I feel this one big-time. Installed a smart lock last year thinking it'd simplify things, but ended up locked out in the rain because the app decided to update at the worst possible moment. Had to awkwardly climb through a window—thankfully, no neighbors called the cops on me, haha.
But yeah, hiding keys creatively is definitely underrated. I've seen clients use those fake electrical outlet covers during remodels, and honestly, they're pretty convincing. Another cool trick is a magnetic key holder tucked behind a metal gutter or downspout—no one ever thinks to look there. Tech is great, but having a low-tech backup plan never hurts. Learned that lesson the hard way...
"Tech is great, but having a low-tech backup plan never hurts."
Couldn't agree more about backups, but honestly, I've found smart locks pretty reliable if you choose the right type. Instead of app-dependent locks, I went with one that also has a keypad as a secondary access method. No app updates or battery issues have ever left me stranded, and it's saved me from climbing through windows or searching gutters in the dark... Maybe worth considering next time around?
I had a similar experience when renovating my first place. Thought I'd be clever and installed a fancy app-only lock—until I got home late one night with a dead phone battery. Ended up waiting an hour at the neighbor's place charging my phone just to get inside! Learned the hard way that backup options (like keypads or even just hiding a spare key somewhere) can save a lot of hassle... Glad your keypad lock's working smoothly, though—I might give it another shot next reno.
Had a client last year who insisted on a fully app-controlled lock system for their front door. I advised them to at least consider a keypad backup, but they were pretty set on the sleek, minimalist look. Sure enough, about two months later, I got a call at 11 pm—they'd just returned from vacation, phones dead from traveling all day, and couldn't get inside. Ended up driving over with a portable charger just to help them out. After that, they asked me to install a keypad backup the very next week.
Smart locks are great, but redundancy is key (no pun intended). Tech can fail or batteries can die at the worst possible moment. A simple keypad or even a discreetly hidden physical key can save you from a lot of frustration. Glad to hear your keypad lock is working well—it's definitely worth giving another shot, especially now that you've experienced firsthand what can go wrong without a backup.
Totally agree—smart locks are convenient until they're suddenly not. Learned that the hard way myself. Now I always recommend a hidden physical key backup or at least a keypad. Tech's great, but nothing beats having a simple plan B ready to go...
