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.

Aside from the labor costs, several other factors can impact the cost of hiring a locksmith. If you can avoid services during off-hours, you can save on fees often charged for urgent requests. Consider additional factors such as:

• Type of services required

• Emergency call fees

• Home and lock location

• Number of locks to repair or install

• Peak hours

• Type of locks

A keypad deadbolt, a lock requiring a code entered on a keypad entry, can be a convenient option for families with children coming in and out and needing access to the home. It can also offer an easy solution if you rent your home out, since you can easily change the code as needed. So, depending on your home entry’s needs, a keypad deadbolt may be worth the extra expense.

If you don’t have your original key, the easiest way to obtain a copy is to call a locksmith. For house keys, your locksmith has several options for configuring a new key: 

• They can input a lock’s identification code into a database to obtain key-cutting instructions.

• They could analyze the lock cylinder to determine how to cut a new key.

• They can create an impression of the lock cylinder from which to cut a new key.