, maybe a doorman isn’t right for you. For all of these considerations, let Localize sort them for you so you can truly know if a doorman is worth it for you.