But a sprinkler head is way more likely to go unnoticed. I get what you mean about the hardware store lockboxes, though.
I get the appeal of hiding a key in something like a fake sprinkler—definitely less obvious than those “rock” key holders. But I keep circling back to the risk side. If someone figures out your hiding spot, there’s no backup security. With smart locks, even with the tech headaches, you can usually set up a physical backup key or code. Curious—has anyone tried the WiFi-enabled lockboxes that alert you if someone tampers with them? Seems like a middle ground, but I wonder if that just adds another layer of tech that could fail...
I’ve wondered about those WiFi lockboxes too—seems like a neat idea until your internet goes out right when you’re standing in the rain, locked out, and cursing your “smart” house. Has anyone actually had one save their bacon, or is it just another gadget to troubleshoot?
“seems like a neat idea until your internet goes out right when you’re standing in the rain, locked out, and cursing your ‘smart’ house.”
That’s exactly the scenario that kept me from installing one. Living in a 1920s Tudor, I’ve always leaned toward sturdy, old-fashioned solutions—spare key in a weatherproof box tucked behind a stone planter. I get the appeal of smart gadgets, but there’s something comforting about a mechanical backup. Once, during a storm, our power was out for hours and neighbors with smart locks were stranded... Meanwhile, my trusty key did the trick. Sometimes the simplest methods really do stand the test of time.
Honestly, I’m with you on this. I’ve been redoing a 1950s place and the more “smart” stuff I look at, the more I wonder if it’s worth the hassle. My neighbor’s lock glitched during a blackout and he had to sleep in his car... Meanwhile, my old-school deadbolt just works. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but sometimes simple is just better.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve looked at those smart locks, but honestly, the price tag alone makes me pause—plus, I just don’t trust tech not to glitch at the worst moment. My neighbor’s got a fancy keypad and it froze up in the rain once. Meanwhile, my $25 deadbolt has never let me down. Sometimes old-school is just less stress and less money.