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Changing door locks is a task that most homeowners can accomplish on their own. Standard door knobs are quite straightforward, and even more advanced locks, like electronic or smart locks, generally come with instructions. That said, the process can be time-consuming, especially if you plan to replace multiple locks around the house. It’s also a task that you want to complete correctly, considering that it affects the security of your house. That’s why hiring a pro is often best when changing your door locks.

Keyless locks are great for convenience, letting you unlock doors with a code or your phone so you don't need to carry keys around. They also often come with helpful features like temporary codes for guests. On the downside, they can be more costly up front and do require batteries that will eventually need replacing. If you value ease of use and additional security features, keyless locks are worth the investment.

Expect to pay between $50 to $200 if you hire a locksmith to change your locks. That figure includes labor and the cost of basic hardware. The cost will naturally be higher if you plan to install more expensive locks, like smart locks, and if you need a lot of them.

Homeowners can save money by replacing locks themselves. A typical rekeying kit costs about $10 to $25. The only additional cost is purchasing new house keys, and those are no more than a few dollars per key. If you want to replace the locks on your own completely, the main cost is the price of the locks themselves. A standard knob-style lock starts around $25, while electronic locks and smart locks will run in the hundreds of dollars. The only additional tools you should need are a tape measure, screwdriver, and screws if they are not already provided.

Smart deadbolts are a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking more convenience, flexibility, and advanced features than a traditional deadbolt can provide. While a strong conventional deadbolt offers sufficient security for most, smart deadbolts provide significant upgrades.

Key benefits include keyless entry via smartphone, keypads, or biometric sensors, and the ability to lock or unlock your door remotely. You can also manage access for guests by creating temporary codes, eliminating the need for physical keys and the risk of them being lost or duplicated. Many models integrate with smart home systems and offer features like automatic locking, entry-exit monitoring, and tamper alerts with encryption for enhanced security.

However, there are downsides to consider. Smart deadbolts are more expensive than their traditional counterparts and rely on batteries and wireless networks to function. This dependency introduces potential vulnerabilities, such as hacking by skilled intruders and privacy concerns. Installation can also be more complex. Despite these drawbacks, the added layer of convenience and protection makes them a compelling option for many.