Is a smart or keypad lock right for you?
Keypad and smart locks let you get in with a code, a phone or a fob instead of a key. They’re popular with families whose kids keep losing keys, short-term rental hosts, landlords who want to change access between tenants without rekeying, and anyone tired of hiding a key under the mat. The trade-off is that they’re electronic, so they depend on batteries and good installation.
Why professional installation helps
The most common problem with a do-it-yourself smart lock isn’t the electronics. It’s the door. A motorized deadbolt has much less force than your wrist, so if the door is out of square, the strike hole is too shallow, or the bolt rubs, the lock will strain, jam, or drain its batteries fast. When we install a smart or keypad lock, we:
- Check that the lock fits your door thickness, backset and existing holes, and drill or modify as needed
- Align the strike so the bolt throws freely without the door being pushed or pulled
- Reinforce the strike with long screws into the framing
- Test the lock repeatedly, both by key and electronically, before we leave
- Show you how to set codes and change the batteries
Keypad lock or Wi-Fi smart lock?
A standalone keypad lock works with codes and a backup key. It doesn’t need an app or internet connection, which makes it simple and reliable. A connected smart lock adds phone control, remote access and activity logs, but depends on your home network and an app. If you already have a lock in mind, tell us the model when you call. If not, we can talk through the options.
Keep a mechanical backup
Most smart locks still have a key cylinder for when the batteries die. We’ll make sure the backup key works, and we can rekey that cylinder to match your other doors so you don’t carry an extra key.
Landlords and rentals
For rental properties, keypad locks can make turnovers easier because you change a code instead of a cylinder. We also handle traditional rekeying and master key systems for properties where keyed hardware makes more sense.