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School me on Smart Door Locks

Akira-R

Akira-R

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 4, 2002
Location
Bay Area
Moto(s)
07 rsvr, 04 nsr50
Probing the BARF hive here.
I need to replace my front door, and need something that has an app that I can check the status of a door being open/locked etc.
This isn't just for when I leave, but also sometimes when we're home and the door wasn't locked.

Similar to our Mercedes app, that will pop up a notification that the car doors are unlocked.

I am not looking for something that auto-locks when the door is shut after some time, as i don't always go outside with my phone or keys to unlock it if that happens. Like unloading something to the garage, pulling weeds, sweeping and laundry etc.

Also if anyone has recommendations on Front Entry Door installers in the south bay as well. Nothing fancy, just probably another metal door with a peep hole, no windows. They would probably have to reframe, and make sure that it seals properly without any air leaks. My Current door wasn't, and i had to install weatherstripping.

I live in an HOA, so will probably have to be licensed and insured.

Thanks in advance!
 
If you live in an HOA...

Color and construction of the door will probably be dictated in CC&Rs. If buildings are interconnected, door will have to be fire/security rated. Yes, licensed/insured contractors. (Don't ask me why I know.)

Would suggest a smart lock with a panel of #s. Gain entry without key or phone ap, just the code. I hate keys so I installed a dead bolt with a membrane keypad. It does have ability to open with a key. Batteries last over a year. Smart locks in their infancy in 2016 but considering your path for an auto-lock now that we've dabbled in Alexa a bit.

I'll be reading the progress here.
 
about a month a ago I had to go to a Friends house with their spare key to let her husband back into the house because the smartlocks batteries had died and he didn't have his key.
 
tuxumino said:
about a month a ago I had to go to a Friends house with their spare key to let her husband back into the house because the smartlocks batteries had died and he didn't have his key.
Click to expand...
Sounds similar to Tesla door locks, but they keep you inside as opposed to outside.
 
tuxumino said:
about a month a ago I had to go to a Friends house with their spare key to let her husband back into the house because the smartlocks batteries had died and he didn't have his key.
Click to expand...
I'm not too concerned about the batteries if there is a key option. Unless i start doing the auto lock while doing some tasks outside. I would always take a key and lock it when i leave the house. It's more when i'm inside at night, and forgot to lock it, the app can ping me after say, 5 minutes to let me know it's unlocked.
 
I will be watgiching this as my second condo that our son resides in needs a new front door as well. It was smashed open 7 or 8 years ago by SJFD when my late mother in law fell and fractured her femur. HOAs do require licensed and insured contractors. When I do have it replaced, I will also have the security screen door replaced.
 
Not endorsing this brand of lock, just the functionality of form. Wi Fi smart lock, keypad or key. Covers all the bases.
71LBweW6zOL._AC_SX425_.jpg
 
I've decided to get the Lockly Visage Zeno.
lockly.com

Lockly Visage Zeno Series Facial Recognition Deadbolt

Lockly Visage is an award-winning Wi-Fi smart lock with facial recognition and radar unlocking, AI fingerprint sensor, Apple Home Keys, and voice control via Siri, Google, or Alexa. No subscription needed.
lockly.com lockly.com

It's more than I want to spend, but the facial recognition is nice. My family (not me) has apple phones to take advantage. It has a key for manual.
It also comes with TWO rechargeable battery packs. Rechargeable via USB-C. So no fussing with buying batteries. Although from reviews, if you do go the AA route, it's suggested to get Lithium ION non rechargeable for the longest life. Which will be about 4-6 months.

Now i just need to find that door installer. My current door is a mess, and this lock won't even work because i have to hold the door in against the weatherstripping to close the dead bolt.

updates when i find somone.
 
A neighbour recently had her front door replaced (condo) and a security door installed. He did a decent job; should I PM you his details?
 
900ss said:
A neighbour recently had her front door replaced (condo) and a security door installed. He did a decent job; should I PM you his details?
Click to expand...
I would very much appreciate that thank you!
Do you have any pics of the work? Or have you seen it in person?
 
Akira-R said:
I would very much appreciate that thank you!
Do you have any pics of the work? Or have you seen it in person?
Click to expand...
She lives below me, so I have seen his work. I will ask her permission to take pics so she doesn't think I'm peeping (not that I would want to), and ask her if he is licensed.
 
Akira-R, Heckuva pick. All the bells and whistles. I'm thinking that or something similar will be my next choice.
Unless we go full-blown with Alexa inside the house. Wife is becoming proficient as she spends time in our daughter's house watching The Twitches.
G'luck with install.
 
The facial recognition fared great in peoples reviews. (Not AI reviews)
And the sensor for open/closed door is supposedly in the mounting plate, so it's hidden. And not this ugly tab on the door and frame.
Phillips has one that does infrared scanning of your hand. I wanted to open my door like a Jedi, but the rest of it didn't compare to the Lockly.

Some other ones looked cool, until you saw the profile view and it was sticking 3-4 inches from the door.
There are some that integrate with the existing deadbolt, but they weren't as feature packed. The app is supposed to be really good with Lockly.

Once installed, i'll post up some videos and review it for everyone here. It may be a minute, as my HOA still hasn't returned my multiple calls. I can't install it on my current door, as i have to push the door or the deadbolt won't slide in.
 
I have the Schlage Encode smart lock for my front door. I researched online before I bought and the Kwikset equivalent was basically the same. Went Schlage because I didn't want to replace the rest of the exterior Schlage keyed locks, and this uses the standard SC1 key type.

I like it a lot.

Scheduling, lock/unlock reporting & logging, manual key override, etc. Remote lock and unlock via the app. Batteries last a few months and swapping them out takes only seconds.

I have a separate code for the cleaners, neighbors, etc.

The Encode plus has more smart home integration stuff, but I don't use that.
 
Lights_Guy3 said:
I have the Schlage Encode smart lock for my front door. I researched online before I bought and the Kwikset equivalent was basically the same. Went Schlage because I didn't want to replace the rest of the exterior Schlage keyed locks, and this uses the standard SC1 key type.

I like it a lot.

Scheduling, lock/unlock reporting & logging, manual key override, etc. Remote lock and unlock via the app. Batteries last a few months and swapping them out takes only seconds.

I have a separate code for the cleaners, neighbors, etc.

The Encode plus has more smart home integration stuff, but I don't use that.
Click to expand...
That was one of the 3 that i was deciding upon after narrowing things down. I'm glad you like it!
 
Akira-R said:
Probing the BARF hive here.
I need to replace my front door, and need something that has an app that I can check the status of a door being open/locked etc.
This isn't just for when I leave, but also sometimes when we're home and the door wasn't locked.

Similar to our Mercedes app, that will pop up a notification that the car doors are unlocked.

I am not looking for something that auto-locks when the door is shut after some time, as i don't always go outside with my phone or keys to unlock it if that happens. Like unloading something to the garage, pulling weeds, sweeping and laundry etc.

Also if anyone has recommendations on Front Entry Door installers in the south bay as well. Nothing fancy, just probably another metal door with a peep hole, no windows. They would probably have to reframe, and make sure that it seals properly without any air leaks. My Current door wasn't, and i had to install weatherstripping.

I live in an HOA, so will probably have to be licensed and insured.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Well, if you do not want remote unlocking, I recommend you use an internal camera. to monitor door activity. Putting in a smartdoor lock means physical access to the inside of your house can now be hacked.
 
Honestly it would be faster and easier for someone to watch a lockpick lawyer video and open my locks, than the effort to hack electronically.
 
I've used Shlage's electronic locks all over commercial properties and houses. The basic flex lock has always been the best:

www.homedepot.com

Schlage Camelot Satin Nickel Electronic Keypad Door Lock with Accent Handle and Flex Lock 892174 - The Home Depot

Bestow a touch of class to your home decor by installing this Schlage Camelot by Accent Satin Nickel Keypad Lever. Features solid brass construction.
www.homedepot.com

Battle hardened for sure, But the features are kinda old school. The newest version wifi unit is enticing


Come to think of it, thanks for the thread. I'm gonna try one of the Encodes and see how they work. Let us know how your Lockly unit work, please.
 
It should arrive today. I just got a call back from HOA, but they are owing me the rules/restrictions on door type/colors.
Then it should be pretty quick to get a contractor out to quote. Hopefully the HOA approves is quickly and work can be done soon after.
 
Akira-R said:
Honestly it would be faster and easier for someone to watch a lockpick lawyer video and open my locks, than the effort to hack electronically.
Click to expand...
To pick a lock, dude is super obvi. To hack it they either just stand NEAR the door with a device turned on or even do it remotely, depending on what type of system you have.
 
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