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Is it possible that safety and security may no longer be the most important factors when choosing door locks? Sure, those aspects are the main reason we have locks in the first place, but with modern technology, electronic locking mechanisms can provide so much more while still offering a secure barrier between the indoors and the outside world.
The latest advancements in home automation make it possible to not even be at your door to unlock it! Moreover, long gone are the days of countless copies of your door keys circulating with house-sitters or hired workers.
My husband and I experienced just such a situation last year when we purchased our first home. Because the house had previously been used as a rental, as soon as we closed, we changed the locks to avoid any potential issues with people who had access to the property before we took possession. That was Lock Change #1.Due to massive renovations, we had to place a spare key in the backyard so sub-contractors and their workers could access the house on an as-needed basis. This situation was fine for the few weeks, but as soon as we were able to move in, we had to pay to change the locks in each of our doors again. That was Lock Change #2. Which brings us to the discussion of today: We could have avoided all of those lock changes if we had installed automated door locks the first time. We are not the only types of people who stand to benefit from such a switch. Indeed, if you are a member of the modern world, automated door locks are for you.
If you have kids, being able to give them their own code not only allows them to get into the house when you’re not there, without having to keep track of a key, but it also allows you to monitor their comings and goings. If you have hired help like a cleaning crew or maintenance worker, you can set up a one-time use code that will allow them access to your property only on certain days or during certain times.
And don’t forget those in the real estate business: Having an automated security door lock system makes showing a property or allowing construction workers access to perform updates a cinch. By pre-programming your property permissions, you no longer have to schedule your entire day around getting people in an out of your home. Nor do you have to hide keys around your yard for virtually anyone to stumble upon!
To help you see these possibilities in action, here are two examples of just how much freedom and flexibility you have at your fingertips with automated door locks. With this keyless door lock from Schlage, you receive ANSI Grade 1 certification, which is the highest level of residential security possible. You also receive the utmost in flexibility. For example, through the Nexia Home Intelligence system, you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere via your smartphone and you can also schedule lock codes to be active only on certain days or specific times.
When you are at home, the built-in alarm senses movement of the door and will notify you with an audible alert. And when you are away, the fingerprint-resistant touchscreen ensures intruders cannot determine which numbers you routinely push.
Although the keyless lock system is available for less than $200, you will need to purchase a separate Wink Hub in order to access the wireless features and control your smart lock via the Wink mobile app.
As long as you have your smartphone with you, you can get into your home while it’s protected by this Bluetooth Enabled deadbolt from Kwikset. You simply need to touch the lock to open it and your phone can remain in your pocket or purse – no fumbling for keys required.
You can even send an electronic key to family members, friends, and visitors who have a compatible smartphone with the Kevo Mobile App: The system currently works with iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, or 5S; Android capability is forthcoming.
But for those who prefer an actual key, this deadbolt also works in the traditional sense and features SmartKey re-key technology so that you don’t need to replace the entire system if you simply need a new key.
At just over $200 for this system, we could have re-keyed as many times as we needed during our renovation without starting from scratch each time. In the grand scheme of things, $200 is a reasonable price to pay for a heightened sense of security!
What specific security needs could you address with an automated door lock system?
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