How much does it cost to install a smart lock?

With the increase in smart devices on the market, most people agree that one of the key features in a smart home is the smart lock. Smart locks offer additional security for your home, without the disadvantages of traditional mechanical locks. They come in many types to accommodate your particular needs and home system, and they retrofit most doors. The variety of locks on the market also means there is a wide range of associated costs. Most homeowners pay around $300 for an installed smart lock and related accessories.

Pros and cons

The biggest advantage of installing a smart lock in your home is convenience. Depending on the lock, they have many features that make securing and entering your home simpler, such as:

• Unlocking the doors when away to let someone in.
• Keeping a record of who accessed the door.
• Never needing a key.
• Being able to unlock the door with your hands full.
• Tying the door into other smart systems so that when you open the door, the lights turn on or the heater kicks on.

However, there are some drawbacks to the various locks as well. If the power or wi-fi goes out, the locks may malfunction. Wet or icy weather may make a biometric lock malfunction. Batteries wear out, and when that happens, the lock ceases to function without a key. Some systems need expensive additional components, such as hubs, to work properly. Any wi-fi-enabled system is hackable, and therefore a security threat.

Many people find that the disadvantages are overcomeable or manageable and that the convenience outweighs any potential concerns. Others feel more secure with locks that have backup keys.

Location

Most smart locks are designed to be used on the main entrance to your home, such as the front door, but they have other uses as well. Some are strictly for interior use in place of interior privacy locks or to help make interior rooms more secure. Some can be used on mudroom, garage, and basement doors as well. For most people, the door that is used most frequently benefits the most from the addition of this kind of lock.

Types of smart locks

There are many different types of smart locks on the market. Each type functions differently, and some may require specific connections or accessories to work properly. Each one can give you the convenience and security you want but with varying features.

Installation

Installation of a smart lock is fairly simple and usually takes less than 30 minutes. Some locks work with your existing deadbolt, only swapping out the visible escutcheons on the door and not the internal mechanism. Other locks require a complete swap out. 

In most cases, the strike plate and deadbolt are unscrewed and the outer escutcheons removed. All pieces of the old lock are taken out. The new internal parts of the smart lock are mounted and screwed into place. Then, the new escutcheons are screwed over them. Set up of apps, Bluetooth, wi-fi, hub, or keypad pins takes only a few minutes more. Some homeowners may feel comfortable taking on this installation themselves, especially for locks which are designed for easy installation.

Labor

Smart locks are very easy to install, and many are designed for homeowner installation, meaning that you do not need a professional. However, if you feel more comfortable having someone else do the job, a handyman is capable of installing most smart locks. You would finish the setup to personalize the lock and connect it to the system yourself. 

In rare cases, you may want to have a locksmith come out to set it up, but this is often unnecessary and can lead to higher installation fees. The average cost to install a smart lock is around $50. Added to the price of the lock and hub, this makes the total project cost around $300.

Brands

The brand you choose also impacts the functionality. Not every brand works with all systems, so if you want wi-fi, Z-Wave, or another connectivity-style system, you may be limited in what brands to choose from. Likewise, not all brands are compatible with all systems, with some working with Apple Home, but not Alexa, and others preferring Google. A few brands work with all. 

Some brands of note include:

Enhancement and improvement costs

Smartphone compatibility

Some wi-fi and Bluetooth smart locks offer an app as part of the system, which allows you to control the lock from your phone. This may unlock the door when your phone is near or give you remote access. For locks with this system, there is no additional cost.

Remote control

Some lock systems use a fob or remote control that lets you lock the door from a distance. This is often an added accessory and can increase the cost by $25 to $50.

One-touch lock

One-touch or touch technology locks use a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system, but instead of needing a fob or card in your hand, you can simply have it nearby and touch the lock to open the door. One-touch locks typically cost the same as any RFID lock system, $200 to $300.

Additional considerations and costs

• If you live in a rental, always get permission to install a smart lock before proceeding. Make arrangements for moving out if you want to take the lock with you.
• Always have a backup plan for getting into the home in case of a malfunction, power outage, or wi-fi outage. This may mean using an alternate door or having a backup key with you at all times.
• If you are installing a smart deadbolt, you may need to realign the door first if you live in an older home. Older homes frequently require you to push on the door as you lock it. This will not work with a smart deadbolt.
• Always make sure the new lock fits with your door, including decorative trim or other potential obstructions.
• Smart locks run on batteries, which operate the wi-fi capability, LED lights, and the mechanism that operates the door. Batteries wear out over time and need to be replaced.