Smart locks are convenient, sure, but firmware updates aren't foolproof either. Had one brick itself mid-update once—talk about timing. Ended up prying open a basement window (not my proudest moment). Now I stick to a simple keypad lock with a physical key backup. Tech's great until it isn't...sometimes simpler really is better.
Had a similar issue once, lock froze after a power outage...ended up drilling it out. Learned my lesson—always have a manual backup. Tech can fail, keys usually don't.
"Tech can fail, keys usually don't."
Couldn't agree more. I've seen plenty of smart locks installed during remodels, and while they're convenient and sleek, reliability is always a concern—especially after power outages or software glitches. I usually recommend clients keep a traditional key backup or at least a hidden manual override. Learned this myself the hard way when my own smart lock decided to randomly reboot at 2 AM... standing outside in pajamas wasn't exactly fun.
Couldn't agree more. I've seen plenty of smart locks installed during remodels, and while they're convenient and sleek, reliability is always a concern—especially after power outages or softwar...
Same here, honestly. I almost went fully smart lock until I realized the battery life claims were... optimistic at best. Now I just keep a spare key hidden outside—old-school, but it works.
I was pretty tempted by smart locks too when we started renovating our place. I mean, the idea of unlocking your door with your phone or even just your voice sounds super futuristic and convenient. But then I remembered how often my phone battery dies at the worst possible moment... and suddenly it didn't seem so foolproof anymore.
We ended up going with a hybrid solution—one of those keypad locks that also has a physical key backup. Honestly, it's been great so far. The keypad is handy for quick entry, especially when your hands are full of groceries or tools, and the physical key is there as a safety net if the battery ever decides to quit unexpectedly (which it hasn't yet, knock on wood).
Funny story though: my neighbor went full smart lock last year and was super proud of it until one day he got locked out because of some random software update glitch. He ended up climbing through his own kitchen window in broad daylight—pretty sure the whole street saw him. 😂
I guess my takeaway is that tech is awesome, but having a low-tech backup never hurts. Plus, hiding a spare key somewhere clever outside is always a good idea anyway—just make sure it's not under the welcome mat or flowerpot... burglars watch movies too, you know?
