Keypad, Wi-Fi, and app-controlled deadbolts installed by licensed locksmiths — not handymen. We handle the hardware, the app, the guest codes, and the walkthrough. Same-day slots available across Houston.
Every smart lock falls into one of two categories, and the right choice depends on your existing door. Here's the honest difference — and which one fits your home.
A retrofit smart lock replaces only the interior thumb-turn assembly and keeps your existing exterior keyed cylinder. The best-known example is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. The exterior of your door looks unchanged — you still use your original key as a backup.
A full replacement smart lock installs a complete new deadbolt — exterior keypad, interior assembly, bolt, and strike plate. This is what most people picture when they hear "smart lock." Schlage Encode, Yale Assure, and Kwikset Halo are all full replacements.
We install every major smart lock brand, but each one is best at something different. Here's the honest breakdown of what we recommend and why.
The most secure residential smart lock we install. ANSI Grade-1, built-in alarm, and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi with no hub needed. Best for homeowners who want the strongest lock, not the cheapest.
The best all-around smart lock for most homes. Keyless entry, excellent app, and optional Wi-Fi or Z-Wave modules. Popular with Apple Home users thanks to Home Key support.
The best bang for the buck. Built-in Wi-Fi, SmartKey re-keying, and a fingerprint reader on the Touch model. A solid choice if you want smart features without paying Schlage prices.
The original retrofit smart lock. Fits over your existing deadbolt and keeps your current key. Auto-unlock via geofencing is genuinely useful. Best when you can't change the exterior hardware.
Smart locks don't fit every door. Before we dispatch, we ask three questions that determine compatibility in under two minutes. Here's what those answers mean.
The most common residential deadbolt in Houston. A thumb-turn on the inside, a keyhole on the outside, and a standard 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backset. Every smart lock we stock fits this setup.
A deadbolt above and a knob or lever below. The smart lock replaces only the deadbolt; the handle stays as-is. Very common on newer Houston construction and most suburban homes.
A single integrated lock-and-handle unit common in older homes and some condos. Most consumer smart locks don't fit mortise locks directly — but we can install specific models or retrofit with an adapter. Send us a photo and we'll confirm.
A surface-mounted lock with a vertical bolt. Rare in Houston but still found on some older bungalows. No consumer smart lock fits a jimmy-proof deadbolt without a full door modification.
Common in high-end European doors and some modern construction. Multi-point systems lock at three or more points along the frame. Some smart locks work with the primary point; most don't. Requires an on-site assessment.
Heavy-duty deadbolts like the Schlage B560 or Medeco commercial line. Not compatible with consumer smart locks as-is, but we can install a commercial smart lock or replace with residential hardware in some cases.
A smart lock is not a plug-and-play device. Here's the five-step process we run on every job — including the parts most handymen skip.
We measure the backset, check the door thickness, verify the bore hole diameter, and confirm the deadbolt cross-bore alignment. If anything is off, we adjust on the spot — no return trip required.
The old deadbolt, strike plate, and interior thumb-turn come off. We inspect the door edge for cracks, stripped screw holes, or rot that could affect the new lock's security. If we find a problem, we fix it before continuing.
The new bolt goes into the door edge, the exterior keypad or housing mounts on the outside, and the interior assembly goes on the inside. We align everything so the bolt slides cleanly into the strike plate with no binding.
We download the manufacturer app, create your account, pair the lock, connect it to your Wi-Fi (or set up the module), and walk you through the interface. Guest codes, schedules, auto-lock timing — all configured before we leave.
We test the lock ten times — keypad, app, physical key, auto-lock. We walk you through adding and removing codes. You get a digital receipt with a 90-day labor warranty plus the full manufacturer warranty on the hardware.
Modern smart locks do more than unlock with an app. Here are the four features our customers use most — and that we set up on every install.
Create unique 4–8 digit codes for the cleaner, dog walker, family, or short-term renters. Set each code to activate and expire on specific dates. Schlage Encode supports up to 100 codes.
Wi-Fi models let you lock or unlock from anywhere. Forgot to lock the door after leaving? Check the app and secure it from the office. You get real-time status updates on every lock event.
Set the lock to automatically engage after a fixed delay — 30 seconds, 1 minute, or 5 minutes. No more late-night "did I lock the door?" moments. Every lock we install has this configured by default.
See who unlocked the door, when, and with which method — keypad code, app, or physical key. Useful for rentals, shared households, and anyone who wants a record of entry.
Every price below includes the hardware, professional installation, app setup, guest code configuration, and a 90-day labor warranty. Firm quote confirmed by SMS before dispatch.
| Service | Typical Range | On-Site Time |
|---|---|---|
| Keypad deadbolt install — Schlage, Kwikset, Yale keypad models | $180 – $280 | 45 – 75 min |
| Wi-Fi smart lock install — app connection & account setup | $220 – $380 | 60 – 90 min |
| Bluetooth smart lock install — proximity-based unlock | $200 – $340 | 50 – 80 min |
| Retrofit smart lock install — August or similar | $180 – $280 | 30 – 50 min |
| Smart lock + video doorbell combo install | $320 – $560 | 90 – 120 min |
| Guest code setup & training — up to 6 codes | $40 – $75 | 20 – 30 min |
| Smart lock repair or re-pairing — firmware, battery, connectivity | $95 – $180 | 30 – 60 min |
| Battery & firmware service visit — recurring maintenance | $65 – $120 | 20 – 40 min |
| Multi-door smart lock project — 3+ doors, quote after survey | $480 – $1,800 | Per scope |
Ranges reflect quotes issued between January 2026 and September 2026 to Houston customers. Hardware prices vary by brand, finish, and whether the model includes Wi-Fi built-in or requires a separate module. We stock Schlage Encode, Yale Assure 2, and Kwikset Halo on every van.
Reviews specifically about smart lock installation work. Every one is tied to a completed work order.
"Wanted a Schlage Encode on the front door so the dog walker could get in without a key. Quick Key came out, installed it in about 45 minutes, set up the app, programmed three guest codes, and walked me through everything. Clean, careful, and exactly the price they quoted."
"I rent an apartment and wanted a smart lock without changing the exterior hardware. They installed an August retrofit and kept my existing key. Now I get auto-unlock when I walk up, and my landlord never noticed a difference. Perfect for renters."
"We manage three Airbnb units and needed smart locks on all of them. Quick Key installed Yale Assure locks on all three doors in one afternoon, set up the app with separate guest codes for each unit, and showed us how to schedule codes around bookings. A huge time saver."
The questions we hear most from Houston homeowners and renters. Still unsure? Call +1 (346) 366-7559 and we'll walk you through it.
View full FAQ →Call and tell us what door you have. We'll confirm compatibility, recommend the right lock, and give you a firm installed price by text before we dispatch. Same-day slots available.
Account, Wi-Fi pairing, guest codes, and walkthrough.
Schlage, Yale, Kwikset, August — installed same visit.
If our install fails, we return on our dime.