"tech is great until it isn't. Sometimes simpler really is better, especially when reliability matters most."
Couldn't agree more. I've flipped a few houses and learned quickly that the latest tech isn't always the best choice—especially for older homes. Smart locks can be convenient, sure, but they're also another potential point of failure. A solid keypad lock or even a traditional deadbolt rarely lets you down. Reliability beats flashy features every time, especially when you're standing outside in the rain...
I get your point about reliability, but honestly, I've had more trouble with keypad locks than smart ones. Had a keypad lock on my garage door that would randomly stop recognizing the code—usually at the worst possible time. Ended up replacing it with a smart lock and haven't had an issue since.
Maybe it's just luck or brand differences? I mean, sure, tech can fail, but mechanical stuff isn't foolproof either. I've had traditional deadbolts jam up or keys snap off inside the lock (talk about standing in the rain...). At least with smart locks, you usually have multiple ways to unlock—phone app, keypad backup, even voice commands if you're into that.
Not saying smart locks are perfect—they definitely have their quirks—but I wouldn't dismiss them outright. Maybe it's more about finding the right balance between convenience and reliability rather than choosing one over the other?
Totally get your point about mechanical locks—had a deadbolt jam on me during a storm once, and let's just say my neighbors got a free show of me climbing through a window. I've been hesitant about smart locks though, mostly worried about battery life or app glitches. But hearing your experience makes me think it's worth a shot. Maybe I'll start with a side door first... baby steps, right?
"Maybe I'll start with a side door first... baby steps, right?"
Starting small is definitely a prudent approach. When I switched to smart locks, I had similar concerns about reliability and battery life, but honestly, regular battery checks (every few months or so) have kept issues at bay. Plus, most apps alert you well before the battery dies completely. I think you'll find the convenience outweighs the initial hesitation—especially after your window-climbing adventure. Good luck with the side door trial run!
Starting with the side door seems smart enough, especially after your "window-climbing adventure"—been there, done that, not fun. 😅
"regular battery checks (every few months or so) have kept issues at bay."
That's true, but honestly, I still keep a spare physical key hidden somewhere outside. Call me paranoid, but tech can glitch at the weirdest times. Last winter, my smart lock randomly disconnected from Wi-Fi during a snowstorm. Thankfully, I had that old-school backup key stashed under a planter.
Speaking of backups, has anyone tried those keypad locks without Wi-Fi? Curious if they're more reliable in tricky weather or power outages...
